Amazing encounter

My new friend and sister in Christ

As we were walking on the streets of Vancouver, myself and two other chaplains came across a young lady sitting beside a crossing walk stand. She was singing and pan handling. We almost walked by her when we were prompted to go back a few steps and talk with her.

We discovered that she was very hungry. She was in need of something as simple as a sandwich or bowl of warm soup. We offered to take her to Tim Horton's to buy her lunch. She was willing to join us.

As we fed her and chatted we quickly discovered that we were in the presence of an amazing lady. There is so much I could share about her but there is simply not enough blog space to do so. So for now I am going to give you a very condensed version of what she shared. I am also including a video she granted me to do of her.

This young lady was 30 years old. She has been on the streets since age 18. She came from a very difficult childhood and chose to go to the streets at that time. She had the opportunity as a young child to go to church, but at some point rejected anything God had for her. She ended up turning to the street culture that stole away all of her self esteem.

One night not too long ago she decided to end her life. She had nothing to live for. As she stood on the bridge, she cried out to God. She felt that God told her not to take her life but to go to a church and stay there and that God would help her in the morning. She did what God told her to do, and He did help her in the morning.

That next morning she met a wonderful caring lady who took her in. That woman loved her, and held her. She taught her and encouraged her. She was supported in every way possible. She educated her about Christ and His love and forgiveness.

Today, my new friend is in Bible School studying theology. She is still dependent on the generosity of people to survive. She absolutely 100% trusts God. She goes to the streets to panhandle just so she can have money to go to internet cafes so she can listen to worship music. How beautiful is that.

She loves the word of God. Her Bible is worn and tattered beyond description. On the back of it is a note with her email address and phone number if anyone should find it, because she loves the Bible. She explains more of this in the six minute video I shot.

She has just finished reading the Old Testament. In her words she said, "When I was reading it, I asked God to write the words of scripture on my heart and He did it. Even now I can remember many many verses perfectly." She even went so far as to drill a hole in here Bible so that she could attach it to her belt because she never wants to lose His word.

Enjoy the words she shared to others who may be on the streets or discouraged. Her words have had a profound impact on me. I know it will on you too.