This past Tuesday night I had the opportunity to take some of our students and leaders into downtown Orlando and partner with a ministry called, Straight Street Orlando. Straight Street Orlando is a ministry that was started by a man in our church who had a burden for the homeless of our city. Since the beginning Straight Street Orlando has been loving on the homeless and provided a warm meal each and every Tuesday night at Lake Eola in the heart of downtown.
When we arrived downtown this past Tuesday we gathered in the parking lot across the street from Lake Eola and joined forces with other volunteers that were also coming to help serve and love on these special people. As we walked across the street carrying tables, coolers and food the sight was unbelievable. The homeless of our town had already began to gather. They were seated nicely on the benches ready to be served. As I scanned the crowd I began to see men and women from all walks of life that just needed some encouragement and some love. I saw students that would normally turn and walk away from these people embrace the opportunity to serve them in any way possible. For the next 2 hours I was totally amazed at how our students and leaders interacted and loved on these special people.
As we concluded our night we reflected on our time and all that we had seen and heard. I was overwhelmed at the responses from our students and leaders on how God had taught them and shown them the power of loving others.
Here are a few snapshots from our time that night:
