He asked us to read Matthew 24… I don't know what the significance of that passage was for him, but I do know that when he hugged me and kissed my cheek, we'd given him EXACTLY what he needed.

I’ve never been good at facing my fear, especially my fear of vulnerability. Hosting teams has helped me monumentally as I have been challenged by God to step out and not let fear rule my life. I see as students step out and face their fear as they go out and do ministry on the streets all week. They challenge me without even knowing it to step out in faith and trust that God will protect my heart.

Curtis lives his life pouring into others with anything and everything he has. All he owns in his life is contained on a utility dolly that he brings everywhere he goes. He gathers food donations that restaurants give him and passes it out to his friends. He frequently requests that I bring the kids down to see him just so that he can spoil them. He comes in to use our showers, yet he stays to make popcorn and then makes sure his popcorn machine is thoroughly cleaned.

Now community isn’t a choice. Having a roommate means I literally can’t hide. Eating most of my meals with people makes it harder to hide when I’m having a bad day, or struggling with the sadness and anxiety that is a part of my life. If I need to cry, I probably won’t get to do that alone. Thankfully, if I want a good laugh, I don’t have to do that alone either. What’s fun is that in this community we see that everyone is deeply flawed, but we’re all committed to staying here.

I didn't care that this man hadn’t showered in several days, or that his clothes were filthy, or that he smelled of alcohol and weed. I sat close to him and let him cry on my shoulder. I told him that God was always good, He is full of loving-kindness and slow to anger. Then we prayed together. On that chilly night in January, sitting on a cardboard box on a street of the Tenderloin, this man gave his life to Jesus.

Interruptions are an invitation from God. An invitation to life, ministry, relationship, connection, healing, and the list goes on.