Daily, our staff serve and invest in the lives of our guests at the Burnside Shelter. It’s amazing when our guests also express care for us.
Zack, one of our faithful night team staff members, can attest to this.
He had just arrived at the Burnside shelter for his shift, when Rowen, * a participant in our Connect program, greeted him and asked how he was doing. “I told him I felt a little down,” said Zack. “Without skipping a beat, he told me that we needed to pray.” So Rowen stopped what he was doing and prayed for Zack. Zack was surprised by this selfless act and was inspired by this man’s devotion to turn to the Lord in times of need, times of others’ need.
Zack watched him continue ministering to others in this way, to anyone who expressed need. Rowen would stop what he was doing to prioritize the men and women around him, and to lift them up in prayer.
Zack asked Rowen about this habit, and his simple answer was that this was what he imagined ceaseless prayer to be – to drop what we are doing and pray in the moment instead of setting it aside for later, as if it were another duty to cross off our agenda.
“Rowen seemed as though he had such a firm grasp on that concept, that I was just awestruck with joy,” said Zack, “Especially when it became apparent that it was a consistent behavioral trait.”
Scripture encourages us to:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Thank you Rowen for modeling such a powerful discipline and for refreshing our hearts by your kindness.
*name changed
Come join our staff of highly-relational, Christ-centered joyful servants. We have part-time and full time night positions open at the Burnside Shelter.
Men’s Night Ministry Team (Full Time)
Men’s Night Ministry Team (Part Time)
Weekend Guest Care Team (Part Time)
