What a blessed day! Homeless man Rafael was offered a job!
Founder Sunny Chae invited Rafael to join her this morning for Korean service at Glory Church of Jesus Christ. For Rafael, being acknowledged and invited is priceless to him. After a delicious breakfast, he met with Pastor Kuh from the church and will be meeting with the handyman at the church tomorrow morning to apprentice for a job!
Rafael experienced an international service with a translator on headset and was overwhelmed by the welcoming and love he experienced today. After service, "Mama" Sunny sent Rafael home with some lunch and dinner, snacks and an indescribable feeling of joy. We cannot save everyone, but Rafael reminds us that we can help one person at a time. #life4homeless

Earlier today, Founder Sunny Chae and a team from the Rejoice in Hope Foundation served at MacArthur Park with other organizations who were there to feed the homeless and also provide them with some clothes as the weather gets colder  After the service, she encountered Rafael, a homeless man living in MacArthur Park.  Rafael shared that he had been homeless for two years.

Sunny then gave him her sandwich and a bottle of water, then invited him to join her for a Thanksgiving meal in her home.  Touched by her kind gesture, he could not hold back the tears.

This evening, Sunny, Rafael and other members of the Rejoice in Hope Foundation shared a wonderful meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, bacon wrapped asparagus, stuffing, fruit and apple pie.  Rafael shared that this was the first time in 15 years that he had been invited to someone’s home to share a Thanksgiving meal.  Over the next three hours, Rafael was moved to tears again sharing his story and how God leads him daily.  Originally from Texas, Rafael used to own his own business until hard times forced him to close.  Once he lost his home, he became homeless and the monthly stipend he receives from the state is not enough to live on and have housing.

Rafael is not afraid to work, he has pride and integrity for who he is and how he carries himself even though he is homeless.  He makes effort to stay clean and wash his clothing, taking great care of his belongings.  He is taking the steps to get into permanent housing and doing his part.  He reads, keeps himself educated and tries to keep himself healthy.  People like Rafael are not the exception, there are many homeless people like him on streets across the United States, in every city or town.

We cannot save the world, but we can help one person at a time.  Tonight, Rafael was given kindness and a meal, but he left with a heart filled with love and a feeling of being recognized as a person.  Thank you Sunny for sharing your home and your heart.  #life4homeless

​Another beautiful story of our ambassadors just trying to help one person at a time. Thank you Nicole Steele for making #life4homeless

Hello, my name is Nicole Steele. I have been engaged in several other outreaches but as an Ambassador I represent “Rejoice in Hope for the Homeless” here in Georgia. I have always been exposed to those who fell through the cracks of society for one reason or another. Whether a family member, a friend couch surfing or the people I would pass on a daily basis during my journey through life in the urban areas I had lived.

After coming back to my rural home from the World Wide Star Search this year (2017), I was challenged to reach out to at least one person and make a difference. Little did I realize, when I accepted the opportunity to represent this initiative that I would be called by a higher power, a strong desire to fulfill the call already in my heart.

A day or two after Houston got hit by the devastating hurricane, we had rain bands drenching at one point then easing to a mist throughout those days. I had a heavy load of laundry to accomplish and was directed to this one particular one. So on my way to the laundromat, I picked up 5 lottery tickets for fun but I really wasn’t interested in playing at the time. When I made it to the laundromat and had my loads washing, I overheard two men talking about their struggles over the past two days. I heard something funny and apologized for being nosy. Needless to say, after having an enriching discussion with both of them, they needed the 2 winning tickets more than me. So I split it between them and they paid off their credit from the local Quick Mart and bought themselves a meal.
The following day, I was to meet up with one of them to give him a book. He didn't show up, so I reached out to a Vet who was down on his luck for the past few months. At first he started to have an attitude toward me, out of frustration more so. So I had to calm him down and share that "I am sitting on a cold wet concrete ground" next to him, this should show my authenticity.

I explained that I see he might be having a bad day so we will start over and see where it goes. “Hello once again,” I stated with my hand extended, “my name is Nicole and your name is?” From that day on, I was told from him what his needs are and I told him I will be there as much as I can to help, but, at the end of the day I am lead to help where I can. {He still had iniquity to work through so trusting when to give and what to give is through discernment not judgment for me.}
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Lately, his efforts have been fruitful for himself. He ran into someone who has been an acquaintance of mine for a few years. He kept putting himself out there, even if he felt embarrassed to reach his goal to get off the street, pushing through to change his circumstances and grab opportunities. At this time he is trying to gain seasonal employment, acquire a monthly furnished room, and staying focused.

WY ambassador Teresa Dell is out in her community and ready to serve! What an inspiration she is - this time she collected food for the local homeless shelter in her community.  Thank you Teresa for taking the initiative and making #life4homeless.