This is my friend Steve. We met Sunday, when he visited our church, and I spoke to him again briefly Monday morning, when I took these photos of him heading out of town. It’s highly unlikely we’ll meet again this side of heaven, but I have no doubt I will see him there.Steve is a pretty remarkable guy. After worship and over a cup of coffee (something he indulges in way too much), he told me he grew up in foster care, and admitted that he got into a lot of trouble when he was younger. But he also told me when, through the miracle of prevenient grace, he heard God calling his name, he answered yes, and it changed his life.
A changed life isn’t always an easier life. In this world, Steve is considered homeless. He travels around without an itinerary, riding his bike and pulling all of his earthly possessions, including his well-worn Bible, behind him in a small cart. He’ll be the first to tell you his life isn’t comfortable. Aside from the obvious hardships of his nomadic existence, people—even those who claim to emulate Jesus—can be downright mean. If you ask him why he thinks that is, he’ll say, “They don’t understand because they don’t know me. But I say, ‘I’m right here…take the time to get to know me!’”In our Sunday School class Steve pointed out that there are a lot of people who claim to be following the Lord when they’re really not (and we agreed wholeheartedly). But he's also quick to point out that "Jesus is in everything." In fact, rather than asking for prayers for himself, Steve asked us to pray for a man named Dennis, a drug addict he believes God led him to for the sole purpose of sharing the gospel.
How can it be that we are living lives of such material abundance but are so oblivious to God working all around us? It’s incomprehensible when you consider this man, who has so little but is keenly aware of God’s presence in his life. Is it possible that the true meaning of abundant living is being made manifest in Steve’s life because he allows himself to be used for God’s glory, regardless of his circumstances?
When I asked Steve if I could take his picture he readily agreed, with one condition: that his “Jesus is Lord” plate be clearly visible in the photo. That was fine with me, but I’m not sure he needs that plate to let people know where he stands. In fact, I’m not even sure I would call Steve “homeless.” Just before he pedaled off toward Damascus, he told me he wasn’t too fond of this world. But as I reminded him…we’re not home yet. Godspeed, Steve.
“But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”
~ 2 Peter 3:13
7 comments:
Susan, I really liked your story about Steve--what a free spirit. Reminds me of what David would probably be doing (only, in an RV) if he didn't have me to keep him "yard-locked & housebound"! Also, what you wrote about the 30 year high school reunion~~I believe if you started a blog and space for them to REALLY get to know one another, before the NEXT reunion, then maybe the conversations wouldn't be so "on the surface". As always, I enjoy your writing. ~~Donna Lynn
Steve sounds like such a gentle soul. How lucky that your paths crossed. Thank you for recounting such a sweet meeting, Susan.
Love, C.A.
hello. i met steve this evening and thought you might like to hear that he is just fine. he is staying in a work trailer (someone has set up), in a church parking lot in dalton, ga. he is still telling everyone he meets about Jesus. what a wonderful witness he is........he (very humbly)showed me a copy of your blog with his pictures.
Hi, I met Steve today outside the Laura Street Baptist Church in Maryville, Missouri. He showed me a copy of your blog as well. What an amazing servant! Glory be to God! Steve got here today after he had traveled up highway 136 from Cameron, Missouri. Talking with him after the evening service gave me a smile large enough to swallow a pickle sideways.
He seems to be doing just fine, attributing his health to God. Though it's raining, the pastor here has arranged a hotel room for him. He'll soon be on his way to Nebraska (God willing), making that state number 39 on his list of states visited. I'm very thankful that you (and so many others) are blessed enough to have crossed paths and talked with him. :)
P.S. I really admire the faith that God has given him. He mentioned to me that he never asks or begs, but rather he just prays to God. And, of course, the Father always provides for him what he needs.
P.S.S. I mentioned that Nebraska would be state number 39, but that was a typo. It will actually be number 30.
Hey I meet steve about a month back in Iowa he is doing well no longer has the book you spoke of or many other things said he had to get rid of his cart that followed his bike because of the rough roads.Had told be about the stay in missouri and many others. He was in Iowa and uncertain of where he was going. Cooks a really good chicken on tortilla meal! Wish him the best of luck.
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