Greetings UBFM!
Last night on my way home from work I noticed two separate
people biking on Central Ave. The temperature was 29 degrees and the wind chill
was about half that. I thought to myself, “what is wrong with these people?
It’s way too cold to be riding tonight.” Then a thought came to mind. Oh yeah,
I ride in this every Wednesday night.
Tonight is supposed to be exceptionally cold. There is a
good chance for some precipitation. We usually encounter the elements head on
but let’s face it, if there’s ice on the roads, two wheels don’t hold up well.
Did you ever try to ride your bike on ice when you were a kid? I did; it just
doesn’t work. I have the scars to prove it. So, if by chance we do see that
kind of weather we will still meet with our regular scheduled meeting but we
will use an alternate form of transportation. That is, unless someone has a
bunch of trikes we can borrow. I might want to do that regardless of the
weather…
Anyhoo, Last week a great group of discyplists showed up to
deliver food and supplies to our friends and neighbors on the streets. I want
to thank all of the folks that participated in our mission: thanks to all of
the riders but also thanks to the people who prepared and cooked burritos,
donated cold weather supplies and food, and prayed many prayers for us. We
still have not been seeing as many people on the streets. By no means is this
disappointing! I have a feeling this is due to many temporary shelters opening
up. Thanks to these organizations, many people have a warm place to sleep when
the temperatures drop. There are still some that choose to weather the storm
and some that have no choice but to. Thankfully we know a lot of these people
and we know where to find them. We always make certain to check up on them and
see that they have all the needed provisions.
Not all of the people we meet on Wednesday night are
necessarily homeless. Many of us have our different methods of approach but if
I see someone walking down the street I try to determine if they have all the
necessary items of warmth: gloves, cap, scarf, and coat. If it appears they are
missing something I stop and offer it to them. The downtown group has made the
bus station a common stop to give out a blanket or two to the people waiting
for their bus. At the same time we offer them a burrito, bottled water, and
snack. Perhaps they can afford their own dinner but it’s always nice when
someone else gets the bill. We feel like that is simply the nature of being
hospitable. Our mission is not necessarily giving food and supplies to our
neighbors who live on the streets. Our mission is to allow people to know they
are cared for regardless of whom they are and where they are at in their lives.
We meet people where they are. We do this through small, concrete, acts of
kindness. Thanks to all you who help us fulfill this mission.
If you are interested in joining us all you need is a bike,
helmet, and backpack. You will need a few layers of clothes as well. Also, if
you have some reflective gear and/or flashers make sure to wear them. I have
some extras if needed.
Tonight we will meet at our regular time of 7:30 PM at First
United Methodist Church, downtown: 204 N Second St, Memphis, TN 38105. Feel
free to arrive a little early if you would like to help prepare some burritos.
If you plan on joining us I look forward to seeing you and serving with you. If
you are unable I ask that you send us some prayers. Pray for our mission, our
safety, and guidance to the places we are needed the most. Also, pray that we
allow people to witness good things happening here in Memphis. God Bless you
all!
Peace
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