12/08/2023
The Old Strathcona Street Mission’s reputation, amongst our homeless neighbours and the community of Old Strathcona at large, continues to spread. We are known as a group of people who are committed to fostering meaningful relationships with those experiencing homelessness. As honest, mutually vulnerable friendships deepen, many are moved to change their circumstance and transition from hopelessness to HOPE.
Many in our community who are homeless and marginalized are tremendously burdened by unforgiveness, shame, and guilt. In an attempt to ease their pain, many become addicted to a lifestyle of drugs, alcohol and toxic relationships. Many women living on the street have at one time been pressured into prostitution.
We work to ensure that everybody understands that our Father desires to be in a personal relationship with ALL His children. Everyone can experience the forgiveness and healing that comes through accepting Christ’s gift of forgiveness and call to a new life.
Volunteers continue to participate in His mission. They express to us the blessings they experience when they obediently and courageously step out of their comfort zone and join us on the street. Using their past (and present) experiences God draws them into conversations and situations where often they’re surprised at how empathetically they’re able to relate with those whom God is calling us to serve.
We journey alongside our neighbours who are experiencing homelessness in mutually, vulnerable relationships. Not as “the sober, white guys with all the answers,” but as people who know and experience the HOPE of Christ - and that is the spirit of the Street Mission.
Our participation in the street mission contributes to our own spiritual formation. Throughout the day we take moments for reflection guided by the Holy Spirit. We reflect on the interactions that we’ve had with our homeless neighbours and ask the Holy Spirit how Christ wants us to continue to invite Him into our own journey from brokenness to wholeness.
For three years we’ve been holding a 12 Step Program every Wednesday. In written words it’s difficult for me to fully describe to you Jesus’ divine presence leading up to, during and after the meetings. Men and women who are experiencing homelessness, some of whom are just beginning their recovery journey, are sharing their addiction testimonies together with recovering addicts from other demographics. There’s a real sense of fellowship as everybody is brought to a place of vulnerability, humility and compassion. God is so good as he works within people from all walks of life bringing us to a place of togetherness through the realization that we’re not all that different from one another.
Well, friends, that's all for today. Please continue to pray for more breakthroughs for our neighbours on the street and for wisdom and blessings for me, Dennis, our volunteers, Misha our marketing director and the mission’s Board of Directors.
I hope this update helps you to experience God’s blessings through your partnership with the mission.
In Jesus’ strong name. Amen.
Your brother in Christ,
Aaron
