1/3/2008           Jackson, MS  21 degrees

For once, we loaded heavy and hoped to find no one.  Last night with the temp in the mid 20's and the wind chill in the lower teens, we embarked to meet our friends in the street hoping they were already in shelters.  The city, recognizing the uncommonly cold weather, proactively opened emergency shelters and were giving free bus rides to these shelters.  You would think everyone would be off the streets inside.  Wouldn't they?

We had about two dozen folks at the OC and JW had at least a dozen more at Farish Street.  Some were getting rides to shelters - some were not.  Some don't like to be around crowds of people.  Some don't want to be hassled, so warmth is sacrificed for freedom to be who they are.  I pray this morning that nobody froze to death, for what good is that freedom if it sacrifices your life?  As much as I want to be critical of their decisions it occurs to me, having not walked in their shoes, that I am incredibly short sighted with my criticism.  I must learn to turn what I don't understand over to the Lord and trust in prayers lifted up to Him for the safety of our friends.  I wish I could testify, that this was a simple easy process.  It is not, especially in light of sub-freezing temperatures where even the most robust healthy individual could expire from exposure. 

We handed out blankets, gloves, toboggans, scarves, etc.  We gave out sandwiches and hot coffee while JW was peddling rice and beef stew.  As bitterly cold as the night was, there was a general warmth in the fellowship of those assembled. 

We left at about 9:30pm and went south to I-20.  At the grove of trees where Angel lives we found no one.  There was a blanket, some trash, and a Hope Bible.  We assumed they made it to shelters and then departed for the I-20/Terry Road overpass.

 The overpass appeared deserted.  Then we noticed just the tiniest flicker of what appeared to be a campfire very near the place of a fire we noticed on Shepherd's Sleigh night.  We crossed the small creek and parked on the side of the road.  JW was following in his pick-up.  We hiked down to the site - probably a about 100 yards off the road and found Milton and his fiance in an unusual shelter.  It was a tent with blankets, clothing, and what appeared to be anything else they could find draped over the tent.  One pole sticking out the side is the only way I could tell it was a tent at its core.  We asked if they could use a meal of hot beef stew and coffee?  Pretty stupid question.  We hustled back to the truck and began to spoon out some stew.  We were then approached by Antonio and Red.  Antonio came walking down the road - we fed him, gave him coffee and some warm clothing.  Red took coffee (street blend of course) and food.  Red was staying up the concrete embankment of the overpass right under the bridge.  The noise was never ending.  There was no quiet or peace.  I-20, the major highway between Dallas and Atlanta, roared overhead as the bridge shook under the weight.  Here at nearly the halfway point between Atlanta and Dallas, a man named Red lives.  You never think as you travel, that you could be traveling over someone's home, well bed really.  Red had only a couple of layers of clothing and a corduroy leisure coat for warmth.  JW took his winter coat off and gave it to Red.  Red refused a ride to the shelters.  Lee Miller prayed for safety and protection for Antonio and Red. 

JW and I returned to the tent with a meal and handed the contents to a hand emerging from the darkness.  No face.  No eyes.  In the bitter cold of the Mississippi night all I could see was a hand reaching out for help not asked for, but offered.  It was a poignant moment.  The darkness that encircles the people of the street conceals them from the view of society.  Many times all we can see, if we take the time to search the margins of our world, is a hand reaching out for something.  We try to fill those hands as Jesus calls and did so by example while on earth, but more, we try to show His love and grace which the darkness flees. 

JW prayed and we left.