by: Tim Chester

The Toronto Missions trip challenged my perspective.  The team was made up of Amanda Grierson, Amanda Gray, Angela Meinzinger, Katie Gosse, Ben Ahrens, Ben Boogerman, Dr. Roy, and me (Tim Chester).  Josh McClement was our host along with Mark Mclimont (who is an alumni of EBC). 

As a team we did lots of things.  We sorted cans, made beds, handed out sandwiches, and much more.  We were kept busy throughout the week with numerous activities.  Interacting with homeless people and getting a feel for their problems is very draining.  Learning about prostitution (male and female) and what seems to be the hopelessness that they feel is heart breaking.  At the start of the trip we were all asked the question “what is a homeless person?”  By the end of the week I figured that “homeless” is the term that society uses to separate those who have stuff (meaning the basic necessities of life food, shelter, etc…) and those who do not.  People are people.  Every homeless person has a story just like you and I.  With this in perspective I was left with many questions. 

How can I solve prostitution?  What do I say to a homosexual checking me out? (We were walking through Gaytown.)  Does it take violence to stop violence in gangs?  Can Jesus really set people free from drugs?  What should I say to a homeless person who is perfectly content to spend their entire welfare check on alcohol? Do I really need to worry about these things?  Maybe I should just mind my own business.  Has my faith changed my life enough that it might help change the life of someone else?  Does the infinite power of the Holy Spirit really dwell inside of my body?  It certainly does not seem like it for me.  Where is Jesus anyway?

This trip was not exactly fun for me.  I felt the weight of all these things all week.  When I honestly evaluate the situation I am very confused and searching. I see no hope outside of the hope of God’s intervention.  Oh wait, that would require us to be God’s hands and feet.  I am too busy with school to worry about it right now.  Maybe the next generation will step up to making God’s heart their own.  I do not want to sound bitter.  I am just really struggling to be broken.  These things are bigger than me—these things require supernatural solutions.  I think God wants us to take part—but I fear that we are afraid to respond.  The world is not the way God intended it to be and I am guilty of doing nothing.