The Rescue Mission

Scripture

 Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

~Acts 3:6: KJV

Quote

“At a rescue mission, you learn quickly that some people need bread, some need hope, and all need Christ.”

~ChatGPT

I promised you some stories about our experience at the Rescue Mission in New Orleans. This as back in 1971 while we were in our first year of Seminary. Every student had to have a mission project; unfortunately, those who served churches were allowed to count that as their Mission. Unfortunate for them. I will not lie, I would have never went to the mission without encouragement if you know what I mean, but I wouldn’t take anything for the experience.

This story happened on the very first Sunday morning I went to the Rescue Mission. Older students had told me, “Do not take any money, the place is crawling with panhandlers and they beg for money constantly.” We didn’t have much money to begin with but I made it a point to go broke and I would not let June go until I got familiar with the situation so I am there by myself. As I am stepping over drunks to get in the front door, a man comes up and asks me for a quarter. Without hesitation, I quoted Acts 3:6, “Silver and gold have I none but such as I have I thee give.” Without a moments hesitation he said, “Hey buddy, I asked for a quarter, not a sermon.” Needless to say that was the end of our conversation. I was speechless.

The mission chapel would hold about 200 and when we first started working there, we would have from a dozen to twenty-five or so. Then they made chapel manditory if you wanted to eat breakfast. From that point on I preached to a packed house, but they were not happy to be there, like some other Baptist I know. Their favorite song was, “And when the battle is over, we shall wear a frown.” I had to make some adjustments. June playing the piano was the biggest hit. It was working here that I discovered a principle, if you want to have any quality at all in worship, you have to get the congregation singing. Otherwise you have no hope. I found out in a brief perion of time that I had to sing the songs they liked, otherwise, they would not sing. It is hard to preach to a room full of sullen faces. So I began asking them what they wanted to sing. There was ONE SONG they requested every single week. I never figured out why they loved this one song but we sang it every week. I don’t think you would ever guess: it was “I COME TO THE GARDEN ALONE.” Not only did they want to sing it every week, it moved them emotionally. They would sing and sob at the same time.

Jason will love this last story. It is so embarrassing to tell that I am not sure I have ever told it. You would be utterly shocked at the people you meet at Rescue Missions. They are not merely stupid drunks; many are highly educated. I am talking doctors, lawyers, judges, etc. and there are also highly gifted people among them. In the old days, it was alcohol that derailed them, but today in would probably be drugs in general. June started going with me on week three and she played the piano. I lead the music and preached. June was a very good pianist. She has those long fingers and she plays very smoothly. She was good. The men would gather round after the service and June would play some of their favorites. One day a guy asks June if he could play and she got up and let him have the bench. OMG, it was unbelievable. June and I were spell bound. He had been a concert pianist and he could play Bach and Beethoven with fluid ease. The piano at the misson was old and so I said, “You need to come to our apartment and play for us one night. My wife has a much better piano.” Suddenly, I feel a punch in the ribs. It was one of the drunks. He pulled me aside and said, “Hey buddy, I don’t think you want him coming to your apartment, he is gay.” I know you are wondering what happened. He didn’t hear me when I asks; at least that is what we assumed and June and I eased on out. We never saw him again.

Extra

Bo is not doing well. Pray for Bo; a lot of nausea and pain. Keith Dotson has been on life support for several days now and they are thinking about taking him off this week. I talked to Joyce yesterday and she has seen him suffer so much that she is resolved to let him go. Pray also for his wife Katrina. Joyce can bearly go herself.

Fish fry tonight at 6:00 and I am looking forward to it. The grand boys helped me move more stuff yesterday and we are down to the T-post and the burn pile. Hallelujah, this nightmare is about over. Our power bill here at the Reeves Compound was $200. That is right at $700 less than last month. If gas would go back down, we might get back to normal. Yesterday morning was close. I stayed in the office until 10:30

Extra/Extra

Tonight…Fish Fry @ 6:00 pm

Mem’s Breakfast this Saturday, 8:00 am

~National Day of Prayer May 7, 5:00 am-11:00 am {Grace Point has from 5:00 am to 6:00} We gather at the Associational Office on highway 31.