Yesterday, I experienced something that has reminded me of the importance of my calling – and the calling of every believer. I had the opportunity to walk among the forgotten.
As I walked down a 3 block area of Hastings Street in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, I witnessed drugs passing openly. Homeless and desperate people bartered and sold things they had found on the street trying to get enough money scraped together for their next hit. There were little shops set up in abandoned buildings where clean needles could be acquired.
It is not that I have not looked into the eyes of poverty or addiction before. Honestly, I am saddened to say, it was not as shocking as I had been led to believe it would be before making the trek. I guess the experience was just a reminder for me.
As I have processed this experience, what is the most overwhelming to me is the question: “What can I do about it?”
We all face this question in large or small ways. Each and every day we come into contact with desperate people. The difference is that the folks I saw yesterday are the forgotten ones. Most of the desperation we see is masked with a smile.
The answer to the question of what can be done is the same for all of us. I think it can be simplified into three words – Show them Jesus. And the way you do that is to 1) Live your faith and 2) Tell your story.
Jesus has made all the difference in my life. My story can help others see what Jesus can do in their lives.
As we look into the eyes of poverty or hurt or desperation today – the answer is not welfare. The answer is not a handout. The answer is not even encouragement.
The answer is Jesus!
Be a blessing today!
Clay in the Hands 
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