Motivated to Love

The following quote from Milton Vincent in the book called The Gospel Primer aptly describes my reasons for doing street outreach. He says, “When my mind is fixed on the gospel, I have ample stimulation to show God’s love to other people. For I am always willing to show love to others when I am freshly mindful of the love that God has shown me. Also, the gospel gives me the wherewithal to give forgiving grace to those who have wronged me, for it reminds me daily of the forgiving grace that God is showing me.”

Doing street outreach is hard. We arrive at OIM in the early evening and pack up our wagons with supplies. Then, we head out in teams down the streets of Ottawa, regardless of the weather. We meet street friends, both known to us and new. Some are friendly, and some are not. Some are thankful to see us, and some are not. Pulling the wagon is physically demanding, and some of our conversations are emotionally and even spiritually difficult. We return to OIM, unpack whatever is left over and pray together for those we have met.

But when I think of the gospel and how Jesus has loved me, while His enemy, I am motivated to love our friends on the street and to serve them in Jesus’ name. Even if I am mistreated by some, I can forgive them, knowing that I have been forgiven for so much more.

Although it is hard, it is a privilege to serve the Lord by loving those on the streets of Ottawa.

~ Sarah, Volunteer and Program Coordinator