“Do you know Red?” came the voice from the other end of Pastor Joyce Smith’s cell phone. “He’s had a stroke, and we found your card in his pocket.”
Pastor Joyce met Red a few weeks earlier during a homeless ministry event through her Better Days Community Outreach Services. After asking God’s blessing on the event, she and her team set up tables near a known gathering spot for some of Chicago’s unhoused residents.
The team welcomed their chilly friends, offered prayer and food, while sharing about Christ’s deep and abiding love.
One by one, Joyce and her crew offered those who came Homeless Care Kits, which contain warm socks, hats, gloves, a scarf and toiletries, all rolled up in a wool blanket to protect them from the bitter cold. Tucked inside each kit — donated to Better Days by Cru® Inner City — is gospel literature explaining the redemption story through Jesus Christ.
Among those receiving the kits was Red, a 60-year-old man who sought prayer.
Red was close-shaven and wore clean clothing, but his eyes were filled with sadness. He explained that he believed in God and loved Jesus, but struggled with drugs and had not been to church in several years.
As the team shared how much God had changed their lives, Red was moved to tears. Sensing an opening, they shared that God loved him, too, despite addiction, and longed to set him free.
They visited a little while longer and then prayed again before Red left, still unwilling to surrender his life to Jesus.
Pastor Joyce tried calling Red to follow up, but his phone was disconnected. After years of street ministry, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19, Pastor Joyce was used to losing track of those she had met because the population is highly transitory. With limited means, many of her clients routinely lose housing, phone access or both.
Still, she understands that her role is to plant seeds, trusting the Lord will do the rest in His way and His time. Based on that experience, Pastor Joyce doubted she would cross paths with Red again, which is why she was surprised when the hospital called, asking about him.
The hospital employee explained to Pastor Joyce that Red had a major stroke and could barely speak. The nurse asked if she would be willing to come for a visit.
When Pastor Joyce arrived, Red was surprised to see her. She offered him prayers, and he blinked his unaffected eye in acceptance.
Once again, she reminded Red that Jesus loves him. Over time, Pastor Joyce continued to visit Red, even after his transfer to a nursing facility.
Despite ongoing physical therapy, Red’s right-side mobility was minimal.
Pastor Joyce refused to give up on Red, visiting him once or twice a week for spiritual and emotional support. Other family members would occasionally visit, but she was the one constant presence as he recovered.
Red eventually regained his ability to talk and used that voice to indicate his decision to follow Jesus Christ!
Since launching her ministry 10 years ago in the suburb of Calumet City, Pastor Joyce has partnered with the Inner City ministry of Cru by using its Homeless Care Kits and Easter Bags to minister hope to struggling residents. In addition to meeting tangible needs in the community, both the kits and bags contain gospel literature that our partners use to share the good news of Jesus. Additionally, evangelism and discipleship trainings are provided before every outreach, making sure volunteers are well-equipped to serve hurting and sometimes hardened hearts.
The multi-level approach gives partners like Pastor Joyce confidence as they work one-on-one in the name of Jesus — sometimes for extended periods.
Months after his stroke, she continues to provide pastoral care to Red through Scripture readings, compassionate listening, and words of affirmation. She also uses hymns, sensory activities, and prayer to meet his spiritual needs.
Red has made great improvement, but continues to work hard regaining his right-side strength and mobility. He's able to ambulate from his bed to his wheelchair, dress, and feed himself, requiring little assistance.
As the harsh winter began giving way to spring, Red suggested that Pastor Joyce reach out to other facility residents for Easter. She worked with the staff to make Red’s dream a reality.
“We had a wonderful time,” Pastor Joyce said. “The residents prayed, some cried, and two accepted Jesus as their savior.”
In the meantime, Red frequently talks about his life before the stroke and how he now wants to remain sober.
“He often says that God has his attention,” Pastor Joyce said. “He's praying more and reads his Bible, that I gave him, when we are together.”
Pastor Joyce remains grateful for resources like the Homeless Care Kits and Easter Bags, which open doors to the hurting and the skeptical, in ways we can’t fathom or predict.
One Homeless Care Kit, three salvations.
Lori Arnold serves as the senior writer for Cru's inner-city ministry.
