Hello to all, and happy New Year to you! We hope each one of you had a great Christmas celebration that included a time of being still and reflecting on Emanuel, God, with us.
Christmas Day was different than in past years for Naomi and me. We cooked brunch for friends from Madagascar, El Salvador, and Argentina. We enjoyed learning about their cultures and how they celebrated Christmas growing up. Later in the afternoon, Naomi and I reached out to our friends experiencing homelessness and living on the sidewalks. We had purchased several items for their Christmas gifts, including gloves, body warmers, neck warmers, socks, body wipes, lip balm, flashlights, Christmas chocolates and candy canes, and gift cards for Paris Baguette. (This gift card is not only for coffee and food but to access a clean bathroom.) Naomi bought festive bags for the items, and we reached out to approximately 40 people.
God has given us the opportunity to build many relationships, so we know most of the 40 people we gave gift bags to by name. We value our relationship with them and protect that by choosing not to take photos of them. But, through some words, I will give you a picture of what we experience.
One relationship we have been building is with a man that we have been reaching out to for a few years. During this time, God softened his heart. Early attempts to connect with him would result in me being on the receiving end of angry words and him spitting at me. Now when we help him with the most basic of needs, he says, “I love you.” When Naomi is not with me he wants to know “how is your wife?” As we visit him on Christmas day he is on the sidewalk with a piece of cardboard under him. Both of his legs are amputated at the knees and both hands amputated at his palms. Taking care of yourself on the streets is a challenge, but without legs or hands, it is almost impossible.
Today, we find him in a mess beyond his abilities. Without going into any details, we had wet wipes and a pair of clean underwear for him. I take him Ensure frequently to help keep him nourished, and today, after we give him his Christmas candy, I open a bottle of Ensure, and he drinks it quickly. He also takes a bite of Hershey’s chocolate and asks for a cup of coffee. We went to 7-Eleven and brought back his coffee with his name on the cup. He doesn’t ask for $5 for drugs or a night in the Marriott. With us meeting a few of his basic needs, he smiles and says, “I love you,” and we are on our way.
For some time, we have known that the homeless community talks about Naomi and me amongst themselves. This was confirmed in a powerful way on Christmas day as we visited our friends there was a man who was not a regular. We gave him a gift bag along with a gift card. He asked for a hot chocolate, so we got him a cup and gave it to him with his name on it. (We have learned that to someone forgotten and essentially invisible, their name written on their cup with a Sharpie is significant.) He then began to tell us that he had heard about us and what we do for the homeless community, but he didn’t believe that it could be true. As he continues to talk, tears begin to run down his face as he acknowledges that he now knows that we are for real and he expresses his gratitude for all our compassion. I hugged him,“Yes, we are real.” Naomi and I walked away; we were both overwhelmed and encouraged by this humbling encounter.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of what God has allowed us to be part of here on the streets of America’s largest city. What we do is not summed up by “handouts” or a cup of hot coffee, etc. It is connecting with people created in the image of God. It’s about reminding them that they are human, loved by God, that they have value, and they are not forgotten. This gives them hope to go on.
In early January, we have a short-term outreach team scheduled from The King’s University in Dallas, Texas. This school has sent several teams to NYSUM over the past several years. Our time with previous teams from there has influenced some of the students to be involved in homeless outreach back in Dallas. My time with them will include teaching and leading them on various ministry outreaches.
Naomi’s role here at NYSUM is changing. She has filled in as the Scheduler/Outreach Coordinator for the last couple of years as NYSUM has been recovering from COVID-19. She will now be working as the Ministry Assistant. We are so thankful for the relationship we have with NYSUM.
On January 17th, Naomi and I will be on our way back to Africa. While there, we will continue to help the students in tailoring and carpentry. We will also visit previous and ongoing projects including a borehole, church and pastor’s house construction, and more. Lord willing, we will be returning to New York on March 4th.
As we begin this new year, we ask you to pray for us…..specifically:
- for hearts full of love.
- for health and strength, as we both are in need of healing.
- for God’s continual guidance as we trust him with so many needs and opportunities.
- for God’s provision, as our impact has increased and so has inflation.
Looking forward to seeing what God has for us in 2024!
Blessings,
Paul and Naomi
Read more newsletters about our work caring for the homeless in NYC here.
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