To be honest, I had begun to feel rather discouraged. Amidst a death in the family, personal friends on-again, off-again in their addiction, and heck- the state of the world in general? I just needed to see a win, somewhere in my life. And I didn't feel like I was witnessing it at SYM. I know the power of God- I've experienced it! And I have seen the Lord's hand on people and situations around drop-in, but there came a time where it felt stagnant. With more hopes and ideas than resources and volunteers, progress felt halted and planning almost pointless. Where were the answers to all my prayers?
I even began daydreaming of quitting my position at SYM and going back to retail. However that may sound, it's just that that line of work is so much simpler. The problems are easier to fix, and there's a set way of doing things that works. I can order an item that's not in stock or maybe take an expired coupon- even if the customer has an attitude I can make sure their bread is on top so it doesn't get squished in the bag. But solving the fentanyl crisis? Combating homelessness? Mending broken hearts? That's far more messy and complex and there's no rules handed down from corporate for how to handle your shift.
Even so, myself and the rest of the team showed up faithfully each day, continued to problem solve, and relentlessly loved those we serve. In the past couple weeks I've really seen some of the fruits of our labors! A young person we hadn't seen since she left mid-summer showed up recently. By July, life was chaotic in Seattle and greater prospects awaited her elsewhere, but the last update we'd received was not what anyone had hoped for. Soon after that we lost contact completely. A couple weeks ago she appeared on our doorstep, back to tell us she had accepted Jesus as her God and King and now had several months clean! She shared that as things crashed down around her she remembered the genuine smiles of the staff at SYM and how they always credited it to Jesus. No way, she thought. So she set her heart to see if there was truth to it, and now the light in her eyes says it all: she met Truth. And she came back to share her joy with us! If nothing else ever comes of me working at this place, seeing that young woman redeemed and full of life is more than worth it all.
But that isn't the only wonderful thing we've seen lately! One client who has been struggling with addiction, recently began opioid replacement therapy! Any time someone switches out fentanyl for suboxone it is a huge win and definitely something to celebrate! What's even more encouraging is that through intentional relationship with SYM staff, this young man has begun searching for the Truth in God as well. He admits to seeing a pattern that most often when people around him have truly found freedom from drugs and their way to a better life, they usually claim God has something to do with it, and he feels safe to delve into this with one of our staff. It is an honor and a privilege to be in the vicinity as God works in this guy's heart.
Furthermore, multiple people are on their way to being housed through different avenues! One individual said that they did not meet the specific qualifications for the first building they applied to. Instead of letting this be a setback, they decided to hop online right away and filled out the applications for 3 other options! They're on their way to signing a lease! We've had another young person recently receive their highschool diploma and come in just to tell us, as they have been housed and stabilized for a while now!
Coffee Runs have felt like they are sustaining momentum in the program. It's just good to get out and engage with the community, and commit to doing what's possible. We're building new partnerships with local ministry leaders to see how we can support each other in our varied efforts around the neighborhood. We now set up a canopy with chairs and an ashtray in the church parking lot across from drop-in and somehow it's really added to the community atmosphere. Everyone is happy to help assemble and tear down, bring the chairs in and out. And, passerbys have been more apt to say hello! I've got to say, when someone parks in the lot and walks by with a smile and a wave, or even an audible "how's it going guys?" my heart flips a little. One college aged guy stopped and asked folks for their contact info because they just looked like cool people to skate with. I cannot tell you how ecstatic that made me. It makes all the difference for the people we care so much about to be treated with common courtesy and friendliness rather than avoided like delinquents. Somehow a change has been made. Our dream of the community unified is becoming a reality.
So I gotta say, personally, I'm feeling really encouraged. And I hope when you read these testimonies yourself you feel the glowing weight of each one. God is doing something here. Jesus is changing lives and hearts, bringing people together, and doing a new thing in this city. All the glory goes to God, and man it sure is exciting to be a small part in it and see my own prayers answered. Thank You Jesus!