Under the Overpass:

To pray together with fellow Christians who live Under the Overpass, to lift up the Lord and Honor His Name is a blessing that can't be described in this testimony. So many times, Christians think of ways to take, remove and fix the problems of those very poor on the streets. Who are we to fix? Does God desire to uproot our sins in this matter? God overlooks, protects and has certain people to be poor (very poor) so they can touch others in their societies that exist (the underground network). God has certain people destined to be very poor all their life so they can bring The Light of Christ where they travel. Who do the homeless touch? They touch the people who serve them, the people that they trust to associate with and others who are holding on to life. This is apparent to Strong Towers because we know the Light of Christ lives everywhere, not just in a shelter, but also Under the Overpass. May His will be done.

A Recovery to Remember:

The team was located in a great location in the City of Baltimore, where homeless and very poor are always available for a meal, blessing and the Word of God. Today was no exception. I noticed a regular that we served back in 2010 and his name is Sam. Sam looked like a new person today. Last year, he was very addicted to alcohol and could barely stand and walk. The addiction almost killed him. As he accepted a meal from our team today (the Cross), I was so elated to see him and mentioned I recognized him. He told me his testimony (a blessing). See, he was at a point where even a Shelter turned him away. He then cried out to the Lord and the Father answered. One thing led to another, and he went to the hospital and rehabilitation. In the hospital, he was handed a tethered and well used bible from someone that wanted to pass on her legacy from her life – her bible! He described his new bible in great detail to me. Sam mentioned his bible had so many quotes, phone numbers of people to call, underlines, and scriptures. During his time of need, they will touch him, guide him and the Word of God will come alive into his heart. I saw the Light of Christ in his eyes this day. Before we departed, he so graciously accepted a prayer that I offered in the name of Jesus. I gave him a big hug and told him not to give up. I hope to see him soon.

The Light of Christ:

During the cold months in the late evenings, the homeless need more love and compassion than are typically administered by teams that touch them in the daylight. In the winter, the homeless scene changes - people disperse for survival. To find the 'real' homeless, one must surrender their late evenings to reach and touch them. After arriving alone one evening to this overpass, I called out if anyone was there. Two voices answered under the bridge and a flash light welcomed me to ensure I didn't trip on the rocks. Was this a flash light or the Light of Christ? Walking to the homeless and serving the homeless has such meaning that the number of scriptures applied to this single event would take up more space than this website has room for. As I got adjacent to his bed, I found he has already read a passage from Corinthians. After introductions and knowing that part of our team touched him with food and prayer a few months ago, I handed them two Strong Towers survival packs – it’s the least I can do. We quickly had a lot in common I found. By accident? I held hands with the man and prayer began. He opened up in prayer with a touching power that some Christians are blessed to receive - A prayer in tongues. He prayed in tongues and I prayed in English, we each called upon The Name of the Lord, held hands and I knew the Fathers Will was done this evening. Oh, what a blessing to be In the Blood of Christ. Who was more humbled, blessed and who received more mercy?  For Christ Alone!

Answering Basic Prayers:

It was sunny afternoon when the team pulled into a tourist part of the City. We were too busy preparing and packing meals and didn't get a chance to talk with the crowd. A volunteer asked a homeless man if he can pray for him. He said with a look of love and boldness, "you already answered my prayer". Praise Jesus to allow sinners to accomplish his Purpose.

Surviving under Bridges:

When time and logistics are in our favor, we visit Mike who lives under an overpass outside the City. Mike has been living under this bridge for a long time. Unknown how long. He is very distant from even the teams that provide food and prayer but is warming up slowly. He survived the blizzards of 2010. We visited Mike recently and after handing him enough meals for two days, we asked him if he needed a sleeping bag, pillows or anything and he said "no, I am okay". He allowed prayer to be administered and he was very thankful. Every situation is very complicated and not as easy to solve by just one, two or 100 visits. Trust is so important for individuals that are outcasts of this society. Trust to those that are hurting so deeply is imperative to maintain. When broken, one mise as well pack up their operations and move to the next overpass. How many people that are not living under bridges have a parallel story to Mike?

Sinners attracting Sinners:

It was a damp Saturday morning. The team of volunteers, not dressed for the weather, were cold but the Spirits were high. We pulled into a drug infested neighborhood of Baltimore City hoping for a good turnout. Two scouts went ahead to draw some of the crowds. We were seen as fish out of water since everyone knew we weren't of the area however after visiting the same location time and time again, we were recognized. After someone who was completely overtaken by alcohol decided to take our offer for a meal, he accompanied the volunteer down the alley to where the team of volunteers was. After receiving food, clothing, prayer and love, he began to complain and just talk about his experiences at shelters. See, he wasn't good enough or wasn't part of the "under ground network" that exists within the homeless community. He was an outcast. After venting, he then said, "I am going up to these streets and going to bring down people for you". This broken, crushed individual led the entire community of poor and homeless to our volunteers. How humbling is that? We are the same sinners.

New Shoes:

A homeless man, after offered a bible, proclaimed he had one and only relies on Jesus. He shared a story. After finding a safe area on the ground near a high-rise for his next bed, he went about his business. Returning to his bed that evening (hard concrete floor adjacent to a building), he found a pair of shoes waiting for him. God knew his needs and understood his pain.

Grace to Survive:

In a drug-infested neighborhood, the line was long but the people were patient when receiving a meal and some donated clothing. In the line was one of our favorite customers that we haven't seen in some time. She was a hard-drug user for many many years and after being reuniting by eye contact, we exchanged hugs. She proclaimed that she was sober now for 6 months and had a new boy friend. Most of her family is dead and her story is one that can make a front page of any newspaper. After seeing someone in a hard addiction and now coming clean, the physical and emotional difference was breathtaking. Thank you Lord for the Grace that allows us to breath and survive in this world.

Moving Mountains:

After coming accross three homeless people, I gave food to the first, then asked what was the story with the gentleman on the nearby bench. He said he was "messed up" but did say the 2nd homeless person might be hungry as well. After feeding the 2nd homeless man, I was very interested in speaking with the "messed up" person sleeping on the curb. Approaching the "messed up" homeless man, I kept a little distance, and woke him up to ask if he needed a meal. He did and accepted it graciously. I spoke to him a little about his story (he shared) and it was evident he was getting over an evening of drug use. I offered to take him to a Christ Centered missions and he didn't think he needed it. I offered prayer, and he was "okay". I said "okay then" and turned to leave. Coming behind me were 2 volunteers from Where Eagles Soar and I followed their lead and we started to pray for this gentleman. In Jesus name, we prayed and called out to Jesus for this mans health and protection. The homeless man broke down in tears and thanked us. The Christ Centered missions was again mentioned and we then left. As we were leaving, he was walking toward the missions. We drove around the block as we left and handed our card and encouraged him to continue.

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