Every Saturday and Sunday the couple in their mid and late 80's help to provide a first class breakfast; ranging from a hot cappuccino, freshly baked muffins, omelettes, sausages, cereal and juice. Everyone helped themselves to what they required and there was always enough food to go around.
It was incredibly encouraging to witness true discipleship in the deep friendships that had obviously been established over time; the genuine love and affection for one another was refreshing and eye opening.
There was a gentleman called Russell who shared his story with me. He spoke of how he had been living in his car for the last four years. His demeanour radiated warmth and love as he spoke. Further into our conversation he shared his faith in Jesus.
Remarkably he is able to give to others. He said "I sing to people to cheer them up." "I give a word of encouragement to those that need it". As I listened I too was refreshed in my own particular circumstance. Neither our hardships our sorrows, nor our failures or fears can ever control us, when we put all of our trust in Jesus.
Russell showed me that when Jesus is with him then he has all he needs. I needed to witness this first hand as I had recently allowed discouragement to creep into my life through my current circumstances.
I needed to be reminded that our age and social status is no barrier when Jesus wants to do a work in and through the life of others in sharing the love of God. We need to use what is in our hands through the talents and gifts we have been given.
Russell radiated such peace. Jesus encouraged his disciples with the following words written in John 14:27. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,
A quote from Charles Swindoll from my NIV study bible says that. "Peace is the divine gift of the ability to remain faithful, calm and patient in spite of the panic of unfulfilled dreams, unpleasant circumstances and unavoidable uncertainty."
What a privilege it was for me to witness and experience the peace of God in and through a homeless gentleman and to also hear Milton's joy and delight in our mornings activities as he drove us home his statement to me was. "Now Veronica, wasn't that fun?"
Veronica Harris a qualified nurse who has recently relocated from Tasmania to the Gold Coast closer to her family.
