Reflecting on 2020
by Tim Sells
2020 forced us to do ministry in different ways, perhaps ways which we would have never attempted otherwise. If not for 2020 I would not have developed a love for and deep appreciation for one of our homeless friends, Terry. With the usual hustle and bustle the development of true friendships with those we serve can be difficult, but 2020 was different. With the onset of the lockdown our ministry to the homeless was halted for months and most of them did not come around much. However, Terry was never far from Impact. Terry considers Impact his home and is very protective of the Impact staff and campus. I was surprised to find that he is very good with car detailing, so after seeing his work I asked him to wash my car. I was very delighted with the pride with which Terry went about his work. Since that first wash, I have a greater level of respect for him as a man and he has unknowingly challenged me to be a better minister to the homeless and go about my work with pride, dignity and humility.
A major adjustment was also called for in our Life House recovery program. Refugio Martinez graduated from our recovery program at the height of the shut down. As a result he was unable to leave the campus to search for work. This proved to be a trying time for him because he has a strong desire to work so that he can have independence and the ability to give back to Impact and his family. However, Refugio remained patient and continued to work on the Impact campus with the Resource Center’s weekly distribution of food, and in doing so provided a good example of loyalty, hard work, diligence, faith, and patience for our men in the program to follow. Refugio now works at Montalbano Lumber Company and is on his way to independence and lifelong sobriety, and Terry has become a true friend.
It is my hope and prayer that everyone who reads this will take the time to reflect, refocus, and reprioritize their values and goals, and focus on the most important things. Make and keep the main things, the main things. Faith, family, and fellow-man, these are the hallmarks of what it means to truly be disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
