Do They See Me?
By Tim Sells
Our ministry to the homeless is based in part on the fundamental God-given principle of human dignity. Dignity is one of God’s gifts to humanity and is fundamental to what it means to be human – every human life has worth. With this principle firmly grasped, our ministry to the homeless continues to provide physical, spiritual, and emotional nourishment to the men and women God places in our path.
There are many reasons why the homeless find themselves in various situations of homelessness; many have suffered loss of jobs and homes, thus being thrusted into living in shelters, hotels, or the streets. Others face homelessness due to estrangement from family. Some are homeless due to addiction to drugs and alcohol, while a few have become addicted to live on the streets.
While the reasons are many for homelessness, one question resonates among the homeless: “Do They See Me?” This question is about personhood – do they see me as a whole person? Am I accepted as truly human? This question burns in the heart and mind of every homeless person with whom I interact because of homelessness being viewed as undignified by society and even by those who are homeless themselves. Here at Impact our message to our homeless is “We See You,” we value your personhood and uphold your God-given dignity.
I have been blessed to have a front row seat in the homeless ministry and have been taught valuable life lessons over the past 4 years. I have been humbled on many occasions by the wisdom and godly insights by many; I have been challenged to look at each individual rather than view the whole by a set of preconceived ideas. In 2018 I decided to challenge the group to several months of in-depth study on the nature of God, nature of man, sin and consequences, and free will. The depth of knowledge and insight from the group was amazing; and we now have a new-found respect and love for each other. Now they know that I see them, and we affirm together that God Sees them as well.
Come receive a blessing from our homeless Monday through Thursday, you will not regret it.
