Family of 5 Sleeps on Park Steps - But Their Faith is Unbreakable
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RALEIGH, N.C. - ncarol.com -- Nickie is neither a recovering addict nor mentally ill. Both she and her husband are employed. Her three kids enjoy childcare during the day, and Todd Jr. will start kindergarten soon. Nickie is excited, hoping a structured educational setting will help him feel "normal."

At night, they sleep on the steps of a park or find shelter in its shadows. Monday night at 9 pm, as I drove away from Moore Square, her husband was kicking a ball on the sidewalk with the kids—a family enjoying a moment of normalcy in the warmth of a summer night. Soon winter winds will drive them elsewhere.

As I was about to leave, she walked up to my car. Tearing up, Nickie asked if I would pray for her. I placed my hand on her shoulder, pulled her close, and thanked my Lord for already providing everything she and her family need for daily living. We acknowledged that we have the same Spirit Jesus had when he ministered to others and believe we have his same power to move mountains.

When you are hugging someone who is stressed about her children and worried about the future, belief in the goodness of God and the power of His Son is a different kind of worship. Rich or poor we share alike. But when Jesus is ALL you have, it's a different kind of worship and faith.

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Even now, I know I'm not saying this well—not capturing what it truly means to be with those who have nothing but Jesus. Without Him, they are lost and without hope.

Most of those I see on Sundays and Monday nights are like you and me: normal people who have fewer things and yet they seem to have a greater faith in Jesus. For them, a bottle of water is not a luxury; it's all the sustenance they have for the night and I didn't bring enough extras last night.

I share this post so others will understand that Jesus was not speaking in hyperbole when He said, "What you do for the least of these my brothers"—and if you "do" often enough for your neighbor, they will likely become your brother or sister—"you do for me." For Nickie and her kids, Jesus is their daily bread.

It is my great pleasure and joy to know they can approach me on Monday nights and find His love. Tonight Nickie and her kids will sleep in a 3-star motel. Thanks for caring. — Eddie Jones, the Pirate Preacher

Learn how you can help Nickie's family enjoy a night off the street at: http://mooresquarechurch.org/