HIMC - Hamilton & International Missions Community

6 days ago

Last week and this week were polar opposites. Last week I came away pretty down after seeing our friend J in such physical pain (torn rotator cuff), but even more emotional pain. J's brother was killed by his own son, and you can imagine what that does to a family. He lost his apartment, transportation and a pet to a fire. So he's been living rough for over a year. He's been moving camp occasionally, as he finds a better spot, but over the past month has had to move 4 times due to the city. "Where can I go"? Well, just not here, you've got 24 hours to move or we clean this up. Rotator cuff tear and all. J is a strong guy, been through a lot, gruff, no nonsense, but he was in bad shape when we left him...we were sick that we had no answers and worried that he might decide to quit. Think what you will about the problem of homeless in Hamilton, but the City of Hamilton actions are actively traumatizing a vulnerable population. They have no solutions, and are making the problem worse. He was 1/2 way up the escarpment, they had to go looking for him.
Today, one of our friends brought him a sling to take the pressure off, and he was so pleased. Then the bad news. The 2 e-bikes that he owned went "missing" from his "friend's" camp. It just never stops.
Big crowds at both Barton/Birch and Ferguson tonight. B/B had the line down to Barton, across the lot and back up the other side. Lots of help tonight including a youth group from Elora. So great to see young people getting involved, and learning it's not us and them, it's just us.
Our friend G (partially blind and deaf) learned he doesn't qualify for help from either of the national institutions. He's a senior and struggles with technology, and feels more and more isolated. Gave him info about the TECH Cafe Burlington Centre to assist with that, but he really needs someone to sit down with him once a week for an hour and walk him through. Know anyone? Volunteer hours available for HS students!
We were able to pray for a new friend making a new start. S was in a bad way a while, but made the decision to get clean, and is working on it. There's a potential for a job, so please pray for favour, and that more importantly God would get a hold of his heart. ... See MoreSee Less

HIMC - Hamilton & International Missions Community

1 month ago

The barbers were a hit. One woman hadn't had a haircut in 5-years. Thank you ladies! See you again in a couple of weeks. ... See MoreSee Less