Each week, we visit with RF, a local man in his 60’s who worked on a farm and later drove a truck. He was married and became a father to his wife’s two daughters. According to RF, he had a large amount of money and spent it on the girls and his family, putting them through college and buying each one a car. He is living on the streets and each week while we are there visiting with him, he has others who come by to chat and check on him.
This is one thing that has stood out to me ever since we started our outreach – community. Although the environment is not the best, and they are out in the hot and the cold, living in the woods, or in RF’s case, a chair has become his bed, they look out for one another and check on each other regularly. They have other people in the community who check on them as well, and pray for them. Each time we stop by, RF makes sure we know how appreciative he is that we stop by and talk with him. He tells us that most people just keep walking by and don’t stop to say hi. RF never asks for anything. He just wants to talk. People bring him food, blankets, clothes and other items. If RF has money, he will give it to others who need it for food, medicine or to get back on their feet. He has a very caring heart.
Now that it is getting cold, RF wants to get off the street. He does not like cold weather. He has cuts and abrasions on his head, and I’m sure the environment he is in does not help them to heal. I have offered on many occasions to take him to Healing Transitions to detox and get back on his feet. I told him that we would be there if he needs someone to talk to and that we are in his corner and want to see him get back into a home, where it is warm and to sleep on a bed. RF likes to drink, and although he says he will give it up, he has yet to get in my car and go somewhere that can help him. He has given me his ex wife’s phone number and asked me to call her to tell her he needs help. I have called and left a message, but no one has ever called me back or answered the phone.
RF asks me to take him to church each Sunday. When I come to pick him up, he tells me that someone else is coming and he can’t go with me – but next week he will come. There is no pressure for him to come, but the offer is always there. He asks me to pray for him and we say a prayer for his health and protection. That seems to touch him the most. As we leave, he tells us he loves us and gets emotional. I know deep down he wants a better life. Something is holding him back; however. I hope that one day, he will take my hand and come with me to get the help he needs to get back on his feet. Until that day, we will continue to visit with him, pray with him and invite him to church and to a place where he can start the healing process.