I had a delightful visit with a few of the young children at St Paul’s Episcopal Church last night to chat about our siblings who are homeless here in New Orleans and we also prepared blessing bags for those individuals. Our discussion initially centered on how St Francis of Assisi was drawn with deep compassion to serve the poor. Our little group was asked to pray for our siblings who are homeless and pray that their hearts would be filled with compassion to serve those who are less fortunate in this world.
Early this morning I met several new people who are homeless on Rampart Street. I explained that children prepared the blessing bags for them last night. One particular man who was so grateful for the blessing bag shared his story with me. He told me his name is Danny and he is known on the streets as “The Marine”. Danny explained that he worked hard for over thirty years or so and also served in the Marine Corps. All of sudden his life changed and he ended up homeless. Danny was so excited to explain that the most important thing that happened since he became homeless is that he has never been so close God as he is now. His new life of simplicity has drawn him closer to God. He said he has been transformed into a better person.
I thanked Danny for all that he shared with me as tears welled up in my eyes. Today once again I encountered the face of Jesus not only in Danny but also with the children I met last night at St Paul’s. They all listened intently about what I sharing with them.
I pray that all who read this little accounting of transformation would consider praying not only for Danny “The Marine” but for all the Children who are our future.
Br Donald
(photo of packing blessing bags)
