Monthly Archives: April 2014

Dear Friends:

I have been contemplating the words to one of my favorite songs by Mercy Me: I Can Only Imagine.  It says “You are beautiful in His eyes.” I dream of a world where people know that they are truly loved and are able to extend love to others.

Recently I drove by a thin woman carrying heavy bags. She limped as she trudged up an overpass.  I recognized her as a Grace in Action guest who had previously shared her struggles with me.  When I first met her, I wondered how she had become homeless, when she has a master’s degree and has taught at a local college.  Those with mental illness often don’t realize their need for services and those over 18 may refuse treatment.

I pulled into a parking lot and tried to flag her down.  She cowered and continued talking to herself as she attempted to avoid me.  I called out her name and she looked up, recognized me and smiled.  She greeted me by name and gave me a warm hug.  We chatted for a while and I told her I had a pair of tennis shoes her size.  The ratty shoes on her feet had huge holes in the bottoms.  She explained that bunions were causing her pain but that she had to keep walking because she didn’t have anywhere to go.  Someone had thrown away her sleeping bag that she had carefully put in a plastic bag and hidden in the bushes.  I gave her a tarp and sleeping bag to keep her warm and dry during the impending storm.  She shared her dream of going back into teaching and also her fear of going to the temporary winter shelter.  Because she had a trusting relationship with me, I was able to encourage her to get temporary shelter the following week.  How many people pass by her when they see her disheveled, dirty clothes and notice that she has not showered?  This beautiful woman who is struggling with mental illness is vulnerable and is not able to advocate for herself.  When she comes to Grace in Action she is valued and loved.

People often distance themselves from someone who appears to be homeless or is exhibiting signs of mental illness because they don’t know how to help.   Grace in Action strives to be a caring community that reaches out to those struggling with mental illness as well as those who are without shelter and basic needs.  We want to continue to reach out to those unable to access the resources that are available.  Through our lunch program, laundry ministry, referrals, and other services, Grace in Action is able to develop trusting relationships so we can assist in reintegrating people back into the community.  We are being moved to action to serve those who are often ignored!

Thank you for joining with us through your financial support, your gifts of hearty sandwiches, and your gifts of time through volunteering in this ministry.  Thank you for joining in this important work of giving compassionate care to lonely, broken children of God.

With gratitude and blessings,

Mary Lou Rossetto,

Grace in Action Director

November 2013

It’s no coincidence. God is connecting the dots of His plan.

Who is my brother or sister? How can we love those who are alienated, isolated, unloved, unseen and avoided? Who in our community are “the least of these?” My heart breaks for those who suffer from mental illness, are homeless and aren’t accessing available resources. One woman facing these circumstances is named “Sue” (name changed). Sue has yet to access our lunch program, legal aid services, or Bible studies. I keep praying for opportunities to make meaningful contact with her and for doors to be opened to better her circumstances.

Each Tuesday I do outreach to homeless individuals in town for several hours. Greeting people by name and caring about them lifts their spirits. It’s an opportunity to visit with folks and get to know them better. Recently, I saw Sue sitting on a cement bench downtown. She was wrapped in a dirty, grey blanket, with bare legs showing and only sandals on her feet – despite 60-degree temperatures. Sitting next to her was another woman who was warmly dressed in a blue sweater. As I watched, I could see that they were deep in conversation. My heart leapt with joy because I knew someone had made a connection with Sue. I knew God was at work! Someone in our community was connecting with this person who had consistently shunned assistance. I did not want to interrupt their conversation, so I placed a jacket, rain poncho and some basic toiletries on a bench nearby in hopes that Sue would take the items. As I left I said a prayer for Sue and the other woman. I would probably never know that other woman, but I prayed for her.

After talking with several other homeless individuals, I drove my outreach assistant back to the church where he had parked his car. I reflected on the past two days. Because of Grace in Action an elderly man got a tarp to keep his sleeping bag dry. A couple was able to wash their clothes for the first time in months at a local Laundromat, thanks to our Laundry Ministry. Hand warmers were distributed to help keep men sleeping outside more comfortable. Bus tickets helped guests get to appointments. “Gifts” like these were possible because of donations to Grace in Action. When I give out these items I often get something in return – smiles, hugs, thanks and tears of gratefulness. It is important to continue to develop relationships with folks who are homeless, to offer God’s love and hope, and to connect folks in community.

After waving good-bye to my outreach volunteer, I looked across the parking lot. Who was walking in front of me? The lovely woman in the blue sweater who had been sitting with Sue! I ran after her and introduced myself. I explained to her that I’d seen her sitting with Sue, and told her about the Grace in Action ministry. She said she was a psychiatric nurse and was a member of a Davis church. She expressed concern about the plight of people like Sue, and she shared that her heart also breaks for our most needy neighbors. We exchanged phone numbers and vowed to keep in touch. What might develop out of this relationship? I’m excited to find out.

What are the chances that I would see this lady and run into her again across town on the same day? Coincidence…? A wise Christian woman I know told me to look for dots to connect as I do God’s work. I thanked God for connecting the dots of His plan. God continues to bring people together to demonstrate His love. Thank you for supporting Grace in Action with financial help, in-kind donations and your time. You are blessing individuals each day, and for that I am extremely thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Mary Lou Rossetto, Director