Meet Lawrence

This is Lawrence. Lawrence is part of our church family, and he is an exceptional person. While this isn't really my story to tell, Lawrence gave me permission to share.

During the week leading up to Christmas, Portland endured its worst winter storm (actually a series of storms) in 40 years. Most of us hunkered down in our homes, keeping warm and venturing out as little as possible. Some didn't have a home in which to hide, so the local homeless shelters received as many people as they could.

There were, however, some who were turned away from the shelters. The Union Gospel Mission had room for people, but not for the pets belonging to the poorest of the poor. While they would have been happy to give beds, they had no means of housing animals. Unfortunately, taking their pets to the animal shelter would probably mean losing them forever. Anyone needing shelter who was not willing to abandon his/her pet, had no choice but to remain outside in the coldest weather in 5 years.

That's where Lawrence enters in. While most people weren't aware of the problem or, if they were, just put it out of their minds, Lawrence put love into action. Remembering 3 homeless men who died from exposure during the winter 0f 2007-2008, he contacted PetSmart's national headquarters, made them aware of the problem and asked them to help. PetSmart very graciously donated 8 pet crates, food and pet accessories (collars, pet toys, etc.). On Tuesday (December 23rd) Lawrence enlisted some help to pick up the crates and supplies and deliver them to Union Gospel Mission.

As of early evening, the mission had already received three homeless men and their dogs. If it hadn't been for Lawrence's intervention and PetSmart's generosity, these guys would have slept outdoors in the freezing temperatures. If you haven't yet figured out the magnitude of Lawrence's choice to make a difference, you need to know that a Eugene, Oregon homeless man died that same evening, from exposure to the elements.

He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker. (Proverbs 17:5) The church cannot rest while the poor are freezing to death. The church has to do something, and this week Lawrence reminded me that I'm the church.

What are you going to do about it?