Amaze Factor. (The compelling things that make this a must-read for all people, especially Christians and especially Christian church leaders.)
· Their courage to make the decision to go homeless. Mike’s heart was prompted for this mission field and he followed it. Amazing for such a young guy to have such a commitment and trust; thoughtful and biblical approach in preparing for it. He demonstrates an example that all of us pew potatos need to learn from.
· The realization that homeless people can be giving. There were a few scenes where either Mike was surprised to meet homeless people who were generous with him (as a homeless person); and/or where homeless people he shared with were surprised that another homeless person would share. This caused me the reader to understand for the first time that we can’t simply assume the same stereo-type exists for all homeless people – specifically that they are takers.
· The realization that homeless people can take care of each other. Mike was taken under the wing –mentored – befriended by - a couple of homeless people. Amazing. OTUP offered some examples of mentors, caregivers, and friends. I had a real Ah-Ha moment that homeless people sometimes look out for each other (but mostly don't) and, that there is an opportunity to somehow rally the homeless population to have more solidarity in love - rather than fear. Just because they are homeless, and trying to survive day to day, there is no reason they can’t have more responsibility for each other’s welfare...God's will is in EVERYONE, homeless included. Remember: love God, love each other?
· Once you are homeless it is assumed that the only source for food is handouts from other people. This is something the author fell right in step with and didn't notice that he could try to find edible food from indigenous plants or animals. Not there to change the status quo - just there to partake in it.
· There were at least 3 accounts of Christians and/or Christian churches being helpful and generous with him as a homeless person!!!! YES!
No, Duh! Factor (Things they discovered on the street that society already knew – but was news to the author):
· Homeless people are generally selfish, un-medicated psychotics, addicted to drugs or alcohol, and not trustworthy.
· Christian churches don’t like homeless people loitering on their campuses.
· Christian Church congregations are judgmental.
· Christians – even though they are called to be more caring than non-Christians – are not unlike the entire population in ignoring homeless people when it comes to a face-to-face, personal interaction.
· The author is surprised that people don’t want to be near him – why? He speaks disdainfully about a family sitting near him in a restaurant. He and they are the only customers – except he isn’t a customer, he's loitering. He’s smelly, dirty, and sitting there waiting for them to leave – we find out later - so he can eat their leftovers. No, duh! Of course they don’t want to be near you, silly! As a Christian conducting a Christian experiment I believe Mike should have been more tolerant of people making choices to NOT give to or help the homeless - time and time again, he is upset at not getting the hand outs he hopes for. Rather, I believe it would have been more God-honoring to accept that people have the gift of free will; and to pray for those who used this gift for bad - to not to help someone in need.
Truthfully, us Christians are called to give quickly and without thinking about it. To give before the right hand knows what the left hand is doing. And we don't. Even Mike tells us how to give (don't go alone), what to give (don't give cash). Well, that's just not biblical. It drives me crazy to hear Christian pastors, educators and now, authors advising people to give but with conditions. STOP IT!
Sidenote: I think Mike picks on Christian churches because he is Christian and therefore only went to seek worship and/or refuge at such. It's not meant to be a Christian-bashing book, but can come off like it because Mike wants to be an accepted member of the body of Christ when he goes to worship - and well, he got rejected...a lot.
We Christians know better yet we still can't get over ourselves in order to welcome everyone in His love. That being said, and for what it's worth, I believe if Mike and/or any homeless person went to a mosque, temple, shrine, or any other non-christian religious place of worship – they would have been rejected all the same. :-)
Bottom line is that everyone who can read should read this book in order that all become better at helping, our homeless population.
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