HIMC - Hamilton & International Missions Community

2 weeks ago

#phonediednopics
It was an odd night tonight. Not a ton of folks out even though the weather was gorgeous (well, to start...freezing by the end). Cheques came out, so that always limits the numbers. Had no takers for free prayers tonight, which is a first. Took that as an opportunity to have some great conversations with some regulars and a couple newer people. A friend H who I met about a month ago is struggling, but not in the "typical" way we encounter. Very intelligent, friendly (harmless) and articulate, he struggles with sight and hearing. He was gifted a tablet and an iPhone, but has no idea how to use them. He literally needs someone to spend an hour a week with him to teach him the basics for probably 4 weeks, He's got the dummies book, but really needs one-on-one. Doesn't have to be a Wednesday. Know anyone? Teens needing volunteer hours? Hit me up.
Handed out some shoes and blankets....again, almost exactly what was needed, which is so rewarding. It's so neat to hear "well, you probably don't have a pair of size 13 men's shoes (or fill in the blank)", Yep, funny, that's the only size left in my van. He is THAT good!
Was able to pray with a couple of friends. While I love praying with new people, in new situations, it is a blessing and privilege to pray with people I've journeyed with a little bit (and I do mean a little). Knowing some of their story informs our prayers. Our friend K (wife passed last year around this time) is getting baptized on the 29th at HCF. "You'll be there, right?" Yeah brother, wouldn't miss it.
As we were leaving, one of the volunteers directed me to T. She's early 20's struggling with addiction, and I don't know her well, but she lives in the compound. Tonight she was different though. Going from curled up in the fetal position to me watching her arms and legs bend in ways I've never seen. She was on some type of downer, weeping. She didn't want any help, and when I left she was leaning up against the wall. Got a text when I got home that it went downhill from there. I'm beginning to understand the kind of trauma that can lead a person into that type of situation, and it is heartbreaking. Nobody would ever choose that outcome, but they make choices to numb the pain, and sometimes this is where it leads.
To that end, it's exciting to see how quickly God is moving us forward into a new trauma recovery/counseling program that HIMC will soon be offering. Counseling is expensive, like REALLY expensive. Trauma and complex trauma require long term help that our friends on the margins cannot even hope to afford. But God. He's opening doors, granting favour and bringing trained people to make this happen. This could very well be a game changer, and we're so excited! Stay tuned.

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Our monthly in-person meeting is today (Thursday), 7-8:30pm @ Carisma Church, 1239 Main St. E Hamilton. Join us if you can. ... See MoreSee Less

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