Homeless Murder and Violence Impacts Wichita Church

Dec. 17, 2011 - PRLog -- Is there a need for Mosaic? With the murder of a Mosaic attendee and participant in the last few days, you tell me? Many have heard of the individual who was murdered near Wichita’s The Keeper of The Plains on Friday. The abuse, hatred, and neglect is nothing new to us, in fact, it is an all too common story for those who serve, live with, and are a part of this community. This community is, and I am honored to say, an important part of life for Mosaic. They make up the majority of our church, and they are among the primary population group we have chosen to serve in ministry because we believe, I believe, it is commanded in scripture that we do so. Frankly, at this time of year, I am incensed that this type of abuse, the lack of concern continues to take place in our city.

Mosaic is a church that even this week, is trying to make a difference, not just in the shelter space we provide every night for women, but even today and tomorrow as we have brought in William Fosterr, a mentally ill, former homeless musician from Tulsa Oklahoma to perform for our church. Last night many were talking about the murder, yet others were talking about the inspiration that was provided by William. Many shared at how he was among the best guitar players, singers they had ever heard, and others shared about how important it was to have someone who had been in their shoes providing hope. How important is this message to William, he even offered to help me pay for gas to come do the shows he is doing. He isn’t getting paid, isn’t receiving any compensation, but is willing to come to Wichita from Tulsa to give of his life and service. William will be performing today at 2:30 where we finish up some of the filming that has gone on over the last year and a half for a documentary movie being made on his life and tomorrow morning for the worship service at Mosaic that starts at 10:30.

During the normal discussion times tomorrow, Sunday at 9:30 we will be discussing with the homeless as to what we can do to better serve and protect the homeless. We hope those who care attend. As a church, we have a responsibility and obligation to serve those who are a part of our body of believers; the homeless are a part of our body.

Next week on Christmas morning we also give back, we will have an old fashioned Christmas Morning where we will provide a family gathering for our body, including, the homeless. Every name was taken off of our angel tree and we will provide those gifts as well as additional gifts being given. Santa will be attending and providing love to the homeless.

Today, some will say, there is a lot about the homeless here, I will say, you bet there is. When there have been some who have left our fellowship because we 'do too much for the homeless,’ and others who question our ministry, (btw a ministry Jesus commands all of the church to do) and with the recent murder of a homeless person we were honored and privileged to serve, you bet there is mention of the homeless, there is mention of the homeless because Jesus came to earth as a poor, homeless person, who was born in a feeding troth to provide salvation and redemption for all people, including the poor and homeless. There is more that we want to do, more I want to do, more that needs to be done, and a small church, made up of mainly homeless people continues on, month to month, not knowing how we are going to do it but seeing God work. This morning, I am sad, but I am also blessed because I know we have been where God would have us and there is no better place than being where God would have us.

Please pray for our future, our needs, and those we are called to serve.

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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