The Impossible

March 2019 Have you ever wondered if certain words written so long ago, under seemingly impossible circumstances, are really true?  For example: Nothing is impossible with God is a pretty radical statement.  Even though I’ve seen things I never thought were possible happen, I still sometimes doubt when a situation calls for the seemingly impossible.  But today I was reminded again that those words are true, and we have reason to hope and believe that God is able to do the impossible.

I met Don and Mechelle a couple of months ago through a ministry to the homeless and needy. They had been homeless for some time and needed everything. Medical care is one thing the homeless often do without, but it’s foundational to getting on the right track. Fortunately, there is a nearby clinic that offers free or low-cost medical care to the needy called Sacred Heart Community Clinic. I volunteered with the homeless ministry for a time and offered to take Mechelle to the clinic.

As we drove, Mechelle told me some of her story. She said they have walked all over Texas. She told me about a time it was very cold and all they had for heat was one candle under a tarp. In a serious tone she said:You wouldn’t believe the heat one little candle can put out.  I thought to myself: It must have been the warmth of God.

As an alternative to sleeping under bridges, in the woods, or anywhere under the radar, Donnie, the founder of the ministry, had the idea of setting up camps at a public camping area. The ministry provided camping gear, cooking utensils, coolers, food, and even delivered hot meals several days a week. The campgrounds had electricity, with bathrooms and showers. This worked well through the winter, with intermittent motel nights during freezing weather, but the camps had to move for Spring as all the spots were rented. Sadly, it was back to the woods for Don and Mechelle, and the others. Their whole lives were packed into backpacks and they vacated the camp.

The homeless ministry has a very low budget, all of which goes to provide for those we serve. There isn’t enough money for the big things we dream about, such as a homeless shelter. Hearts breaking for our friends, we prayed for answers and God’s provision. Unexpectedly, God’s divine hand moved someone to donate two RV’s on a rent-to-own basis. Not only that, but the first three months would be paid for to give time to get established in jobs and take over the payments. Those most ready for this responsibility were chosen, including Don and Mechelle.

Mechelle by the RV holding a sign that says Always Believe the Impossible

Today, the RV was set up, stocked, and ready for move in. Their days of hiding in the woods, struggling to stay fed, warm, and dry are over. A new life has begun for Don and Mechelle because of the generosity and obedience of people God used to channel his love, and we were reminded one more time that nothing is impossible with God.

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Sadly, the story didn't end well. Don and Mechelle weren't able to hold down jobs and take over payments, so they lost the RV after about six months. Mechelle passed away due to heart failure about a year later. I'm not sure what happened to Don. God can do his part, but we have a part to play as well. For the chronically homeless sometimes they just can't.