Anaheim 07

I stood on the roof of the Union Rescue Mission and looked out at the thriving financial district, one of the richest areas of Los Angeles. And then I looked down at San Julian Street, the heart of Skid Row, one of the poorest urban areas in the country. To see such a contrast was remarkable, almost unreal.

Of course I had known that homelessness existed both in LA and in my hometown of Phoenix. But the reality of the plight of the homeless had never struck me until I was able to look down and see it right before my eyes. I was able to see not just a socioeconomic class as a whole but valuable, unique individuals in desperate need of love.

During the Tourformation component of Anaheim 07, 300 of us traveled to Skid Row, a 50 block square area of extreme poverty in downtown LA. Our “home camp” there was Union Rescue Mission, a Christian organization that has a 22,500 square foot refuge in the heart of Skid Row. We toured the mission and learned about the services they offer—from a 30-day bed pass to a free medical care to a Christian discipleship program.

After the tour we split into smaller groups and went into the neighborhood to interact with people who live there. My group’s brief interactions with several residents of Skid Row made me realize how much I am called to love all people regardless of their situation in life. I saw how actively God is at work amidst such darkness. Several people said “God bless you” to me after I talked to them, and we saw a large yellow sign that read “Thank God” on the side of a small floral shop. Such small signs of God’s presence were powerful reminders that he is there.

However when I think back on that day, the predominant image in my mind is the view from that roof. From there so many aspects of my perspective changed. My physical visual perspective of the city changed from the rich, thriving and “comfortable” areas to the dirty, condemned and tragic areas. The perspective of my heart and mind changed from thinking about what was for lunch and whether I would get an A on my physics project to things that were so much more real and important. I felt my heart breaking for the individuals I saw walking down San Julian, and I was literally brought to tears.

As I return home, my attitude toward the homeless in my city will never be the same. I will now see them as individuals deserving of Christ’s love through me. My Tourformation experience challenged me to actively serve, give and build relationships outside of my comfort zone. I pray that my heart will continue to become more like that of Christ as he uses this experience in my life.