The first night we arrived at training camp, my team was instructed to live homeless on the streets of Atlanta for the evening; in this assignment, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit was vital. After speaking to and praying for multiple people, we met Piccu. Piccu was sitting alone in an abandoned bus stop accompanied by an industrial trash bag filled with all he had to his name. My team grew to love this teddy bear of a man and grew more and more affectionate towards how sweet and harmless he was. We decided to use the $8 we had been given in order to feed him and we were determined to get him a place to sleep for the night. Overwhelmed with the desire to serve Piccu, we decided to carry his things, get him something to eat, and hunt for some hospitality. Lindsey, Jess, and I carried Piccu’s bag. I will have you know that this load was mightily heavy and was surely coated in urine. One hill turned into two mountains and three blocks turned into a few miles. We carried this burden across downtown Atlanta and back again and in the midst of this seemingly horrible experience, i was filled with much joy and satisfaction. We pray to be the hands and feet of Jesus and some of us even convince ourselves that we do what Jesus did. But in that moment i knew that i wasn’t simply willing to serve– i WAS serving. I literally became the hands and feet of Jesus. I suddenly became so honored to carry this homeless man’s smelly bag of junk. It was strange to know that Jesus was pleased with this instance and that in that moment, my father was so proud. It was so good to be used and feel used.
