A Reflection from Deacon Steve
Molly never forgets that once she and her family were homeless, left out in the cold. So it was not surprising visiting Molly and her family just before Christmas with gifts and food that she suddenly had 7 more mouths to feed. This family was put out into the cold on December 22nd after the city of Milwaukee deemed the house they were renting was unsafe.

With shelters from Chicago to Oshkosh full, it was Molly who came to the rescue. Molly welcomed the family in from the cold and invited them to live with her until a new house to rent could be located. The family graciously accepted.

I am always amazed at the number of people who donate money to Franciscan Peacemakers who include notes with their donations remembering the kindness of others when they were faced with hopeless situations. From women who had been subjected to physical abuse to men who recalled difficult times of unemployment--these are just some examples of the crisis some folks have faced in their lives.

Jesus reminds us that we are never forgotten by God. In our most troubling moments, it is God who is a constant presence.

When out on the streets, many of the women I reach out to will recount the moments they knew God was with them.

It may have been at the moment they woke in an alley or in an abandoned house after a night of prostituting and drug use. Several recall those were moments they contemplated suicide, and then a feeling or a sense that it was God's voice and presence that gave them the desire to live and try again to leave the grip of drugs.

Over Christmas I heard from two former clients, Marilyn and Lenora. Both reported they were doing well. Both were clean and employed and their lives are improving each day. Both women also expressed gratitude for the support of Franciscan Peacemakers in their most difficult times.

I also can't forget the many women who have tried to make the break from the streets only to return. We go out in search of these women and sometimes they come back.

It is with humility and gratitutde that I do not forget all who make our work possible, our donors. Each time we hit the streets you, our donors, are with us. Each time we feed a child, you are there. At the times I washed the dried blood from the face of a women who had been assaulted, you were with me. When I hold children who are frightened or just need to be assured, you are wrapping your arms around them with me.

Thank you for your generosity.

Deacon Steve Przedpelski

PAGE 1 | NEXT >