One Day Can Make a Difference

July 27, 2011 - PRLog -- What a beautiful day for a party in the park! As the large canopy was being assembled, the sun was already peeking through the clouds much earlier than the weather stations had predicted. The annual Homeless Birthday Party, hosted by Redwood Gospel Mission, was ramping-up. Volunteers, program members, and staff all worked together to create a festive atmosphere.

Even though the party was slated to begin at noon, curiosity drew people into the park to watch the tables and chairs being set up more than an hour early.

The Homeless Birthday Party was a day of celebration for the homeless, street people in Santa Rosa and beyond. The message that all the staff and volunteers shared was this: God is glad that you were born and so are we! God loves you and wants you to know Him.

So along with the usual party fare of ice cream and cake, there was a BBQ lunch, shoe-boxes wrapped as gifts and filled with needed items, and a drawing for 10 new bicycles. Special pampering was offered at a Foot Spa area and the Free Haircut tent. This year a Bike Repair area was a huge hit.

During the drawing, one young man named Jordan had his ticket number called while he was getting his hair cut. He jumped up and approached the stage where he would pick the bicycle he wanted as his prize. A woman ran up to him and whispered animatedly in his ear. With a little hesitation, he walked toward a hot pink bike and indicated that he would take that one.

He wheeled it off the stage and presented it to the woman who turned out to be his mother, Amy, both of whom are homeless.

Amy has suffered from anxiety and fear of public places, contributing to her homelessness. She has found it difficult even to be in shared housing. Yet this day turned out to be a big breakthrough for her. Amy said, “This is the best day of my year!” She continued to describe how she had her hair cut, a foot spa, a good lunch, and now the new bike.

“Please give a big thank-you to all the donors who made today possible!” added Amy with a huge grin on her face. Simple pleasures plus a simple message equals a great day of sharing God’s love.

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Founded in 1963, the Redwood Gospel Mission mobilizes our community to minister to the needy so lives are transformed. Groups/individuals can design meaningful opportunities to serve. Emergency Shelters, Residential Recovery, a Thrift Store, and Events.