I made a few calls before one of my new Beaver Falls friends drove me to the big city. I tried to connect with a ministry or a church to find a place to stay in Pittsburgh so I wasn't left in the lurch (no idea what that actually means.) I was looking forward to this city and I didn't simply want to pass through in search of a friendly lawn.
The calls I made were fruitless, none of those that I connected with were able to put me up. So into the city we go.
We arrived at around 10:30 am, giving me confidence that I had time to get out of Pittsburgh if I needed to. I wandered a pretty cool district of town trying to meet the locals. After coffee and a short conversation, I headed towards downtown seeking a bed. I talked with a few people who were involved with Christian organizations and the consensus every time was to point me to the homeless shelter.
For the record, I am not above staying in a homeless shelter, but I considered it a last resort.
I stopped into a church where the receptionist directed me to someone else, who directed me to another who was out for lunch. It was a lively game of pass the vagrant. I waited for my next contact but I had a sense of the coldness in this building and as I was tossed around like a hot potato, I was loosing confidence in their hospitality.
When we finally met, I explained my situation along with the premise and some stories from my trip. I asked her if there was anyone who would be willing to take me in or let me camp on a lawn and this is how the conversation went.
Her: "We don't have anything set up for that."
My Inner Monologue: "What needs to be set up?"
Me: "I'm not looking for a program that you've set up, just wondering if anyone you know could put me up for the night."
Her: "Yeah, I'm sorry, there are some shelters for addicts, but we really don't have anything set up for that."
My Inner Monologue: "Who is this 'we' you keep talking about? I'm talking to you, you know, sister in Christ?"
Me: "I don't need a program, I just need some lawn space or a futon. Do you know anyone with a couch?"
Her: "No"
Inner Monologue: "Liar." And Or, "What kind of strange couchless world have I stepped into!?"
I proceeded to quote a section of Matthew 25, "I was hungry and YOU fed me, I was naked and YOU clothed me; I was a stranger and YOU TOOK ME IN." (though slightly more congienially than the capitol letters imply).
There was the impass; and I left.
I wandered downtown looking for another church with open doors, and to be honest, I was a little riled up from my last encounter, and looking for a fight.
The next open door had locked offices, but downstairs was a hot dog shop and cafe. I walked in and asked if there was any church staff in the building only to find out later that this cafe was barely affiliated with the gorgeous old world church above them, but connected with another ministry entirely.
After talking with the young owner, she started making phone calls to her friends to find a place for me to crash. And soon a young man came in that was more than willing to let me sleep on his floor. Soon enough, he and I were touring around town as he showed me the local sites and dropped into some great coffee houses.
I absolutely love this city! Asthetically, I have been amazed by every bit of old world architecture from the grand cathedrals to ivory covered abandoned factories and some boarded up homes, not to mention the Andy Warhol Museum with a Kieth Harring exhibit! So often I have wished for a camera or sufficient painting supplies to capture it in one fashion or another.
The communities and neighborhoods are all very vibrant and full of life as locals crowd sidewalks and shout greetings across the streets. And there is something that I can't quite put my finger on, but feels like an air of change or simply just a great potential, but for what I don't know.
We joined a party that was a collection of Grove City Graduates (Oh yeah, Harmony, I'm thinking of you,) most of whom are members of a local band that is performing tonight; and how could I turn down a concert?
We'll be headed out soon for the show and as far as I know, I will be leaving tomorrow with such thankfulness to these 'city folk' who have taken me in.
I will post more when I can, but for now, I have to get ready for a show!!
I LOVE YOU ALL! And to all a good night!?
Christopher Andrew
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4 comments:
Hi, Chris. I am thinking about you this morning. We just arrived home from church and many people aked about you. We gave your blog address to several people. Many people have told me how blessed they are when they read your postings. I hope that the people that read your writings understand how much you enjoy there comments. It makes the communication two way for you and provides encouragement which we all need. I continue to pray that God provides you a safe place to sleep each night and some food to eat and he has done that in many and various ways. We have a huge God and I am so proud of you for taking Him at His Word and trusting Him to provide your needs. I think as Americans we think our needs are the same as our wants but instead I should want what God wants for me. Thank you for making me think in those terms. I Love You and Miss You-Hope to hear form you soon. Love DAD
Chris...First, thanks for the sports reference in your title...I LOVED it.
Second, we love you, we miss you, and we hope that you continue on your trip with God that will not end when you reach Philly.
Bruce and Merv
"Left in the Lurch" This phrase originated from the 16th. Century French game called "Lourche" which no doubt Louie has played a lot. If a player ended up in a hopeless position from which they could not possibly win the game, they were said to be in a "Lurch". Another possible explanation is more interesting. It suggests that lurch is a noun originating from the word "lych" which is the old English word for "corpse". The "lych" gate was the spot in the old churches where coffins were kept until the clergy arrived to conduct the funeral. The theory goes that jilted brides would be "left in the lych (lurch)" when the errant bridegroom failed to appear. Now you know!
Seriously now, I am so enjoying reading your blogs. What courage, trust and faith you are showing, day by day and moment by moment. God's constant provision for your needs is no doubt exceeding all expectations. Why should we be surprised at that? We serve a great God who desires to give us so much if we would just learn to rely on Him more. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Love- One of your Uncle Jims
WAHAAHAAAAA!!!!
You were in PITTSBURGH!!! And GROVE CITY GRADS!!! (*singsong* hail to thee, my alma mater...). WAHEEEEEHAAAHAHA!!!
The first part of your story makes me think of a sermon I was listening to today that said something that initially took me back... but that I agree with now that I think about it. Be very, very careful if you every attempt to make the transition from calling your growth in Christ your "life" to calling it your "ministry" because it is a very small step from "ministry" to "business"... and Christ didn't call industries, He calls people... who are called for but one ambition- to become Christ-like.
Chris, it is GREAT to hear from you- I miss you and would give many valuable things to have the chance to chat. Heh- I guess I will have to chat by proxy through prayer ;)
(Yay Grove City!)
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