We spoke with a man on outreach that shared we were the reason he and his friends gathered on the street corner. Hunched over with a beverage that was labeled liquid death, our new friend declared, “You are the miracles no one sees. Everyone reports bad news, the overdoses, and the crime. You come to the street and bring good news! No one sees all the miracles that happen when street ministry is out here!” As our new friend spoke life and encouragement over me and the ministry of Operation Nightwatch, people on their way to dinner and drinks with friends hurried past, either not noticing us or intentionally looking away and avoiding our spontaneous circle of care.

Later in the evening, we saw our long-time friend who sleeps in the park. She shared that she had lost feeling in her feet. I shared my concern about her numb feet and suggested some options. She promised to go to the clinic in the morning and asked if we would pray with her. She always talks about God but usually doesn’t want to pray. When we finished praying, she said, “I am glad you believe in God!”

Michael Cox