Author Thread: Breakfast with Bob -- A homeless man ? Breakfast with Bob -- A homeless man Posted: Thursday, February 28, 2008 9:04 AM (CST) We were awakened about 3 A.M. yesterday morning by a police officer that told us my daughters car rear drivers side door had been smashed by vandals. Although we live in a nice neighborhood, the policeman said there had been a rash of car burglaries and vandalism. Not feeling really compassionate toward the person that did the dasterly deed, I went to the auto glass shop to have it replaced. While it was being fixed I walked over to a nearby fast food restaurant near downtown. As I was walking toward the restaurant, I saw a man that was extremely dishelved and appeared to be homeless standing outside the restaurant. I realized this was the person with whom I should share my offering. As I walked up, I asked if he had breakfast and he replied No. I asked if he would like to come in to let me buy and he agreed. He only ordered a Ham and Cheese sandwich and hot coffee. I tried to get him to order more, or more specifically to get a Spangles Cinamon Roll. He said he didn't need it as it made him ill to eat too much. I carried the food to him and asked if I could sit with him. We talked a little about the weather (It was in the mid 20's with a high Kansas wind). He said it was "out of the blue" that I came by to offer him breakfast. I said No it wasn't coincidence, but that God had sent me. I told him about my car, but that God brought good out of it because I was able to have breakfast with him. I used the opportunity to witness to him and to let him know that God can be there to give him peace when circumstances are difficult. He didn't want me to pray with him at the time, but I've remembered him in my prayers since. He told me he was raised in an orphanage in New Jersey. I could hardly understand him, in part, because he spoke so softly and also I suspect he may not have been coherant. As I was about to leave, I asked if he minded if I gave him money for lunch. I had debated whether to actually hand him money because I thought he would probably "drink" it. But, I decided that was up to him to decide, it was my job to give. I handed him the remaining $4.00 I had in my pocket. To my utter astonishment, he gave me $3 back! He said he would buy coffee, but to take the rest. I cannot express enough on how privilged I was to have shared breakfast with this man. I tried to be respectful to him as I doubt few people call him "sir". I don't know if my words will have an impact, but I pray it does. I have shared this testimony on a Christian Chat room that I am active that has several thousand readers. About 90% of the participants are pastors. I asked that they distribute $5 each to their congregation so the people could see firsthand the benefits of giving. I noted that it is far too easy to take up an offering to be distributed by the church Business Manager, but to give it directly themselves was much more beneficial. I hope thousands of small and large Churches throughout the US will replicate this process. It has been said that "it only takes a spark to get a fire going". Thank you for lighting the fire.