From the beginning of October to the end of April each year, Willow opens its doors each Thursday to serve the homeless. In fact, Willow is one of 19 churches in the northwest suburbs to partner with Journeys from PADS to Hope. (PADS stands for Public Action to Deliver Shelter). Journeys, a non-profit organization that serves individuals who are homeless or at risk of being homeless, provides an array of services including mental health counseling, vocational rehabilitation, housing assistance, and overnight shelter sites that offer a safe, warm place to sleep and eat hot meals. That's where Willow comes in. Every Thursday evening during this seven-month period, Willow offers guests from Journeys transportation to the church, a hot supper, laundry facilities, a place to sleep, breakfast, and a bag lunch to take with on Friday morning when they leave.
The Core of PADS
"Among the guests of PADS, Willow has a very good reputation," says Volunteer Site Coordinator Lee Larson. Lee believes Willow’s volunteers are the reason. Not only do they show up for different shifts at all hours of the night, but they also purchsae food, prepare meals, and donate whatever is needed. Each year the volunteers return for another PADS season to serve. Why? They have a heart for the people they serve. Volunteers develop close relationships with the guests by talking with them and listening to their stories. Perhaps this is why some volunteers take vacation days to serve at PADS. Or why other volunteers feel led to provide additional assistance to help guests escape the cycle of homelessness.
Planting a Seed
Due to their dire circumstances, guests of PADS are often open to spiritual conversations. Lee says, "Wherever there's an opportunity, we are open to how God leads us to plant a seed." Once the door opens, there's no telling where it will lead. Some of the former PADS guests now serve at Willow. But what astonishes Lee and the other volunteers is when they see former PADS guests getting baptized. This is how the volunteers know that's "where God wants them." Eighteen guests visited PADS during the first week of October 2010, which is 18 new children of God to serve.
Recent Comments