Bill McLaughlin has a heart to help the homeless and the less fortunate in Fredericton and surrounding areas. He and his team have a street ministry called, Under the Tent. They are faithful to serve those who come to their tent ministry with love and compassion. Last week, Bill shared a post on Facebook that greatly touched my heart. I asked him if I would share it and he gave me a “thumbs up.”
Here’s the amazing testimony given by Bill McLaughlin on Facebook:
What I’m about to tell you occurred about a month ago. She came to my table where I was serving, and said, “I have to tell you something”, to which I replied, “What is that?”
She went on to relate having been in court and ended up with choosing either house arrest or jail. She chose house arrest on one condition to which the Judge agreed. That she be allowed out, Fridays 4 – 6 pm and Saturdays from 1 – 3 pm to attend Under The Tent.
The Judge asked her why, she replied “They saved my life.” Then she got more specific and said to me, “You saved my life.” I countered with “No, I didn’t save your life, God did”. She countered, “Then He looks like you.”
She went on to say she had made up her mind to end her life on a day in 2020. I was set up in the parking lot that day. For personal reasons she was distraught and couldn’t take life anymore. I called her name when she came out of the methadone clinic, and she came down to get a coffee. She had been there before in the past, and I had learned of her need of soft nourishment. I asked her what she liked. It was butterscotch pudding. So I got the pudding for her. The next time I saw her was maybe a couple of weeks later. After she left that day, and unbeknown to me, she ended up at a site to do away with herself. She was thinking, no one will remember me or even know I am gone. Then she realized that was not true. That I had called her by name, and not only that, had given her a butterscotch pudding, the kind she likes. It was so important to have been called by name, and to be remembered as having liked butterscotch pudding, not just some old pudding at all. She was holding that same pudding, and with this new revelation she decided people did care and that is why she is still with us today.
Relationship, loving unconditionally, speaks louder than words. Are we making a difference? l would say yes. You are making this happen with your gifts, donations and financial support. I thought some of you might like to know this. I and my team have other stories but this one makes the point. “We have only just begun, together we’re making a difference.”
Blessings…Bill
This story is a reminder to all of us of the importance of acknowledging those we come into contact with. It could be a simple smile; maybe our smile is the only one they will see that day. This story reminds me of the times I’ve given money to a panhandler, and moved on. Yes, they appreciated receiving the financial blessing; but now I realize the importance of asking their name, and being bold enough to ask if they would like prayer. Then pray with them on the spot regardless of who is passing by.
I applaud Bill McLaughlin and his team for the marvelous work they do to minister to those less fortunate. The love and compassion of Jesus is shown to those they encounter. Praise the Lord!
It is my prayer that the lady in Bill’s story realizes that God not only knows her name; He knows her story and He knows her heart. God has great plans for this lady’s life, may it all come forth for her.
Their is much gloom and doom in our world today; yet the love of God is everywhere if we take the time to see it.