This morning, it was certainly cold in the park, but many old and new friends joined us for pancakes and bacon. God was faithful to provide just what we needed to serve these precious people.

I had the opportunity to visit with a man who has been coming to the park for the past couple of months. Not too long ago, his few possessions, including his glasses, were stolen. The Thursday after this happened, he asked us to pray for him and that opened the door to regular conversations.

Today I learned that he has been on the streets for about five years; this was precipitated by a job loss. He has no family here; they all live in Ohio. His story broke my heart! However I learned that he knows Christ, and he was excited to tell me that he had just received a new large-print Bible. I asked if there was a specific song that played in his mind whenever he was overwhelmed or needed to be reminded of God’s love. He told me how much music means to him. In fact, he used to be a singer and has recently joined a group that sings at a downtown church. He told me that the song he clings to is “Whispering Hope.” I was unfamiliar with it, so he sang it to me. The refrain is particularly touching: “Whispering hope, oh, how welcome thy voice, Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.” This perfectly defines the power of true peace that comes from God—it passes all understanding. What a powerful experience to hear him praise God in song while sitting at a table in Linn Park!

Please pray for this man and for the many people we serve. Pray that they will find warm places to stay during winter. Pray that they will stay healthy. Pray that those who are struggling with broken relationships will find healing. Most of all, pray that they will accept God’s free and perfect gift of grace.