“The streets need a pastor!” Operation Nightwatch has been on the street responding to this invitation for over fifty years. Recently, the street ministry team was doing outreach to a homeless encampment when two men approached us. Both gentlemen were visibly nervous, asking, “Are you able to bless the ashes of our friend’s mom before we spread them in the park? Another invitation! “Yes, I would be honored!” Their friend came over and began to sob as she shared how close she was with her mother. My new friend pulled a Ziplock bag of her mother’s ashes out of her backpack and reflected on the blessing it was to run into a pastor on the street. “I have been carrying my mom around for two years.” We talked about the grieving process, closure, and the ongoing healing the Spirit of God provides. Gathering in a circle, the bag of ashes is placed in my hands, and I pray. The sound of cars, people arguing, the radio, and dogs barking serve as musical accompaniment as we cry out to God together. Everyone in the circle prays, and my new homeless friends pray for me. “Please bless pastor Michael. Amen!”

Michael Cox