Jim and Joann Minnis - share a night with Jackets for Jesus
It’s more fun than you can imagine– a life filled with adventure -serving God where and when He opens the door. Some people might look at this picture and just see 3 senior citizens. Knowing just part of our stories- at least a good portion of the last half century -I see God’s Hand at work in ways none of us could have imagined as children. Not Jim or Joanne, growing up in Princeton, Indiana, far from wealthy. Joy in serving rarely crossed my mind, growing up with all I needed, just a 30 minute drive from 3rd and Main St… but incredibly far from the urban poverty of skidrow.
Princeton– my father’s hometown -where our parents family knew deep poverty. Joanne and I share a grandfather we never knew- killed deep in a seam of the coal mines that once ruled working class families like ours. Joanne’s dad was also killed in the mines. We grew up with the stories… not of great men but of men of God with great hearts for their families. We were constantly reminded: “Remember who you are.” Our lives were born of solid working stock families that faced tragedy and loss – yet were held together by love. We were taught by example to serve together in love.
Jim and Joanne have been such an important part of that lesson in my life. It was such a blessing to share a simple evening together on the streets of Los Angeles. Standing with them for this picture, I somehow felt so very connected, and, as men and women on the corner looked on, maybe just a tad of a show off… the wealth of so much family in the midst of people who’ve been desperately disconnected, for whatever reason, from life, love and home.
Family still happens in the heart of our city. Watching the news this week I was excited to see a story about an abandoned baby rescued by a young homeless couple. The interview began and there was Cass and Joseph, two Sunday night regulars, a young couple who’ve lost so very much, living on the concrete at “our” corner.
They knew what to do when a child’s life was at risk- even if it meant putting their own well-being in harms way -they called the police for help. It’s against the law to sleep where they’ve got their tent set up- everything they own could have been confiscated -even still they called. Somewhere- a mom and dad deserve to be proud of their adult kids -hope they caught the story on the news. If not- if you’re looking for your kids, cruising the internet -enjoy the news story… I sure did.
Click on the video box to watch their interview. (think it will redirect you from this page) I know they’d appreciate your prayers. Sure sounds like the baby and mom need prayer as well. Pray that this act of kindness might be just part of the legacy of serving in love that they build for their children and grandchildren. Join Jackets for Jesus in praying that none of us see people living in poverty as invisible, lazy or not worth our time. Some Sunday nights the simple opportunity to serve in love has changed my life, opened up the door to a grander vision of what God’s all about and it’s always an adventure.
Last week we took the van and two cars worth of workers to the streets. Come out this week and meet the newest “stars” in our line. Thank them personally. You can join us as we serve together in love. You’re Invited. You’re needed. Now, more than ever.
for changing lives,
Pastor Eric
Eric M. Denton, pastor
Jackets for Jesus 