Last night out on the streets of Alberton once again, be it within curfew limits of 21:00, it has become a point of discussion between the LOTS# of us on how we manage to do the rounds of 5 stops one hour short of our usual outreach. Nevertheless, the seed is planted, last night in Matt 20 vs 1-16 ‘ The Parable of the Landowner’ and the worth of a ‘Last Responder’. Also, Matt 18 vs 12, ‘The Parable of the Lost Sheep’ for the seed to be watered, nurtured, and spring root within the Soul.
As happens, someone would come to us asking to come clean of his / her addiction, usually heroine. This puts LOTS# in a predicament. How do we determine authenticity amidst all the lies, manipulation tactics, and then why one and not the other, when resources are limited (imagine same for Covid admissions!). Not knowing the requestors past history, ( I always say, when getting this request for the first time, ‘the story you tell me may be your best, until I hear the rest’) LOTS# requires a means of qualifying the request. Addicts who have been cast out by family and friends, become very ‘creative’ when soliciting funds for the next fix, creativity being directly proportional to the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms. I often question why they do not use the same creativity to become industrious(?). Which brings us to our first ‘qualification request’ to our ‘requestor’, “Use your creativity, skills and talents and come to us with a workable plan, names and numbers included”. The reality of this situation where a person has been on the streets for an extended period of time, no responsibilities, accountabilities, rules, regulations, structure, discipline, when suddenly admitted into a rehab is likely to run within the first week due to the routine culture shock, irrespective of the drug(s) used and period in addiction. Once we have the plan we would validate it by calling the identified support persons, possible employers and build a relationship with these people. Many of whom are not on the same page and ill informed. Then only do we investigate suitable and available rehabs to which we inevitable end up on a waiting list. God is always in control and through his Grace and Mercy, should only one lost soul come into a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, Heaven and earth will rejoice. Amen
LOTS# will be able to serve so manty more from a fixed abode in Alberton North from which both LOTS# and others will be able to Minister on a full time basis, not only 20 minutes every Thursday. Request your prayers for a factory premises.