Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan, 'Press on,' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race - Calvin Coolidge
Serenity prayer
The summer before I started working with my homeless friends I realized that loving people isn't always comfortable and that everyone desires to feel loved and cared. When I came to Midamerica Nazarene University last fall, I was presented with the opportunity to "minister to the homeless" by feeding and hanging out with them downtown every Sunday night. It only took one trip down to the park to give me the passion to dedicate myself to the ministry.
Although I started going downtown to minister to the "homeless," it has evolved into going downtown to hang out with my friends who have feelings of love and hurt, just like myself. I know that I cannot fix most of my friend's problems, but I will do what I can by listening.
We all want to be feed. We all want to have investing friends. We all want to be heard. We all want to be loved.
Helping and Loving the Homeless has given me a different, grander perspective on life and presented me with a tangible way to live it out.
Before I came to college, I knew I wanted to get involve with some type of activity that I could serve. When I heard about the homeless ministry, I thought it would be something cool to try out. I went down with the group to the plaza and was hooked ever since. Since I have been down to the plaza and have made friends with some of the homeless, my perspective has changed in many ways. I view homeless people as regular people and consider the people I have met at the plaza to be my friends. I have learned how much I judge people and how my judgments can be totally off. I have learned how important it is to not take things for granted. I feel that instead of me ministering to the homeless sometimes the homeless are ministering to me. I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to get to know some of the homeless and to become friends with them. I believe they have made an impact on my life forever.
Deanna Williams
Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.
Jesse Jackson
When I was younger I grew up in the country of Guatemala as missionary kid. I saw great poverty and since then have always wanted to do what ever I could to help those in need. During the fall and winter of 2006 I visited the Country club plaza a few times with friends for dinner or to hang out. As we walked the plaza we noticed that there were numerous people on the streets with out homes. I was surprised to see such a contrast between rich and poor in the same area. in march of 2007 my friend Erik had an idea to take a portable barbecue to the park next to the plaza and just cook some burgers and hang out with the homeless. At first I was nervous and didn't really know how to act around them. I soon realized though that I only needed to be my self and to be a friend. I went to minister to them however I have learned more from them than I ever could have imagined. I have come to truly understand what it means that everyone has value no matter who they are or what they have done. 1 Corinthians 1 says that "God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are." I have come to realize that although our society may look down on those who may be in a troubled situation God loves them just as much as those who are rich or powerful. I am very excited about Mr. Woo's vision to begin a homeless shelter for those around the area who have the desire to get back on their feet, and am excited to get involved in the project.
Nate Howard
Kansas City Star Feature
ARTISTS HELPING THE HOMELESS - A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION LENDING A HELPING HAND ONE STEP AT A TIME CONTACT E-MAIL: KATO@ARTISTSHELPINGTHEHOMELESS.ORG
