Grace in Action Offering the Shelter of God's Hope and Love
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Dear Friends of Grace in Action Article
The Good Shepherd

Dear Friends of Grace in Action,

The scar on the Good Shepherd's face wasn't obvious to all. The years of living outdoors had taken their toll on his body. In fact, the scar could have easily been mistaken for a stress line. I knew differently. It was a scar that had a story behind it...a story he shared with me the first time we met. Someone approached him in the middle of the night as he slept outside and he tried to protect himself. Homeless individuals are always prey to thieves. It's not unusual to have to fight to protect one's property or what few belongings the homeless may have.

As he spoke, I noticed his steel blue eyes begin to dampen. "You've got to talk to her Cindy, she was raped last night and she won't report it." The Good Shepherd was telling me about one of our female guests. Women are especially vulnerable out on the street. The Good Shepherd, through this homeless man, was taking care of one of his own. As he continued, I thought of the scripture message in Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." He sat across from me as a living witness to this scripture passage. In fact, many of our homeless guests "live" the scripture. They truly know what it means to be a family...to take care of one another as the Body of Christ.

This man's story, as well as the story of the woman who had been raped the night before, are just one of many stories we hear at the "Grace House." That's what we call the "home away from homelessness" which Davis Community Church has generously donated for our use. Three times a week, Grace in Action offers day-time rest and respite to the un-sheltered homeless in our community. It is not uncommon for one of our guests to bring "home" a friend in need. We frequently hear them say, "I heard about you from someone living out on the street."

At this time, we don't aggressively advertise our services. We don't need to. The homeless community IS our advertisement. One day last week, we had 20 guests visit the Grace House. How do they know where to go and what we offer? They take care of each other. The homeless become the Good Shepherd on the street.

"Hey, if you need some coffee or water...go by the Grace House.

or...

"If you need help filling out that job application, stop by the Grace House."

or...

"Hey, you seem kinda down...why don't you go over and talk to the folks at the Grace House."

or...

"You should probably have a nurse look at that cut...the nurse will be at the Grace House this afternoon."

The homeless in our community serve one another as the Good Shepherd. They rejoice with those who rejoice. They weep with those who weep. Grace in Action offers a "home away from homelessness to The Good Shepherd." Our mission is summed up below:

We are a non-profit faith-based outreach ministry designed to help serve the needs of the unsheltered homeless in Yolo County. Our organization provides spiritual companionship, food, clothing, and access to health related resources and church sponsored rest and respite to some our county's most vulnerable and underserved homeless. Our ministry has proven to be an important link between the most underserved homeless and agency shelter and rehabilitation programs.

To continue our ministry and mission, we need your help and support. Together, we CAN make a difference in the lives of those in need of the shelter of God's hope and love. May God bless you for your support and care of the Good Shepherds on the streets of our community.

Peace,

Cindy

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