Showered with Blessings

"He has poured down for you abundant rain" Joel 2:23b

April Shower
Strong Life has struggled with limited space that has pressed our small facility to the max. This includes up to 10 showers daily, sometimes all from 1 shower, and limits our bathroom usage. This all changed in April when we could work out a space to put another shower for our folks. Anyone who has toured the rescue mission facility knows what a blessing and miracle this is.

Due to our efficient use of such a small space for so many people, no one could think of how or where this could be added, but God made a way! We used a group of professionals and volunteers to have this shower installed in a matter of 2 days so we can prepare for the busy summer shower season ahead. we are so thankful for God's blessing in this and now have a new outlook on "April showers".

What's Left Behind
Many don't realize the stress between landowners and the homeless community. When people want the homeless out of sight to be out of mind, they hide deep in the woods, often without permission on someone's property. Over time, trash is accumulated, which looks bad for the homeless community and is expensive for landowners to clean up. Our solution is to help with that process in our community and would encourage other nonprofits and churches to do the same. We hauled over 3,000 pounds of trash to the landfill recently, with another 2 loads gathered and ready to transport. We estimate that around 7,000 pounds will have been gathered from our neighboring community by the end of May.

Who is gathering it? The homeless, instead of us doing something to enable them, we have spoken with them about respecting others and doing their part to break out of the mold, as being seen as a nuisance to others. Not one homeless person had to be paid to pick it up, but was given a process to help respect themselves and others. All we did was pay the landfill fees and haul it for them. This is a great illustration of doing life together and holding someone accountable instead of labeling and enabling an action to stay the same. The mindset of togetherness will build a much stronger community no matter our social boundaries or systems that seem to be in place.

Ironically, after hauling trash for the day, we were ready to use the new shower! God's provision is wonderful.