They are Coming

We have so many people!! When I am asked how things are going at the PARC, I kind of stare at them in wonder and just say, "We have so many people!" That is kind of all that I can say. I know that as we prepared and planned and raised money to build this building we knew that we needed more room. But the truth is that I had no idea. It is now our normal to have 80 - 100 people walk through our doors on a daily basis. That isn't counting staff or volunteers. That is solely those who are homeless that are coming to the PARC! I can't say it without being a little in shock. That is the only word that comes to me. I knew, by faith, that more would come but the truth is, I didn't imagine this many this fast! It has happened so fast!

I am often asked the reasons I think that we have so many more. The truth is that I don't know. I do believe that there are more of those that are homeless. I also believe that because of having more room and a beautiful place designed just for them makes members feel more comfortable coming. But I truly believe that the real reason is that we are right on time.

God knew. He knew all along. From the moment we planted our feet at 413 SW 6th in 2014 in our little adobe building, He knew. I had big dreams, but not this big! Not this big or this beautiful. He knew. 

I think of all the people that have been a part of this growth, this miracle. All of you that have passed through and are still passing through to be a part of this tremendous and amazing work. A work that I believe truly comes from the heart of God. His heart of love for all people, especially those that are often so misunderstood and unseen. God knew. As we have grown we have become even more dependent on our volunteers. It is a lot of work taking care of this many people and many of you have stepped up. We need more stuff! When we asked for coffee, you showed up and you keep showing up. When we needed more chairs, in such a very short time all of the chairs had been ordered, bought and paid for. Many of you are bringing the basics such as plates and cups, creative supplies and all of those things that we need so much more of now.

And of course those of you that give financially. Wow. I am still in awe that we built this building and now we are operating on such a level! It is over the top! Over all my expectations. Sometimes people compliment me and thank me for doing this 'work'. To be truthful that is hard for me. I cannot take credit, because without you this would never have happened. It had to be all of you doing God's work in your way. 

I've been reading Nehemiah. I love that story. When the time is needed the whole country comes together so that each family can do their part, build the part of the wall that is their responsibility. Most of them were not builders by trade. They just did their part even when it was out of their comfort zone. And the wall got built.

I feel like that a lot. Each of ,us has come together to do our part, and as each of us comes together amazing things get built. With each of you we have built a place of safety and security. A place of grace and God's love. It took all of us and it will take all of us and even more to keep it strong, welcoming and ready to bring them inside these walls. Can our building hold more? You bet it can! Do we need to build bigger? Don't talk to me about that - YET! haha I will be honest with you, though. It is in our vision to expand and to keep expanding as long as God sees fit. I never dreamed of this. But God did.