I recently returned from a week long mission trip in Camden, New Jersey. Camden has one of the highest crime rate cities in the nation. In a place where crime and poverty are high and safety and income are low, one might not expect to see God's hand very much. I saw God on this trip more than I could have even imagined, in places where no one may expect to see Him.
1. I saw God in the homeless people that I fed every day, and heard His voice in the things that they said to me.
Me: How are you today?
Homeless woman: No matter where I am at, I am blessed.
Jess: How are you today?
Homeless man: I have nothing to complain about.
Most of them were so thankful and appreciative of the work that we did and the meals that we served. They thanked us, they blessed us, they made us feel good even though that was what we were there to do. Teri, a homeless woman I met at the sandwich ministry we served at, took 20 minutes to ask me about everything that UPJ Catholic Campus Ministry is and does. Storm told me that I had the most beautiful eyes, and not to work too hard. The man Jess talked to literally could have complained about so many things, he is homeless, he has no food, yet he had nothing to complain about. We complain about the food they serve us at college. What a lesson. The homeless people were so kind to me, and showed so much care for me, a stranger there to serve them.
2. I saw God in the man who approached us on the street while we were cleaning up garbage. He was Korean and did not speak a lick of English. He counted us and disappeared, which at the time was very strange to us. He returned a few minutes later with a full case of cold water for us. He did not know us. He could have easily walked past us and went home. Instead, he showed a random act of kindness to complete strangers.
3 I saw God in Susan, the woman who runs the sandwich ministry that we worked and served at every morning. She had retired, but came back because she was needed. She runs a tight ship there. She feeds 200-400 people lunch 5 days a week. The sandwiches are made fresh every morning. Everyone can have an added peanut butter and jelly, also made fresh that morning. Everyone gets dessert, cut and wrapped that morning. Some get donuts, some eclairs, some pie, some cake, and some danish, but all something really good. Anything else donated for the day is given out as well, whether it be a cup of rice and vegetables, a cup of noodles, a hoagie or something else. The guests can also have any toiletry they need that is on stock by donation. Susan oversees this all everyday with a firm hand and a loving heart. She knows the people by name. She knows exactly what every volunteer needs to be doing at all times. She faithfully and strongly serves the Lord.
4. I saw God in Father Mike, the priest who runs the Desales Service Works center where we stayed. He takes the weight of Camden on his shoulders every single day. From the time that he wakes up (early) to the time he goes to bed (very late), he is serving people and making sure that the many organizations that he oversees are running smoothly. When you walk around the city with him, it's like you are walking with the mayor, like you are walking with someone famous. Everyone knows him. They call out his name and shake his hand. They know the name of his dog, Sky, and he stops so the people can pet her. He impacts thousands of lives in a personal way, he serves without ceasing, yet he remains the most calm, peaceful, soft-spoken man that I have ever met.
5. I saw God in the children. I could not get enough of the sweet children. Nearly everyday we played recess with them and went to their after school program where we helped them with their homework, then played with them again until someone came to pick them up. The first day we walked through the gate to the playground, they attacked us. They grabbed us by the hands and took off running for the court to play their favorite games and to talk to us. They didn't even know us yet, but were so overjoyed to spend time with us. They allowed us into their friend circles. They included us in every game. They shared information and stories about their lives and told us their favorite things, then they listened as we shared and told ours. Some of their lives were not very good. They were joyful anyway. Richard, a little boy that I grew very close with, braided and played with my hair for half an hour. Jenoviee loves horses, and she thinks I will be a good therapist. They remembered our names when we went back every day. They treated us like one of them.
6. I saw God in the three young adults staying at the house with us who are doing a year of service. They gave up their normal, everyday lives, the comfort of their homes, the time with their families, and job opportunities to do a year of service to God and to the city and people of Camden. They were joyful and put so much effort into the work that they were each doing. They were selfless and really putting God first. They shared with us, bonded with each other, and were so evidently passionate about the work that they were doing and about helping the city of Camden.
7. I saw God in the man who works at the homeless shelter. He normally works the weekend, 13 hour night-shifts. He taught me the entire process of the shelter, how people become eligible, how they are scanned in, and how they stay a part of the system. He shared with me his triumphs and his struggles. He has witnessed success stories. He beamed when he told me that. He has watched people relapse and return to the shelter. He often has to call 911 on his shifts while watching the homeless people sleep. They fight a lot. They have medical problems. People often have seizures and last week a man hit another man in the head with a bag of rocks. His job is tough. Sometimes the residents can be mean or hateful towards him. He taught me that it is so important to step back when that happens, to go outside, look up, and take a breath, because "for the 10 bad ones there are 90 good ones and that is what it is all about." He amazed me, in his dedication and in his hard work. That job isn't for the faint of heart, but he has been there for 6 years and he is changing lives.
8. I saw God in the police men, fire fighters, and police officers who literally never stop working. The city is still full of crime, sickness, and hardship that must be answered and taken care of. The sirens never stop. They work so hard and often go unnoticed and not thanked. I can not imagine the stress that they have to go through every day, and the horrible things they have to see and handle. But they do it. With God's strength they do it every day. And they do it well.
9. I saw God in the current and recovering addicts we had the opportunity to listen to at the AA meetings we attended. They were so welcoming of us, shared their stories and struggles with us, and held nothing back. They were completely honest and so humble. They were seeking the Lord for help and healing. They owned their mistakes and were working to make things better for themselves and for the people who care about them. We could relate to them, even though our problems are so different from theirs. We should all be as honest and open with people as they are. We should seek the Lord openly and fully for healing and strength in our problems and pain. I learned so much from them, and God shines from their hearts and through their struggles.
10. I saw God in the woman who worked in the bodega (family owned corner grocery store) that we did an educational shopping activity in. (We had to create a meal for seven people with just one dollar per person) The woman who owned the store had her elderly mother there with her, then her son and two granddaughters came as well. She took the time to introduce us to her entire family, four generations. She helped us find everything that we needed. She gave us a discount on bread to fit it into our tight budget. Her store was run down and had very little selection, but she was so joyful and happy to have and serve us. When we left she said,
"Mi casa es su casa"
or "my house is your house."
We were strangers, and she instantly made us a part of her family.
11. I saw God in all of the strangers who took the time to stop and thank us for the work that we were doing, to tell us that the bricks we were laying looked wonderful, or that the flowers we were planting made the school yard so much more beautiful. Complete strangers told us that they would truly miss us and the hard work we did. They were genuinely nice people who took time from their day to stop and share kindness and love with us.
12. I saw God in Rick, the recovering addict and becoming Franciscan that works at the service house we stayed at. He spent time serving with us, talking with us, and even leading a really neat and deep reflection for us. I want my Bible to look like Rick's, worn and tattered because it is used, read, and depended on so heavily. He has given his struggles and his entire life to God; He really inspires me.
13. I saw God in the teachers at the Catholic grade school we spent time at every day. They never stop. They take on the problems of some very misbehaved children, and they take on those children's home-life problems too. They teach the kids all day, then they work the after school program where they help them with their homework and entertain them until someone comes to get them. They are compassionate and understanding, but firm and strict, a strong leader and loving friend to the children they so heavily influence. They truly care about the children of Camden and go above and beyond their calling to make life better for them.
14. I saw God in the beauty of Camden. There were murals so immaculate that I can not describe them. There were beautiful paintings over graffiti and on abandoned houses. There were flowers around the statue of the Blessed Mother at the Catholic grade school. They were artificial, but the children had planted them and were so very proud of them. There was a community garden, with signs of new life and beautiful butterfly decorations. Fences were painted with bible verses and inspiring quotes in vibrant colors. All the handiwork of faithful servants before us.
15. I saw God in my friends whom I was serving with, because being in Camden touched and changed every one of us. I saw God in the way they constantly put themselves last, the way they worked so hard from sunrise to sunset, and the way they served for no earthly reward. God shines though every one of them.
God is very present in Camden, New Jersey. Yes, there is a lot of crime. Yes, there are many homeless people. Yes, much of the city is falling apart. However, no situation is so bad that God's light can not shine through. No situation is so bad that God's people can't work to make things better. God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good. God is in Camden. I saw Him there.
