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lease do read this marvelous story for yourself. It holds riches for anyone.

“He had to go through Samaria.” We all do. Samaria was a place of prejudice and potential danger. The people there were despised by the people of Jesus’ people and faith and they knew it. So there was danger from the outside. And danger from within – all that ugliness aroused by coming into personal contact with people deemed inferior or worse. We never want to see that about our- selves. He needed to go through Samaria literally and figuratively, confronting those ancient animosities between people by both giving and receiving healing. Disturbing, painful, even humiliating as it might be, we all have to go through Samaria again and again if we would drink of the living water of God’s inclu- sive love.

Arriving at the office cold and wet, I shook out my coat, brewed some tea, sat down at my desk facing our front door and gave thanks for being inside, dry and warm. A few minutes later, I saw a woman, soaked to the skin but smiling at me. People often stop at our door, peering in briefly or per- haps lighting a crack pipe. Something about this woman’s smile made me get up and open the door. She said: “I saw the word Ministries and had to stop. Thank you for not being afraid to open the door. Please pray for me.” After asking her name, I promised to do so. She left and I wondered where she might go to get (and stay) dry, something I take for granted. I thought of her “thank you” and grimaced, remembering all the times I passed someone on the street and felt fear. Having a place to come out of the rain is basic, but recent budget cuts have closed many of the places where homeless people may find that. We work politically with others to change budget priorities and restore such places of refuge and respite.

Diane spoke at her graduation: “I have been in other programs but this is the best place I have ever been. For years I felt doomed. SafeHouse has taught me to believe in myself, that anything is possible. I thank SafeHouse for loving me until I could learn to love myself.” Then Diane’s mother spoke: “For years, I kept a black dress hanging in my closet, fearful that I would need it for my daughter’s funer- al.” There were no dry eyes in the room when she followed that with a powerful rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Robert spent nine years in prison, during which time the face of technology changed dramatically. Robert came to the Tenderloin Tech Lab, nervous and self-conscious about his lack of knowledge and skills, fearing that this lack was an insurmountable barrier to getting back on his feet. Robert proved to be a quick learner and has since secured a job, but continues coming to the Tech Lab “to keep prac- ticing.” Last week, he made a point of thanking a volunteer: “thanks for being open when I needed you most.”

“I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

Gary and Jen are just two of the twenty- five volunteers who keep the Tech Lab running. Both were laid off from high paying corporate jobs mid-career and now spend ten hours a week each at the Lab. Neither had ever worked with poor and marginally housed people before but were drawn to the Lab to give of their time and talents even as they search for work themselves. They are like the dentist who has given thousands of dollars of her own time and talents to provide otherwise unobtainable dental work for SafeHouse residents, saying that this is the way she (and they) can serve God the best.

“My food is to do the will of God who sent me...”

Like Robert and Diane, Ella struggles with re-connecting with the “mainstream” world where they have all felt judged, ostracized, rejected. How difficult it is for them to keep hope and a sense of digni- ty and worth alive!! A special grant to fund internships for SafeHouse residents landed Ella a place in the gift shop of a major hospital. Fearful of providing customer service and learning to operate a cash register and even more fearful of being recognized and shamed as a former prostitute, she nevertheless persevered, earning some money but – much more important – earning the respect and liking of her colleagues there. She is not so different from them after all.

A man came to the door of our office, asking for the minister because he had heard that we will per- form memorials for people. Homeless himself, he told that his homeless friend had died. Would we perform a memorial for him on Friday, at the corner of Turk and Taylor. We would be glad to do so, offering this final dignity for a child of God and comfort for those who mourned.

Another memorial was for Patricia who had lived and died in a residential hotel. She was passionate- ly celebrated as a wonderful, cheerful spirit who brought joy to others’ daily lives. She listened. She was lively and inspiring, never complaining. A proud Pima Indian, she taught her heritage to others. “We were going to go to Disneyland,” wept one friend, “but we never made it.” Another said she was the best friend he had ever had, telling us “I’m separated from my family in Alabama, but so lucky to have had a friend like Patricia who was nurturing and supportive.”

In the Ambassador Hotel chaplaincy, a woman enters with 2 bandages on her face. She has been biop- sied and both places must be quickly removed. She professes no particular concern about these can- cers but says she must find someone to accompany her back to the hotel following the surgeries, as she will be sedated. Another woman instantly volunteers to “be there for you and whatever you need.” Everyone promises to hold her in prayer for her recovery.

“God is spirit, and those who worship God must worship in spirit and in truth.”

“In spirit and in truth.” This has guided Network Ministries in its many forms and directions for the past 37 years. Many of you are no doubt wondering if plans are being made for the time when the founder of this work is no longer here. The answer is “yes.” At a recent Board retreat, 3 hours were spent articulating the heart and soul of Network Ministries. Here are some of the qualities named: Christian ministry, respectful of other faith traditions, grounded in the neighbor- hood and in walking with the people, compassionate, prophetic voice, servant heart, non-judgmental, respectful of all people, Church in the world, ministry of liberation for everyone, flexible, nimble, responsive to God’s call, advocacy for justice, a conduit of God’s grace, speaking truth to power, affirming, honoring, celebrating and comforting people, have fun. Perhaps you could contribute other insights. There is no time set for this major staff plan. Glenda is still going strong, but we know the time will come when she is no longer involved. The need for this ministry, however, will surely continue and clarifying what we are – heart and soul - is the beginning of developing a successful succession plan.

Everyone who has been involved with Network Ministries as staff, volunteer or Board member has had a hand in creating the forms and directions of our efforts. We have never been dependent on any one person to listen for and respond to God’s call.

We hope you will continue supporting Network Ministries now and in the years to come, knowing that many people are grateful to you for what you have already given.

For here the saying holds true, 'one sows and another reaps.'