FTBM’s October 2018 and January 2019 Alaska Mission unveiled a surprising revelation. What was that revelation? Meeting the practical needs of those living on the streets did not even begin to scratch the surface of their true heart cry. When serving the homeless, whether it be food and coffee, hats and gloves, or blankets… we always ask how we can pray for each individual and/or group. In the harshest temperatures of the winter, what was their most common response? “Pray that I/we survive the day.” It was a sobering request… but also a reality for those living on the streets in Alaska.
Traveling through the city of Anchorage… we saw tarps propped up into tent-like structures. Building materials varied from location to location. Some used cardboard boxes, some used shopping carts. Tape and rope held the makeshift shelters together. Often these very temporary homes were laid on a foundation of snow and ice. In volunteering at Downtown Hope Center’s Shower House… one of the homeless women shared these words regarding the previous night. “I went to sleep under my tarp wearing a coat. When I woke… my coat was frozen to the ground.” On a different occasion…a gentleman arrived at the Shower House with frostbite covering a large portion of his feet. Ringing in our ears… “Pray that I/we survive the day.” Sadly, heartbreaking and senseless stories like these are too many to count.
Life on the streets… Some of our friends are beaten up and bruised. Their possessions may be stolen. They are threatened not only by harsh weather conditions… but by others living on the streets. Not only is the weather brutal… but daily life on the streets is brutal. There are times city officials instruct workers to tear down homeless camps. When that takes place, the homeless who resided in their makeshift homes lose every thing they own… except the clothes on their back.
Revelation as to the true depth of need gave birth to a new perspective for ministry on the streets of Anchorage. The prayer for survival is the core need of the homeless… in any season. As we join with others… FTBM, by the grace of God, assists in meeting the daily physical needs of those living on the streets. Yet it is only the God we represent and serve who can provide for them eternal, glorious survival through His Son, Jesus.
Life on the streets… the hazards are many and the fight to stay alive is real. “Pray that I/we survive!”
