Last night was like any other Wednesday night for me in that I went out to service a couple of my accounts, one in Moreno Valley and the other in Perris. It was a little past midnight and I had completed one area, moved to the other when I came around one corner of a building and was startled by the profile silhouette of a man sitting in a chair. He was wearing a beanie on his head, a black navy pea coat and over-sized jeans. I paused for a couple seconds then just said, "hello" to him from a distance. He replied the same and asked if I was needing for him to move to pressure wash where he was sitting - I didn't and he seamlessly returned to his profile position, while pulling up part of his shirt to cover the lower part of his face. I continued with my work, but he was on my mind; I wondered why it was that he was there and what he was doing. Why was he sitting so upright with his site fixed westerly?
I continued about my work, finishing that area; I put all my gear away and was checking the water level in the tank when I saw the man walking out from behind the building, walking by me. He nodded and I did the same. As he continued to walk I was moved to ask if he was ok...why? I don't know. The man immediately stopped, turned around and walked toward me; I in turn jumped down off the pressure washer trailer and walked toward him.
He said that he was ok, but that his legs were cold. He went on to say that he had found the pea coat he was wearing, but seemed to be in need of a blanket for his legs. Unfortunately, I didn't have a blanket in my truck but then I started to ask him about why he was out here on the road; why he was homeless; what was his story?
He was more than willing to tell me his story. He said that he had felt God telling him to "go on the road and just walk". David heeded that call and started to sell things and got the point where he only had his car and rent. He sold his car, walking to work and then ended his apartment lease and stopped working, and started walking.
David said that he's learned much on the road and he's been homeless since November of 2008. He's spent a few weeks in Crestline, some time in Rialto, Redlands and was presently in Moreno Valley. David said that he's met many "street" kids that have rebelled, but done so in the wrong manner. He said that many parents just don't care for them and leave them to fend for themselves while they pursue their own interests in their work and pleasure. David said they have a desire to belong and on the streets is where they find that camaraderie!
What I found particularly interesting was what he told me about how he survived with food and clothing. His clothing came from Christian programs that he has found provide free clothing in Moreno Valley to the homeless and poor families. His food; David said that he never panhandles, but is willing to exchange work for some change. But mostly he said that God provides for him. Let me explain...in the morning he walks across the parking lot of Target and the other retail shops along Canyon Springs Parkway and as he makes his way across he always finds enough change on the ground to get at least a banana and a packet of top ramen or other dried soup at WinCo Foods. (He seemed to be very thankful and excited about this part)
I had to continue making my way out to my next account in Perris, but I did ask David if I could offer him a few dollars. He hesitantly accepted but was sorry that I was finished with my work there or he would have helped me in some way.
Whether he was on a spiritual journey or just didn't want any obligatory ties with society I had to tell him that his journey could have a new beginning in Jesus. He didn't say anything other than "thank you, it was good to talk and I appreciate your gift" and turned and walked...
David is a young man about early to mid twenties and chose his lifestyle (or was obedient to this lifestyle). He relies on God for his provisions and I pray the Lord uses him in his journey. If David hasn't, I pray he receives Christ. I truly enjoyed this encounter and was at peace immediately in his presence; we engaged at once in talk and it was quite the impression on me (my reason for blogging this).
