Love in Action
The air was heavy and the hot summer sun beat down from a blue and cloudless sky over the city. Taking in this view from a distance is one of my favorite sights. I love my city. But, where I was going would have a very different view than the one that welcomes you as you exit the Fort Pitt Tunnel into Pittsburgh. That is a view that never gets old. No, today, would be spent in the streets.
There was a shared anticipation as the teams met and were introduced. A light meal together, worship, some instruction and a prayer and we were off. After packaging an assortment of food - meat, dairy, dry goods, frozen foods, and toiletries, we filled the wagons, split into teams, and started walking house to house to deliver groceries and to pray with those in the community. Multiple houses on either side of the street were condemned, empty, and the streets were filled with potholes.
“Dream Center!” we call out as we knock on doors and walk the streets. The community knows them and many of the people will open their doors for food and prayer - or sometimes just one and not the other. There was a house the top of one hill and as my group made their way toward it, I knew I had to pray for this man. After speaking with him briefly, my group joined him in prayer and I did get to pray for him. Later another volunteer went back to drop off a few other items. When the volunteer returned he reported that the man had been talking about the short visit our group made and how the prayer blessed him. On hearing this, I realized that I didn’t remember what I prayed, I only remembered that my heart overflowed with compassion for him. Hearing that report though, I was grateful to know there was a result to my obedience. It was encouraging.
Romans 12:9-13 says:
“9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Throughout the day, I watched as the team bonded with each other, sang worship songs together with people on the streets and in homes, and came together in the homeless camps, packaging meals, praying for each other. I watched them attentively listen to the story that a homeless man and woman had to share. I listened to testimony from a child about the impact the dream center had on their life. I watched the outpouring of love that came from the leaders who truly love the city and love the people and had the love of God pouring out of every word, every action, every prayer.
A missionary I knew years ago said something that had always stuck with me: “to get your heart and soul into the work, you have to believe that God has brought you".” (Huldah Buntain) I saw that intention and purpose and love in the work that the Dream Center is doing in Pittsburgh. Through the years I’ve seen the faithfulness of God over this place. It is always amazing to me how showing the love of God brings change - in totality - in you, in them, in the atmosphere.
We can look at this world and wonder what we could do to make it better and if you don’t keep your eyes fixed on God, you can wonder if we have any hope at all. If you want to change the world, love your neighbor.
Go home. Start with your neighborhood. Pray for your community. Love sincerely with the love of God. It changes everything.
Be sure to check out the Dream Centers and see how you can get involved.