Pictured above is Claire with the young woman she held on the bus; from an earlier visit.

From Melissa Reinert… 

It was a hot May morning. The humidity was already up a bit, and we were at least 30 days out before the official start of summer.

On the Street Outreach Ministry (STORM) bus it was cool with the air conditioner blowing. We had seen a few women, just gentle meet and greets, and then we met her.

She staggered toward the bus and pulled herself up high steps and through the double doors. My heart broke immediately. Her eyes were dizzy, her hair a mess, her face worn with the burdens of addiction and life on the streets. She was tired. Her breathing labored. She sat next to Claire, a faithful STORM volunteer.

“Asthma?” Claire, a retired nurse asked.

The young woman nodded, trying to catch her breath. It was scary.

“Lean back and relax,” Claire whispered as she gently brushed her frayed hair from her wide eyes.

I sat there quietly, praying: “Lord, breathe life into this woman. Help her.”

“I’m so tired,” she gasped. “I’m so tired.”

“It’s OK, you’re OK now,” Claire replied calmly. “You can rest here,” Claire stretched her arms around the young woman’s frail upper body. Claire gently pressed her head upon the young woman’s shoulder. I don’t quite recall everything Claire was saying, but it was in such a calm and steady voice. It was like a lighthouse shining through the dark raging seas. The young woman fixated on Claire’s voice and rested in her arms.

It was beautiful to witness. I liken it to a classic artist’s rendering of a mother cradling her precious child. This was love. Pure unconditional love. This was Jesus.

We were able to get the young lady to Resources to Establish Stabilization and Treatment (R.E.S.T.) where she could do just that, rest, get treatment for her asthma and learn about treatment options.

The last we heard; the young woman was back on the streets. That’s a punch in the gut. She is so sick. Her asthma is very bad; her health worse. If she doesn’t make the decision for treatment soon, she probably doesn’t have much time. Can you imagine being so wrapped up… so controlled by something that you can’t break away from even to save your own life. That’s addiction.

I pray the Lord breaks these strongholds and this young woman can step away free. So many are in such similar states. You may think it’s hard to relate. I find it easy. Sin can also have a similar kind of control in our lives. We can struggle with so many types of sin, but it’s all the same and it all leads to ultimate death – separation from God. But, there’s Jesus.

Jesus loves us even while we’re sinners. He died for us. He raised from the dead so that we can be saved; our lives transformed. He gives us freedom, eternal life, and Jesus gives it to us free without judgement.

I realized this even more that day on the bus. God loves us so much. This is why I go on the bus. God loves me so much. He loves the women, like this young woman, trapped in addiction and life on the streets, so much.