On Tuesday February 3rd, 26 students and 9 parents from the Middle School Beyond Us Team brought warm clothes and sleeping bags donated by the Junior and Middle School families, and food and Bible verses to share with neighbours who were experiencing homelessness on the streets of downtown Toronto. It was a very cold evening. We had to look in places where our friends would be able to find some warmth without getting “kicked out.” Three of the groups only found 5 or 6 friends each, but each one they met was very grateful to receive the help.
One group went to a very popular “hang-out” for our friends but found no one – it was too cold. As the students watched with one parent from across the street, two of the parents brought the clothes to a very grateful shelter and then distributed the food to thankful friends just outside.
Clothes that weren’t distributed were given to Toronto Christian Community Church’s Out of the Cold program. The program hosts 30-50 friends on Sunday nights through the winter with dinner, hot showers, activities and breakfast the next morning.
Team members commented that they were so cold after only one hour on the streets and wondered how our friends could survive overnight. Jesus commanded us to love our neighbours and declared that those who mourn are blessed. May we all mourn for the things that break God’s heart and continually find ways to love those in need.
