Week 2 at Emmaus

 "It is true that going out on to the street implies the risk of accidents happening, as they would to any ordinary man or woman. But if the church stays wrapped up in itself, it will age. And if I had to choose between a wounded church that goes out on to the streets and a sick, withdrawn church, I would definitely choose the first one." -Pope Francis

I really like this quote from Pope Francis I found posted on the Emmaus Facebook page. It made me think of some of the friends and family that came to visit me at Emmaus or hear about what the ministry does. First, I will say that Uptown isn’t the nicest community in Chicago or at least doesn’t appear to be the safest. Some of my friends have made comments or felt uneasy about how unsafe Uptown appears to be. Even when they hear about what Emmaus does usually people are intrigued, and inquire about the safety risks (Understandably so). I know that going out into the streets of Chicago at 10pm-2:30am implies the risk of accidents occurring, and even that short walk from the CTA to my apartment in Uptown at night can serve as a safety risk, but I think it’s super important to remember what Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Whether we are going into a community in Chicago or into another nation it’s important to know that God doesn’t tell us to do so only if it’s safe! That being said, what would you rather do? Be apart of going out into the world where risks can happen or withdraw from the world and stay where it’s safe? That’s a tough one for me because I am not much of a risk taker, but when God calls you to something you just do it! I definitely agree with Pope Francis I would choose a church or a mission that goes out into the streets with the risk of accidents than just staying cozy inside where it’s safe. Ultimately, I agree with what the Bible tells us to do by going out into the world (or streets) and preaching to all creation. Does this make me feel any safer with going out into the streets at night? No. We should always have a healthy fear of our surroundings, being aware of what is going on, but that should not stop us from doing what God calls us to do. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

I have completed my second week at Emmaus, and getting more into the groove of things here. I have been learning more about what my role will be working in the Ministry Center (MC) along with the office work I will be doing. I still have yet to go through the volunteer training, which should be in the next few weeks.

I started off the week by working in the MC. I got to learn more about how to sign guys into the MC. When they come in whoever is signing them in we ask what their goal is for the day and if they want to do laundry. I spent most of my time in the MC signing guys in and playing a lot of Yatzee, which is always fun! Monday was a shorter day in the MC.

The following day I did office work and started working on a research project on male prostitution along with my roommate that Emmaus is hoping to put up a website for in the future. I will be looking up research articles, reviewing articles and websites to piece together research information for the future website. I am super thankful for the research class I took last year to better prepare me for this, but I do enjoy doing this research so far.

On Wednesday I had a longer day in the MC since it’s open for both lunch and dinner. A lot of guys came to the MC that day so I got to see some new faces. I signed people in, had lunch and dinner, and of course, played a lot of Yatzee. J I feel like being in the MC longer I am able to have more conversations and connect with the guys better. I was also able to help them out with their goals that they had for the day. I am able to use some of my social work skills when helping the guys out with their goals, whether it be making a phone call, looking up new job opportunities, or trying to get a new state ID. Being in the MC is what I enjoy the most about being at Emmaus. It really is a blessing to sit and eat with the guys and hear their stories about who they are, and what God is doing in their life. Their faces light up when you give them encouragement, and they are so appreciative when you help them out with anything. I am looking forward to the next week ahead!