Spending this week with Adventures in Mission has been a life-changing experience for me. I got to help pass out food to homeless people and honestly, I’ve never really thought about homeless people as a problem in this world. I’ve just never paid much attention to them. But God introduced me to amazing people this week. I got the privilege of hearing people’s story and learning all about them. I met a man named Steve who’s been living in the Nashville streets for seven years and he told me all about his life. He also told me how much he loved God and that he believed in God despite what he has gone through. He said that he knows God has a plan for him and that everything that happened to him happened for a reason.
The first night we worked with People Loving Nashville. That night, God showed me more than I could ever imagine. It was with this organization that I met Steve and multiple friends of his. People Loving Nashville was all about building relationships with the homeless people that came to receive food and clothes. I saw God in the words Steve spoke to me. I felt God’s love radiating off of every wall in the room. I felt like I could see God in the kids who were running around, smiling and playing with all the volunteers. Volunteering with People Loving Nashville was a moving experience.
The next night we volunteered with the Bridge Ministry. We got to help the people carry their food to their seats and we got to enjoy a worship service. It was truly amazing. Bridge ministry focused more on providing clothes, food and groceries more than focusing on building relationships. But even though volunteers didn’t really reach out and truly greet the homeless, I saw Steve and got to spend over an hour speaking with him. It was then I knew that it was definitely God’s will for me to speak with him. I felt God’s love shine through Steve and touch my heart. Bridge Ministry was an amazing experience for me.
I felt God calling out to me so many times during the few days I’ve spent with Adventures in Mission. Working with People Loving Nashville and The Bridge Ministries has been enlightening experiences for me. I felt like both situations were reflections of how God loves us. The workers buy food with donations and their own money. It’s amazing what they’re all doing. I know for a fact that when I get home I want to join an organization like one of these in Texas. I will always remember what I’ve seen and learned here. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with these organizations.
