Gratitude for God's work among Prague's Homeless

It has been two weeks since our family had a fateful breakfast conversation about the bitter cold and it's effect on homeless people in Prague. This conversation led to a decision to spend two strategic hours of work to help the homeless in Prague. These two hours led to more than our family could have ever imagined and created a full time job for me for the next two weeks. We are grateful for the continued prayers, encouragement, and help along the way.

I have gotten to know real heroes for the homeless during the last couple of weeks. Many of them work for three Christian organizations: Nadeje (Hope), Caritas (Catholic charity), and the Salvation Army. I have watched while everyone I met with, from the directors of the organizations to the people who pass out clothes, food, and tea, has treated the homeless with honor and dignity.

I have also gotten to know the heroes in churches, schools, businesses, and families in Prague who are conducting clothing/blanket drives. They are too numerous to mention here. Many people have set up "collection centers" and been willing to deliver clothing to the appropriate places. Churches and individuals in America have prayed for the homeless during this time. They have also sent money and even blankets!

During a Roma church service on Sunday, I spoke about my experiences the last 2 weeks. I talked about how I had gone from complaining about the cold to thinking about others and being VERY grateful to God for what He has done in my life. Two of the men spoke very openly of their experiences living on the streets during winter. The group talked for almost an hour about how we are so easily caught up in our own lives, complaining, gossiping, etc. and how we forget to be grateful. We then had a very rich prayer time. During the prayer time, a number of our newer people who have never prayed out loud were giving God thanks for all that He has done and given to them.

Prayer Requests:

Please continue to pray for the homeless in Prague. It is a little warmer...but still cold. Pray for the tireless workers of Nadeje (Hope), Caritas (Catholic charity), and the Salvation Army who are serving the homeless not only in the winter...but all year. And pray for the continued organization of clothes/blanket drives that will benefit the homeless not only now but in the future. My main responsibility in all this right now is coordinating pickups between those who are doing the clothes drives and the 3 organizations.

And pray that we would be sensitive to whatever opportunities God is giving us to show His love through this situation.

And please take a moment (and a lifetime) to express your gratitude to God for all he has done for you spiritually and all you have materially.