Well, today is the day when everyone plays "jokes"　or "April Fools" on other people. I must admit that over my life I have pulled a few pranks, but have probably had many more pulled on me!　 As I was thinking of this day and what we do here at the Atlanta Union Mission, I was reminded of the likelihood that many people look at homeless individuals as "fools" in our society.　

This past month I had an opportunity to spend time visiting a 4th grade class. I talked with the kids about the homeless and asked them what they knew about the subject.　 I came away with a great perspective: The youngsters said that they were often afraid of someone who appeared "homeless". Others acknowledged that they felt sorry for the homeless and wanted to help. Several of the students wondered what had happened to the home of the homeless person, and if their family situation was the reason for the homeless lifestyle. One young 4th grader with tears in his eyes and heartfelt conviction expressed his compassion and desire to care for these down-and-out individuals.

On a cold morning recently, I had the privilege of serving breakfast at our Community Center for men (where over 1500 meals are provided daily!) along with a group of businessmen. As we talked when serving was completed, the conversation quickly focused on how much these homeless men cared, how smart they are, and how respectful and appreciative they were during the breakfast.　 The businessmen said they had great discussions and an all around wonderful time with these men.　 As these business people departed the Center, the common comment was that they felt that they had been ministered to rather than doing ministry to others.

As you talk or share a meal with our women and children at Atlanta Union Mission’s My Sisters House, you see mothers who are trying to be good moms by showing the love to their children that they themselves might not have received. Those in our recovery programs are working to reclaim a positive life while striving to be a wife or a mom who has a positive impact on her family.　 As I talk with volunteers and others who serve these women and children, I hear stories of love, affection, and great desire to be the woman God made them to be.　 I see them working hard to find jobs and share their joy when they find that new employment!

When you spend time with the homeless, they often will tell you mistakes they have made, problems they have created, and changes they know that still need to be made.　 As I talk with these folks, I am reminded of my own mistakes, problems that I’ve created, and the many changes that I am yet to make.　 How about you? Does any of this ring true in your life?

I am constantly aware that these people we have the privilege to serve are someone's son or daughter; sister or brother. Just the other day I spoke with a dad who is praying that his son will choose to receive help. I talked with someone on Sunday whose homeless father had died. These individuals are not "fools" although they may feel "fooled" by this world and some of the people in it. These are people who are loved by others, and, most important, loved by God.

As God loves "the least of these," He also perfectly loves you and me.　 He knows we make mistakes. He knows we sin (and will continue to do so!). He cares enough and loves us so desperately that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, so that we would never need to be separated from Him.　 As we look to Easter, it is all about this story of the God who loves us so much that He died for us.　 Do you know Him as your personal Savior?　 If not, invite Him in now, today. He wants to provide to you forgiveness of your sins and a "Home" for eternity with Him.　 As Denver Moore says in the great book Same Kind of Different as Me, we are all really "homeless" in the very real sense that this planet is not our home!

I want to also say thanks to all of you who in these difficult times have continued to give so that we can serve.　 We cannot do what we do without you!　 You are a great encouragement to me, to the entire team at the Mission, and, most importantly, to the people we serve together with you!

I pray as you think of "April Fools" that you will be reminded that "our God don't make no throwaways!"　　

If you have any stories that you would like to share, please send them to me. I’d love to hear from you!

Jim...