Facing Adversity

by Caleb Anderson, Outreach Coordinator

Ryan’s positive attitude always seems to work its way into my system. When I learned of his plan to send his daughter to school by collecting aluminum cans, he quickly overcame my skepticism as he explained how he had already raised hundreds of dollars through friends, neighbors, and various organizations. So I was surprised to hear that he had put his plan on hold. As the story unfolded, it turns out that Ryan was carrying his cans when he was confronted by the police. Even though he obtains his cans by donation, they gave him a ticket for dumpster diving.

This incident caused me to reflect, once again, about the unfair challenges faced by the men we serve. I feel pretty certain that I wouldn’t be given a ticket for dumpster diving, even if I was caught in the act. And why is it that men who have recently been released from prison frequently ask me why, now that they are trying to do things the right way, life has become so much more difficult? Why do they share with frustration that it was often easier to take care of themselves, and those they care about, when following their old, destructive patterns and habits?

Sadly, this disparity happens all too often to the men we serve. Yet this is another reason that I’m glad Emmaus is here. I hope that when difficulties inevitably arise, the men will remember they can find encouragement and love at Emmaus. I hope that they will use Emmaus as a place to recharge and find respite from the storms of life.

Please pray that the men will find courage to press on, to fix their eyes upon Jesus, and to run the race marked out for them (Hebrews 12:1-2).