July 2011 Newsletter

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Rescue The Perishing

Malnourished, dehydrated, trench foot, lice, diminished cognitive ability, alcoholic, hungry for social interaction, all described Steve. He had been living in the squalid condition of a city park restroom. When the restroom doors were locked to keep transients out, he moved to sleep on a park picnic table under a pavilion. It was the middle of winter. He was cold, wet and his joints so stiff, he could no longer walk or even stand up on his own. The pastor of a local church had compassion for him and called the Mission. We advised that he call the Douglas County Sheriff’s office for transportation from that town into Mercy Medical Center in Roseburg. Steve was briefly treated, then given a taxi ride to the Mission. He was bedridden for days and used a walker very clumsily. His self neglect matted his hair to the point of having to be shaved off, and his clothing so filthy it was thrown away. He had no ID, no money, no connection to any social services. He had no idea what month or year it was, or even where he was at. Steve would get lost in the parking lot, unaware of how to get back into the Mission. He obviously needed foster care, but it would be weeks before all the paperwork could be done. It takes weeks just to get a birth certificate, then longer to get into the social service system. So, we cleaned him up, bandaged him, gave him food, clothing and shelter. We kept an eye on him, so he would not get lost. We loved him and told him that God loves him too.

Steve was hungry all the time, but for more than just food. He was hungry for social interaction, recognition, acceptance. He delighted to just have a staff person say, “hi”, or to stop and take an interest in him. He had been alienated from family and resigned to just day labor. Sometimes the stress of life can cause us to retreat into our own little worlds, sometimes emotionally, or even geographically, literally living as a hermit. Someone comes along and offers help; its taken. They offer a hope that fills the God shaped void that only the Lord can fill. It is hope in a personal, eternal relationship with your Savior unencumbered by any human relationship or earthly conditions. Steve’s response is, tell me more of that Message of hope!

Today, he has improved so much. He takes care of all of his own personal needs. His memory is better and he does not get disoriented any more. He is much healthier, does not use a walker anymore, indeed walks for miles all over town. He is independent enough to no longer qualify for foster care. He has his birth certificate, picture ID and social service connection. Steve has been rescued!