Ministry Stories
John's PADS Experience
When thinking about helping others, most don't think of giving that help in the middle of the night. Fortunately, John does. For about 5 years, John has been volunteering at our PADS site from 11 o'clock at night to 3 AM. Why? Because he can. As a retiree John says he has the option to sleep in the next day that many people don't, so he volunteers to help during those quiet night time hours at the site. Most of our guests are asleep so John and another volunteer are there for security, to assist with the occasional late arrival, and to assist guests that wake up and may need something. Generally however, it is quiet and good reading material is a must. But there have been a few humorous late night moments--like the night a woman from another parish showed up at 3 AM ready to work--one week early!! John says staying awake isn't hard for him and he is reminded of the Bible verse "…. whatever you do for the least of my brothers, that you do unto me" when he volunteers. When asked what he would like to share with others about this ministry, John said that because DuPage County is so affluent that most people don't realize how many homeless people there are--people who would have no place to go without the shelter offered by the PADS sites, families with children and even babies like the 6 week old they had as a guest recently. Someone needs to help and John does in the wee hours of the night.
Thanks John for helping during the hours that many people can't.
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