Heartbreak for the Homeless

When I came to Leipzig, I expected most of what I would experience in terms of evangelism would be very heady.  I expected mainly philosophical conversations with scientists who think little of religion at all, and may have no respect for it.  I have encountered many scientists in my stay here, and they are able to talk about religion quite freely, though it is always the same answer of "I believe in my five senses."

What is surprising is that I have found more homeless than I expected here in this city.  Not many, but still, as Christ said, the poor we will always have with us (Mark 14:7).  Two encounters I've had so far have broken my heart.

The first was with a simple beggar along the side of the road.  There are many people who play music along the streets downtown for change passerbys might throw their way.  This man was simple: he was obviously weak, tired, no instruments, no gimmicks.  Just a simple hat at his feet.  As I walked by him the first time, I saw he had had a leg injury, evidenced by the need for a crutch that lay at his side.

At first, I didn't know what to do.  I decided to enter an historic church and silently seek God for a few moments.  Inwardly, though, I knew I needed to go back.  I quickly looked up the German word for "to pray" (beten), and approached the man.  I spoke in quite broken German how I wanted to pray for him.  He essentially accepted any help that I would offer.  I prayed that he would know the love and power of God in new ways... and that God is with him.  I then placed some coins into his hat, and then noticed that his skull was partially caved in.  I again offered if I could pray for his healing.  Again, a yes, and more prayer continued.  I know not whether his leg and head were healed, but he kept saying "danke" as I was leaving.  I only hope he did not see me as above him in my attempts to help.

The second man I encountered was just today.  He was wild, had unkempt hair and clothes, and was shouting at everyone that came near him.  My thoughts immediately went to demon possession.  I began to pray under my breath for the man, commanding anything of the evil one to leave him alone.  Yet in spite of this, I did not go up to him and confront whatever was over him.  He continued to shout and run this way and that, always a little ways ahead of me, though never directed toward me.  He eventually turned to go to a garden, while I had to turn to go to work.  Something in me just wanted to go over and pray out the evil.  I know not what held me back.  Fear?  Doubt?  Unreadiness?  I know not.  I simply pray God would make me prepared for the next time.

Demon possession in Europe?  No way, crazy!  They're under a spirit of atheism over there.

Yet I see this and wonder if it is a guise for something more dastardly the enemy might introduce underground.

God, use me to readch the broken in this city.  I care not how few or how many they are.  I just ask that You would continue to show me them, bring them across my path.  And God, may Your Spirit counsel me in sharing with them the Way of Christ.

in Love,
MJW