Friends

Tonight, Kim and I went with a group from our church to the Faith Mission in Wichita Falls. We go every fifth Thursday of a month to sing, worship, and feed hungry people both spiritually and physically. Every time, without fail, I come home refreshed, knowing that I was able to be a part of God's work.

Tonight was no different from any other. We sang, worshipped, played music, and fed the hungry; but tonight, I met Gary. Gary is a dope addict and an alcoholic. Gary had had a few to drink prior to our service. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that he'd been drinking most of the day. Gary is an atheist. He came up to me after the service and asked if he could speak with me and like every time, the thought went through my mind, "What am I about to get into?" You know you've thought it before too! I told him I would be back after we loaded the equipment and I must admit that inside, there was a part of me that hoped I would come back to find that he forgot or had gone on to eat or to bed. You know you've thought that before too! When I came back in, he was sitting there, waiting, ever so patiently waiting for "the guy that played the sax" to come back in so we could talk.

I came in, sat down, and he began to just cry and cry. It took him awhile to sift through the alcohol and drugs in his mind to get out what he was trying to say, but when he finally did he simply said, "Why am I crying? I know it ain't the beer. I've had that a thousand times. There's something with you and your group. What is it?" Well, that was easier than I thought it would be!! I told him EXACTLY what it was he was feeling. Some may dismiss it as alcohol making him emotional, which I don't disagree, but I pray that it was more. I pray that it was God telling him that He is alive and well and is ready to help him kick his habits and change his life. I spoke with him for a while and then he left.

I went into the cafeteria to get me a plate of food and that is where I met Milton. He was an older man that had some stories to tell. He asked how I met my wife, so I told him the story which then lead to why I was in school, which lead to what most of my conversations with the public turn into.... death, dying, ghosts, cremation, etc. Come to find out, Milton had a story or two about his experience with the business. He lived above a funeral home once and had a few stories to tell. Some stories left me asking myself, "What did I get myself into?" He was a very interesting man and by the time the night was through I made some friends. Friends that are down and out and need us. Friends that I know sincerely enjoyed the time spent with us, as we them.

I don't think I'll forget Gary or Milton for some time to come. You who have been around my blog for awhile may wonder about my friend I met some months back, James. Well, he seemed different tonight. He acted as if he didn't know us and seemed as if he was bound by whatever it is he's struggled with. I don't know what he's dealing with, but I know God can take care of it too! So, if you think about it, say a prayer for Gary, Milton, and James. I know they need it and they would honestly tell you that they appreciate every thought and prayer on their behalf.

Thank you Lord for letting me meet these guys.

-approved by Farley Wells, CMDI.