This picture depicts an amazing story of getting close to the people who need help. The picture states a very offensive statement on the homeless mans t-shirt. So if you are offended, I do not apologize. This is real life in the real world of winning the lost. (Click picture to enlarge)

I ran into this man on the streets of Santa Cruz as I was doing the “Monday Coffee Walk” focus on Pacific Ave. I looked at him for a long time and wondered how am I going to approach this guy. Simply, I just approached him and ask “Do you know what that t-shirt is saying and representing?” (You see Santa Cruz is so liberal and godless, that I was ready for a debate). He looked at me and said “Yes, and I feel real bad about it Pastor Dennis.” Several of the people I serve were standing near by, as we continued in the conversation. He continued: ” I did not have any clothes to wear. Everything was taken from me so I went to a dumpster and found some clothes. These pants I have on are a size 48′ waist and I only have a 34′ waist and the shoes well they are way to small!” The shirt was all that was in the dumpster.” My heart began to cry out inside. “All day long I felt bad, but I was needing something to wear, I did not want to be cold tonight.” I ask him if I could buy him some clothes and would he give me the t-shirt. Before he could respond a homeless friend of mine who just got out of San Quentin prison and is dying of cancer said “I have a t-shirt in my backpack and he can have it, it is clean and fairly new.” He took it out and gave it to the man, who in turn, took of the offensive shirt and handed it to me. He put on the new t-shirt and look deep into my eyes and said ” I feel so good right now, I was so ashamed of wearing that. Thank you Pastor Dennis, for being here and helping me.”

I had to share this with everyone. He did not have anything so he wore something, knowing it was wrong but he did not want to be cold. How often do people look from a distance or passing by see a person and judge him. There is story, he was ashamed and needed help! Man, I am moved by this, are you?

Peace

Dennis