Week Three: Serving the Homeless - An Officer and a Gentleman

When you are out on the road, traveling from city to city, one of the things you find yourself looking for is a smiling face; someone whose face alone beams a welcome to you.  We had the opportunity this week to meet two such people who were serving the homeless of San Antonio.

We had planned on working with a man named "Pastor Dennis" at an organization called Church Under the Bridge, which didn't actually happen to be under a bridge, but was, in fact, in a building.  Go figure.  It was on our hunt for Pastor Dennis that we met Pastor Brian Wicks with Resurrection Ministries. 

Brian started his ministry in San Antonio, Texas, in 1998.  Prior to starting his homeless ministry, he led a pretty rowdy life, dabbling in drugs and alcohol for years.  One night, Brian was at home alone, having just experienced a devastating break-up.  His heart was so broken, he didn't know where to turn.  And then he remembered all those Christian men who had witnessed to him for so many years, years that he was simply unwilling to listen to their message.  So there in his apartment, desperate and alone, he met God, and his life has been forever changed.

He stayed in his apartment for three days, fasting and praying, asking God what to do next. God’s direction to him was to go out and spread the gospel.  He’s been dedicated to serving the needs of the homeless ever since.

It was very humbling to see a Pastor with such a loving heart for the homeless and needy.   One of the homeless guys told me Brian was their hero.  He also said Brian didn’t see himself that way, but they did. 

Resurrection Ministries has partnered with several local companies to help the homeless.  One is Mike’s Bikes who helps supply bikes and parts to the homeless.  Please check out Brian's web site and Facebook as he is such a blessing for the lost and homeless of San Antonio.  

Thank you, Pastor Brian, for being so awesome to me and Kathy while in your city. What a gentleman.  We are grateful for your kindness to us.

So you've met the "gentleman" of this post, now I'd like to introduce you to the "officer."

We were meeting Pastor Dennis (yes, again!) at the Church Under the Bridge building.

As we pulled up, this very fit, large, man dressed in military fatigues stopped us.  We told him we were volunteers, and he directed us where to park.  His name tag said CUB and his name was Joe.  I have to say his disposition and mannerisms were so precise and military that I had an instant love for him.  His serious, very polite, attitude let me know he was military.  We parked and got out.  

I asked him laughingly, “So, are you in charge of security here?” as I’d not seen him there that morning.  He said “Yes ma'am, I am."  As I spoke to him, he softened and when I saw his name was Joe, I said "I’m calling you GI Joe!"  I laughed, he laughed and said “I was a Marine for 12 years.”  He stood at attention all the time, was a nice looking man, still in very good shape, so much so that  I was surprised he wasn’t still on active duty.

GI Joe is really remarkable.  He was a Marine for 12 years, completed three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan beginning with Desert Storm and ending just a few years ago.   He showed us his burns and scars from his active duty.  Both of his ankles, one knee and one arm were blown up during the conflict.   He was proud to show those scars he earned protecting our freedom.  And he was proud to be a Marine.

Joe came home from the war and lives with his mom, still trying to get his life back on track.  He’s recently engaged and broke into a smile while talking about her.  He’s a war hero, and he is still giving to others as a volunteer, helping the church on security and helping to direct and give aid to the homeless.  GI Joe, you’re my hero. 

It is so incredibly encouraging to see how many people the Lord has stationed all over this country, serving the homeless, being Jesus to them.