“I know the only reason I can stand here unashamed, it’s not because I’m worthy, it’s all because of mercy”. Lyrics from song, “It’s All Because of Mercy” by Casting Crowns

Today, we had the privilege of serving 39 people.

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• There were some new friends and old friends out this morning.  Along with our packet of $10 bill/$10 Dunkin Donuts card/prayer card, hats, gloves, sweatpants, were welcomed.  Some of our friends have been able to stay at friends’ apartments when it’s too cold to be on the street.  But some of our friends still brave the cold like (Ray) who sleeps in different doorways with overhead protection.  He’s a seasoned veteran of the street for the last 15 years.  His health has become an issue; issues with his blood which will require transfusions.

• We wished our friends a Merry Christmas, but we think “how merry can it possibly be living this lifestyle?”  We are bombarded with tv commercials of families gathering together for Christmas sharing gifts.  We see the news showing photo opportunities with people serving Christmas dinners at shelters during Christmas.  I asked a friend where are photo opportunities the rest of the year?  It seems our friends only get local or national attention during the holiday season and get forgotten the rest of the year.  Thank God for My Brother’s Keeper, and people like Peg from Plymouth County Outreach along with Brother Rob, who continue this mission of serving the needs of people year around.

• We ran into our friend (Jacqueline) whom we haven’t seen in a couple of months.  She was very excited that we were able to fix her up with matching gloves, hat and scarf.  She commented that “I don’t look homeless with this outfit on!”  We both smiled.

• Our friend (Kathy) is still walking on crutches because of a severe infection on her foot.  The infection will never heal because she is constantly walking around on it and not changing the bandage regularly.  We both agreed if she doesn’t make some changes, they will eventually amputate her foot.  We always wonder how much of a bottom does someone need to hit before they make a decision to change course in their life. It’s in the conversations we have with them, such as “you don’t need to live like this; there is a better way” that we hope to reach them.  The best thing we can do is make them feel like a human being for the brief time we see them each Saturday along with Praying for them.

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“All you can take with you is that which you’ve given away”. Peter Bailey from movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”.

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great Joy, which will be to all people.  Luke 2:10

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PLEASE NOTE:    We have changed our location for donations for On the Street Ministry from Holy Cross Retreat House to My Brother’s Keeper.    We currently have a box in the main stairway on the 1^st floor of MBK. If you have recurring orders through Amazon or any other retail website, please change the delivery address to:

On the Street Ministry

C/o Shaun Teed

67 Turner Road

Scituate, MA 02066

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Thanks to all the people who support our ministry dropping off clothes, DD cards, at MBK. We are also grateful for the support of My Brothers Keeper allowing us to keep a donation box there.

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God Bless, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

Kathy Flaherty

Shaun Teed and Tito

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