Looking for Josephine: Chronicles From Twenty—Four Years of Homeless Ministry

She and her husband picked up cans along the side of the road. The dirty, muddy ones went in the same worn plastic bag with fairly clean ones that didn’t reek of old beer or who knows what. But enough cans could buy them some food, that was the important thing.

Ready or not, passing her was NOT an option. I drove a bit past them and pulled over, parked my car, and headed back toward them… toward her. As I drew near, I stepped into the ditch with her and pulled a few cans from the mud. Offering them to her, I introduced myself and asked her name. A sheepish “Josephine” came out wrapped in a delicate, beautiful smile.

Though she did not ask for any, I offered help. “I have coats, shoes, some food… even a couple sacks of cans. I just need to run home and get them. I’ll be right back. OK?” She nodded quietly but, there was a faint smile with it… I thought.

I drove around for almost an hour, looking for that old truck or any sight of her faded dress. Finding an empty parking lot, I sat in my car and cried… ’till there were no more tears. I cried. Finally, I looked up, “GOD, if this burden is from YOU, if this is what I need to do for YOUR kingdom, then I thank YOU now for those I will meet and help and tell them of YOUR love for them.”

I’m still looking for Josephine… who knows… maybe someday… But, in looking for Josephine, GOD has allowed me to meet and help hundreds, maybe thousands of people. To GOD be the glory!!