It was a cloudy, cool morning as our TUMI (The Urban Ministry Institute) students in Aurora, Colorado, began setting up for a street ministry outreach. The rain was supposed to hold off until the afternoon, but it came early! Undeterred, the students, along with Lowery Christian Community Church and Roy’s Hip Hop Christian Roadshow fired up the grill, neatly displayed the free clothes and hygiene products, and prepared to minister to the local community – mostly people of low income living in hotels, many homeless and a lot of gang members.
The team was surprised as people began showing up despite the rain. Many smelled the grill and wandered over to see what was being offered. A few even asked for prayer. As the rain picked up, the sound equipment had to be put away and the clothes moved, but people still came.
The mood of the event shifted slightly when two rival gangs showed up at the same time. Just as the air was getting tense, someone yelled out, “This is about Jesus, guys. We are here to serve Jesus.” One of the gangs rode off and the others stayed to eat.
The purpose of street ministry efforts like this are to connect TUMI students with local ministry partners. Together we can serve the community. Matthew 25:35 says, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcome me.” Our desire is to live out this verse in Denver.
David Atkins is a World Impact Associate in Denver.
