Hank and Jess had something in their marriage most couples cannot claim, an unbelievable connection and fierce love for each other. While on a mission trip to Haiti, Jess is murdered. The shock of loss overwhelms Hank and his journey to reconcile he...
"Thanks Pastor H! Your grilled cheese is the bomb." Patty had lived on the streets for the last five years. She was only 21. These kids broke my heart.
"I put extra Velveeta in that one just for you but don't tell Dave. He accused me of skimping on his!" She gave me knuckles. I noticed her arms showed signs of needles. Being here broke my heart for those who came through.
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For the last month I had been working our local soup kitchen put on by our local association. After speaking to the church and being overwhelmed by their love and support, I decided I couldn't sit home and brood any longer. It wouldn't bring Jess or our baby back and it sure wasn't doing me any good. Some friends had suggested a hiking trip or something to get away but I wanted to help someone. I was sick of sitting around thinking about myself all day.
"Pastor H! Sit with us!" Patty was calling me over to sit with her and her friends. I took off my apron and gloves, grabbed a grilled cheese, and headed over.
"Sit here!" I believe her name was Mary pointed to a seat beside her.
"Pastor H, I did what you said. I told that guy I wouldn't do that stuff no more. My body was a... what did you call it again? " Most of these girls depended on a guy to get them drugs. They didn't have money and they weren't handing out drugs for charity.
"Temple, your body is a temple, Mary."
"Yeah, that's it... a temple. It's a hungry temple right now." When I first met Mary, she cussed me for not giving her enough coleslaw. She had such anger in her. It was miraculous what God had been doing in these girls and guys who were coming. I felt such honor that they let me talk into their hurt and pain. It was a God-thing for sure.
"Derek, did you apply for that job I told you about. I called and put in a good word. My friend told me he give you a shot as long as you could pass the drug test and showed up on time." Derek was about 6'7' and was one of the most intimidating guys I had ever met. He had a face tattoo that covered every bit of skin. He was all muscle. While I hadn't asked him, I was told he fought in some kind of cage matches and was pretty successful.
"Nah man. I got a good gig going. I hear Larry over there is pretty down and out. What you think about giving him a crack at it?"
"Derek, I hope your "gig" isn't going to get you in trouble. I am not trying to pry but I need you around. Who else is going to protect me from Patty." A piece of grilled toast hit me in the head. She had good aim.
" Its all good, Pastor H. I will be ok. You will be seeing me." Derek was a regular. Sometimes he brought his two year old son, Jaffrey. He was already tall for his age and was going to follow in his daddy's footsteps. My breakthrough with Derek had been when he had to have surgery on his shoulder and the mom would not take Jaffrey. I asked if I could help and he jumped at it. I, of course, had no idea what to do so I solicited the help of Jackie. Word spread and before I knew it I had fifteen ladies over with diapers, food, and toys. They all offered to take Jaffrey home and help but I refused. I was out of my element but I was doing this for Derek. I mean how bad could it go anyway.
