Hello, my name is Paul, and I am the Director of Outreach for Christ’s Body Ministries. I want to share a story about a guy named Brian, who has become fixture here in our outreach to the homeless. Brian has been a regular at our Daily Bread breakfast and often joins us for lunch while we are out on outreach. If you’ve ever seen Forest Gump running across the country, you might have an inkling of how Brian looks when he’s out and about. He’s got this gentle, soft-spoken demeanor that makes him approachable and kind-hearted.

A few weeks ago, I was looking forward to seeing Brian at our Daily Bread, but he didn’t show up. I asked around, but no one had seen him. It was unusual and concerning. My worries were confirmed when I saw him last Tuesday—he was in terrible shape. Brian had been brutally attacked by thieves and had spent three days in the hospital.

The assault was a senseless act of violence. Brian didn’t recognize his attackers and had no idea why he was targeted. It was a random act of cruelty that left him with severe injuries—his right eye was almost completely swollen shut, and his jaw had seven screws in it. They had broken a couple of his ribs, and his chest was hurting badly. I couldn’t believe they released him from the hospital in such a condition.

When I visited Brian, I was wearing a shirt that read, “Jesus loves you.” Brian looked at me with pain in his eyes and asked, “Why is Jesus doing this to me?” I struggled to answer because it’s hard to convey the message of Jesus when someone is in such despair. I explained that Jesus didn’t cause this suffering, but that there is evil in the world. I assured him that God would find a way to use this situation for good, though it was difficult for Brian to fully grasp that message when he was not deeply connected with Christ.

In that moment, I could only sit there with him and cry, sharing in his pain. After praying over Brian, I saw a shift in his demeanor—his countenance softened, and there seemed to be a glimmer of hope. Brian started coming back to lunch, but he was understandably fearful about being out in the world. I continued to pray for his protection and provided him with some hygiene supplies he needed.

Brian, who had previously avoided shelters, found himself needing one because of his fear of the streets. Shelters have strict rules against alcohol and drug use, which Brian had resisted, but now he was willing to accept the help they offer. He seemed genuinely tired of his old ways and feared the streets, and I believe he’s not using drugs anymore.

At Christ’s Body Ministries, we’re ready to support Brian, but his willingness is crucial. We’re here to help him navigate this challenging period, offering the support and resources he needs.

Please join me in praying for Brian. Pray for his physical healing, emotional strength, and spiritual growth. As we work with him, let’s hope for a future where he can find peace and stability.

Thank you for being part of this journey with Brian and for your support.