Homeless with Pastor Paul on the Streets of Atlanta

I recently went homeless with Pastor Paul Palmer during his 66 hours living on the streets of Atlanta in celebration of his 66 birthday (above is a video from hour 64). His intention was (and still is) to raise money and awareness to restore the homeless. It was both disturbing and inspiring.

We did a lot of walking, ate at homeless shelters, and experienced a tiny glimpse of life on the streets of Atlanta. The first night it rained heavily. We slept on a loading dock on cardboard somewhat sheltered from the rain.

Sound uncomfortable? It was. There were a lot of uncomfortable aspects. Like being told the next day by a Woodruff Park official I couldn’t sleep there. I guess the beard make me look a little more homeless than the rest of our group.

Pastor Paul led us through his old neighborhood. It was like a rock star coming back to his home town. Women, men, children from all over came to him greeted him by name. He would smile and say a kind word or a share story. He walked into a crack house and locked arms with several men in prayer. It was moving.

I realize our experience was far from life on the streets. We all knew after a finite period of time we would go back to our homes, to our beds, eat what we wanted and enjoy the comforts of home. Most of the people we met along this journey did not have that luxury.

At one point Pastor Paul picked up and old, scratched penny from the street. He talked about how that penny could be overlooked, ignored and discarded. But still has value.

People on the streets are often overlooked or dismissed as well. But they are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters just like us. And they are worthy of love and kindness.

Happy birthday Pastor Paul, and thank you for your example of unconditional love and service to the Kingdom and to mankind. I’m up for 67 next year.

Click here to learn more about Atlanta Dream Center and how to support  there mission.