Sunday's Internet Edition, July 20, 2008.
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- He was huddled from the cold as closely as he could be in his tattered jacket. Sitting as near as he could to the dryer vent of one of our local truck stops trying to soak up as much warmth as possible without getting damp. His hat was pulled down around his ears and I was sure that he was glad he had a beard. He had no gloves and his feet were wrapped rather than shod with a cross between a boot and a shoe – obviously home made from materials at hand.
I didn’t know his story, but his haunted eyes seemed to whisper pain and hardship. Perhaps he was one of those displaced by Katrina; one of many whose homes and lives were forever turned upside down. Perhaps he started out just like many of us, trying to find comfort from his pain, not realizing that choosing drugs or alcohol for that comfort would lead to living like a zombie, begging on the streets.
After a few minutes, he took up his cardboard sign and moved nearer the door of the store, hoping to attract attention to his plight. “Need food; need money; anything would help. God Bless,” was what the black letters spelled. His “warm” spot had been too far away for anyone to see it and perhaps have something more than sympathy to give.
He smiled gratefully as the store manager came out with a hot cup of coffee “on the house”. I was near enough to hear, “Hope this will warm you some. I know it’s cold, but we just can’t have you hanging around here any longer. You’ll have to find somewhere else to go.” The manager was just trying to keep the store policy and the man nodded. I could tell he wasn’t surprised. He’d probably heard the same words many, many times. I couldn’t help but think, “There, but by the grace of God, go I”.
Where is that “somewhere else” to go in Van Horn? Where does the homeless wanderer go to find food, warmth and maybe that comfort or hope that is so desperately sought? Fortunately, there is somewhere for them to go: our Christian Homeless Shelter.
Everyday in Van Horn, there are people just like the man above who wander into our town. Some are traveling through, trying to get to the west coast; some are lost souls who don’t really know where they are going. Every now and then, an entire family runs out of money at our Greyhound Bus Stop and has to figure out another plan. Some are between jobs, or between homes, or running from broken relationships, or never had a home at all. But all of them are looking for hope.
Our Christian Homeless Shelter does it’s best to provide that hope. Many times that hope takes the form of food and a warm bed for the night or shelter from the cold and a blanket. Every time, hope in Christ is presented to these travelers and a new “map” is offered. Our Heavenly Father truly loves these who are “the least” and our Shelter is Van Horn’s arms and hands in showing that love to them.
This winter has been especially busy, as the Shelter has opened its doors not just to the homeless, but the stranded as well. Blankets, socks, and food have been handed out in abundance and the electric bill has been high in order to keep the place from freezing.
During the month of February, as we celebrate Valentine’s Day, let’s remember those for whom Valentine’s Day is just another day on the street or away from everything they have loved. In order for the Shelter here to be our arms and hands showing Christ’s love, we have to support their ministry.
The Christian Homeless Shelter is always accepting monetary donations; but they also need blankets, men’s socks, large men’s shoes, coats and jackets, towels, toiletries, bread, eggs, cereal, and non-perishable food. Albert, the manager, and Kathrine, the executive director, will not allow anyone to go away hungry or cold and so these items are always needed.
First Baptist Church will be collecting donations for the Shelter during the month of February. If you have items to donate, please bring them to the Church, Monday through Thursday between the hours of 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. You can also leave your donations with the Shelter anytime.
Many times, I have seen a homeless person carrying a sign and have passed him by. I have thought, “He probably just wants that cash to buy liquor or drugs,” and then turned my head. This may be a real issue to some and I don’t want to fund someone’s addiction, but I can support our Shelter. I know that when a person walks into that place, he will find food, warmth and hope. It’s the least I can do for “the least of these.”
Luke 10:27 – 29: The man replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.’ They also say, ‘Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself.’ “ Jesus said, “You have given the right answer. If you do this, you will have eternal life.” But the man wanted to show that he knew what he was talking about. So he asked Jesus, “Who are my neighbors?”
Matthew 25:37 – 40: Then will the upright make answer to him, saying, Lord, when did we see you in need of food, and give it to you? or in need of drink, and give it to you? And when did we see you wandering, and take you in? or without clothing, and give it to you? And when did we see you ill, or in prison, and come to you? And the King will make answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, Because you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.
Column One
By Dawn Simpson
Congratulations to Okey and Patsy Lucas, who will be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary this Friday, and reception in their honor on Saturday. What a good looking couple they were 50 years ago. Okey told me that they had agreed that since she was the boss the first 50 years it would be his turn the next 50 years. That sounds like a plan to me.
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A special hello to Captain Chris Rick, who is serving in Iraq and receives the Advocate there. For those who might not have known them, Chris was with the Border Patrol and stationed here in Van Horn several years ago. Heather worked at the Hospital. They returned home to Michigan after living here in Van Horn and Rick worked for Homeland Security as an air marshal before being called to active duty from the Reserves. Heather takes care of their 3 children and works for the Department of Justice. It’s nice to hear from them.
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You’ll read in the school board story in this issue that they approved a joint program with the hospital for a Certified Nurses Aide Training. Congratulations on this very positive move. I’ve always felt that we needed more programs that would prepare students unable to go to college, for whatever reason, for a career. Hopefully there can be other such programs in the future. Thanks to Sharon Rust, the DON at the Hospital, Ladelle Bates, Hospital Administrator, Anne Pemberton, CCAISD Superintendent, and others who made this opportunity possible for our local students.
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You’ll find elsewhere in this issue about the death of Judy Magers. You may not recognize that name, but you will remember her by the name “The Donkey Lady”. That was not meant to be a negative or ugly name. That is just how we referred to her. Very few even knew her real name. Many wished they knew more about her or desired to try to visit with her but that was not what she wanted. She obviously lived - and died, as she wanted - in a lifestyle which we could not imagine. Traveling with her donkey as her only companion and sleeping beside the road or under an underpass. Rumors had it that she was an educated person, perhaps a teacher at one time. She was probably the best known - yet least known - person in West Texas.
Of course many, after hearing about her death, wondered about her donkey. I called Becky Walker, Hudspeth County Judge, about this because I had heard that she had taken the donkey. She had, and said that he is doing better but still ‘cries’ for his owner. Not as much as at first. Evidently he showed almost a human-like emotion of mourning for her at first. Becky said he was quite poorly but was eating better now and that he seems more comfortable with the cows than the horses. She also said that many had wanted to take him and care for him.
One thing about this lady that many in our country could take a lesson from is that she did not expect, nor would even accept, any handouts. In fact Becky told me that she would leave water out for Judy and her donkey and there would always be some money there in payment. If Becky didn’t take the money, Judy would not take the water next time she came. She was definitely a strong-willed and self-sustaining person.
She left behind a little money and her final wishes. However, it isn’t enough to give a proper burial so a fund has been established for that purpose. Information in the article elsewhere in this issue.
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If you enjoy music, particularly Praise and Worship music, there will be a unique opportunity for you next Thursday evening. The group Ambassador Singers from the country of Korea will be in concert here on Feb. 8th at 7 PM at the First Baptist Church. I hope many will be able to take advantage of this and come out to hear this singing group. Here in Van Horn we don’t get many chances to experience things like this. Plan on it, okay?
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In closing, here are a few good rules to remember in life:
1. You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn’t move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn’t move and does, use the duct take.
2. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
3. Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.
4. If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You get another chance.
5. And finally, be really nice to your family and friends; you never know when you might need them to empty your bedpan.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
February 1st - Trustees of the Culberson County-Allamoore I.S.D. are slated to meet this morning at 10 a.m. in the District Administration building. Members of American Legion Post 508 are scheduled to meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Clark Hotel Historical Museum. Members of the Van Horn Volunteer Fire Department are slated to meet this evening at 7 p.m. at the firehouse.
February 2nd - The Van Horn Eagle basketball teams (boys and girls, varsity andn JV) play the Ozona Lions in Ozona today beginning at 4 p.m.
February 3rd - Nothing scheduled at press time.
February 4th - Attend the church of your choice.
February 5th - The Van Horn Junior High girls basketball teams play Alpine in Alpine today beginning at 5 p.m. The Van Horn Junior High boys basketball teams play Alpine here today beginning at 5 p.m.
February 6th - The Van Horn Rotary Club is slated to meet today at noon at Chuy’s Restaurant. The Van Horn Eagle basketball teams (boys and girls, varsity and JV) play the Kermit Yellowjackets here today beginning at 4 p.m. The Van Horn City Council is slated to meet tonight at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
February 7th - Nothing scheduled at press time.