National Night Out, Brings Homeless And Business Community Together

July 25, 2011 - PRLog -- Few would think a small church in the heart of the city, in such a short period of time would mean so much to the Homeless population.  Mosaic Wichita has been in existence for approximately 5 years.  Almost 3 years ago the church almost died, and then pastor Mike Furches came on board.  5 months ago Mosaic moved into a downtown location near the library, one of the most popular gathering spots for the homeless.  While there are many churches in the downtown community, this church moved to serve the homeless and to involve them in the church.  As a result some incredible things have started to happen.  The events of the last week give evidence of such.

Mosaic prior to moving downtown had approximately 20 active members.  Mosaic now has 45–100 people on any given Sunday with most of those being homeless.  This past Sunday, with the baptism of a homeless individual it is estimated that 60+ persons were present, including a young couple the church had helped earlier in the week.  This couple and their 15-month-old-baby were on the streets due to the lack of shelter being available.  Despite reaching numerous churches and other organizations to help, little was available.  Pastor Furches along with other volunteers open the church 5 days a week to provide services for the homeless.  They worked tirelessly on Wednesday and Thursday before finally getting assistance from Love Inc for the couple.  

Then there was the homeless man who was stabbed on the river on Monday.  He and his girlfriend, and dog were regular attendees to Mosaic and at church on Sunday.  The couple loves Mosaic because it lets them bring their dog in.  They see Pastor Furches as a different kind of pastor; he cares and is a regular guy.  Robert almost died from his stab wounds and he listed Pastor Furches as his emergency contact.  Pastor Furches and others tried to locate Tasha, the dog who was now on the streets alone. After some effort, Pastor Furches now has Tasha at his house until Robert can get back on his feet.  

There is more this little church, with an approximate budget of $18,000 per year is doing.  (Pastor Furches only receives a salary when the church can afford it, as of late it has been 3 months since he received one.  He draws minimal income from speaking and royalties from his book, The Keystone Kid, based on his life.)  Mosaic’s program teaches living skills and provides a place to belong.  They feed each day they are open.  They have on a daily basis between 25–150 individuals.  The larger numbers are on weekends or when other services are closed due to cut-backs or holidays.  Mosaic does not access the food bank so all foods and services are provided via donations.  

Mosaic found out on Friday of this last week that it received a grant to promote and host an event for The National Night Out, on August 2 from 6 – 9 PM.  This event will bring the downtown business community and homeless together.  A grant from The Wichita Community Foundation will help make this event a possibility.  Businesses are invited to contact Mosaic to promote their businesses.  The homeless who are a part of Mosaic’s day program will help volunteer and operate the event.  There is the desire to break stereotypes on both ends of the spectrum.  

Mosaic is a small church doing things many have found to be unbelievable, especially when considering the size of the church, the large population of homeless in the church, and the lack of funds it has.  There is a heart for service in this place which has become home not just to those who care, but to those who have sought a place to belong.  Mosaic has become such a place.

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Mike Furches is an outspoken advocate for those who have been taken advantage of. From the poor to the abused, he has lived a life that has had him walk in the shoes of others. His writings have been read by millions, yet his goal is to reach one person