A couple of Sundays ago, while walking through the PCC lobby, I peaked into the gym to see how things were going for the MANNA class. If you don’t know, MANNA is the Parkview ministry to those who are experiencing homelessness. I was amazed to see how many people were in the class. When I asked (Pastor) Brian about it later he told me that about half of those in that class are volunteers. He went on to tell me that there are currently 40 volunteers in this ministry. 40! For anyone who has watched this ministry over the past 10 years this is an amazing fact. So I asked Brian if he would write up a quick update on this ministry. What follows is- in my humble opinion- a little glimpse of the Kingdom of God. I trust you will be encouraged.

This year marks a milestone for MANNA – there are now 40 volunteers serving alongside our homeless attendees. This, to me, is an amazing sign of God’s spirit at work. Not too long ago this ministry began by one volunteer sitting at a table at PCC’s Thanksgiving Dinner and innocently asking a homeless man if he wanted to come to church on Sunday. For many years just a few volunteers worked hard to make sure that the homeless of DuPage County had a safe and welcoming place to worship and learn on Sunday mornings.

It’s amazing to look back and see how God has been writing the story of this ministry, but more importantly the stories of the volunteers and participants involved. I’m not sure what people see when they see a MANNA participant or volunteer, but this is what I see:

• A childhood violin virtuoso and law school attendee who lost it all when mental illness struck.
• A volunteer who experienced a significant spiritual awakening through the very practical act of driving the van and helping homeless folks with their luggage.
• A sometimes gruff, often guarded Vietnam vet who likes to make coffee, swap one-liners and sends volunteers text messages on their birthdays or to let them know when one of the homeless has been taken to the hospital
• A man who is perhaps lonelier now that he has received housing, yet is geographically distant from his normal social network. He clings to the words of scripture, his belief in Jesus, and visits from volunteers for hope and stability.
• A volunteer couple still serving into their 80s, sharing warm hugs, tender words of encouragement, and frank words of accountability. They are surrogate parents and grandparents to people who have sometimes forgotten how to receive love.
• A 50-year old who rides his bike everywhere, composes original spirituals, knows scripture frontwards and back, and who does twice the work of people half his age.
• A former addict and dealer who teaches Bible Study every week, helping those who are now struggling with same issues he once confronted.
• A young woman, dealing with the fears associated with being pregnant and homeless.
• A couple who took a plunge of faith to embrace leadership of a messy and difficult ministry, yet each week they serve with calmness, joy, and patience, acting as anchors for attendees and volunteers alike.
• A woman suffering from mental illness who is released by worship music to praise and love God in a way that is beautiful in its innocence and mysterious in contrast to her usual litany of cursing and nonsensical muttering.
• A man who was once homeless, but worked hard, found a job, found Christ here at PCC (or Christ found him), found an apartment, was baptized and is now a member of the church. You probably have no idea who he is, and I’m not telling. Maybe he’ll tell you his story someday.

And the list goes on and on and on. On any given Sunday you might find 40-50 homeless folks at PCC. Throughout the course of the year we probably interact with 2-3x that many. Each one is loved by God deeply. Many realize that, some do not. Most struggle with receiving that love after a lifetime of hurt and bad choices. Of course the same could be said for the rest of us too, sometimes more often than we would choose to admit.

The stated purpose of the MANNA ministry team is to “provide oases of hope for those on exodus from homelessness, poverty, and addiction.” The team drives van, handles luggage, makes coffee, serves meals, teaches bible studies, listens and prays, points people to community resources, etc., etc. These are all great programmatic elements that help achieve our purpose. (And there’s plenty of opportunities to get involved in these ways, if you are interested).

But, honestly, many of our homeless friends are simply coming to church. Just like you or me. They aren’t just coming to be “helped by a program.” Some were Christians before they were homeless and faith remains an important part of their life. Some found Jesus while homeless, some are still seeking, a few don’t have any interest in church or God.

Whatever the case, it seems clear to me that God has called Parkview to be a spiritual home for the homeless. And what a vibrant, life-filled spiritual home it is! If you have not noticed the spiritual vitality of this group of Parkview attendees, feel free to stop by some Sunday morning, get a cup of coffee, and strike up a conversation with one of the most interesting and God-loved people you will ever meet.

Thanks for this Brian. If you’d like to volunteer with the MANNA ministry, feel free to contact Brian. brian@pccmail.org (630) 469-4306