Attempt to build a relationship with a person
who spends his days on the street. It will probably take a few conversations, a
lunch or two, and time to be successful. If you are then able, ask permission
of this person to record a one-day “life script” (interview only people of the
same gender—in this case, him).
If you believe your rapport is good enough,
ask if he could describe a typical day in his own words. This is not an
appropriate time to press the claims of the Gospel on him. Spend the day
(waking hours only) with this person. Observe the person from a distance most
of the time. Watch, take notes, or possibly video what you hear and observe.
When you have an opportunity (or when he or she can talk freely), enter into
conversation. Ask questions about what you have observed. Use journalistic
questions to gather as complete a picture of this person’s experiences as
possible (who? what? why? where? when? how?). If you have been able to
establish good rapport, you might also ask his permission to tape-record his
answers to your questions.
Compare what he said with what you have
observed.
REFLECTION:
Behind this action is the principle of
learning to “walk in someone else’s moccasins.” The comparison of description
and observation will give you a more complete understanding of what a homeless
person’s life is like.
Do not let the relationship you have been
able to forge become another exercise of—“one and done.” Now that you know
where to find this person, look up him and invite him to talk over coffee and a
donut (or a meal) every once and a while. Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit
as to when and how to introduce him to Jesus.
It is at this point that you can consider asking
him (and yourself) how and where the Church might fit into his life and into
the lives of others who are in his situation. Ask him about what other churches
and social organizations, both religious and secular, are doing to empower his friends.
Based on his answers, look either for gaps in
what is being done or ways your church could partner with other groups that are
already doing something. It is just one more piece of the puzzle you are putting
together to understand where it is the church can build value in the community.
Out of many such conversations, information like
this will tend to emerge. If you see a possibility of cooperation, contact
those potential partners and make an appointment. Prepare for that meeting
using the knowledge gained from your experience. See if there might be some
point at which your church might connect with one or more of their programs.
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