MY CITY WITH DWELLINGS STORY
Reverend Paul Wollner, Augsburg Lutheran Church, shares how the work of CwD has expanded his heart for his neighbors experiencing homelessness.
John Cahoon, Artist and CwD Volunteer, shares how the work of CwD has created a special community for his own life and has encouraged him to share his gifts with his neighbors.
John Cahoon, Artist and CwD Volunteer, shares how the work of CwD has created a special community for his own life and has encouraged him to share his gifts with his neighbors.
John Cahoon, Artist and CwD Volunteer, shares how the work of CwD has created a special community for his own life and has encouraged him to share his gifts with his neighbors.
MY CITY WITH DWELLINGS STORY
Joyce Carter, long-time City with Dwellings volunteer and Winter Shelter Monitor shares how her work and relationship with the CWD Community has shaped her understanding of God.
I first started working with City with Dwellings 7 years ago when we provided shelter in the old First Baptist gym. I had retired from teaching and was feeling useless, when this “happened.” (God has a way of doing that when we listen…) I found a new, profound passion in life and have not been the same since.
At first, I concentrated so hard on trying to show Christ to all those experiencing homelessness. It didn’t take long to realize that I was looking into the face of Jesus every time I encountered a guest. God said for me to serve God’s people, love them, and know that they are my neighbor. I had no idea of the personal blessings. This season is all about light.
We talk a lot about bringing light into dark places; about Jesus being the light of the world. Candles are in our Advent wreaths and homes. It’s a lovely symbol. But when you look into the face of someone who has nothing: when you see someone with so little sharing with the one without - when you realize that your smallest act of kindness has a significant impact on more than one life - THEN you understand how powerful light is.
When we all come together in Community to ensure that the least, the lonely, and the lost have light, then we begin to defeat the darkness in our world. The only thing that will defeat darkness is light. And it is up to us to make sure the light shines, especially with our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
City with Dwellings has given me the opportunity not only to serve, but to be served. To love my neighbors and be loved in return. To reach out to our broader community and enlist others in helping spread light and love. Community is powerful. I’ve learned, and it’s my credo: it’s not enough to SEE the Light, we have to BE the Light.
