Have you ever given your business card to someone and it changed the course of your life? Some time ago I walked by a man on the street as I have a thousand times before... then for whatever reason felt pulled back to meet him. He was sunning himself against the west facing wall of the bar with his two large black dogs. I struck up a conversation with the man who introduced himself as Robert. He had the appearance of my mind's stereotypical homeless man, long grey hair and beard, shifty eyes and leathered face. My first impression was positive as he did not ask for money or anything else from me. He explained he lived in a tent outside of town. Keep in mind, this is December in Minnesota and it was -3 that day. I talked to him for a brief time and gave him my business card. As I hurried to get back to my busy life, I told him if he ever needed help to give me a call. I felt good about what I had done and even prayed that God would use me in Robert's life. I remember sharing the good news with Shannon feeling proud of myself. I see my feeble attempt and wickedness looking back.
Robert's call did come, at the most inconvenient time of course. Shannon and I were headed out of town to enjoy dinner and worship time with our church. Here's how our conversation went. "Hi this is Bayard." "Hi this is Robert, you gave me your business card the other night, do you remember me?" "Sure I do Robert, what can I do for you?" "Do you think my dogs and I could stay at your house tonight?" "Gulp, I'm headed out of town right now, but I think we could work something out, can I call you back, oh wait you don't have a phone do you?" "No, this lady is letting me use her cell to call you." "OK, just meet me where I first met you at 9:30pm, can you do that." "Yea man, no problem, hey thanks." "See you then."
I watched as terror crept over my wife's face. Rightly so, here I am inviting a complete stranger and homeless man to stay the night with us. We argued and I found myself angry with her... how could she not understand me wanting to help this man? Yes, you could say that I handled the situation in complete failure. Fortunately we were able to speak with Pastor Lawrence that evening who by grace helped me to understand where Shannon was coming from and prayed with us. Now it's -6...Brrr.
After our fellowship Shannon and I headed back to Mankato not knowing what was in store for our night. I assured her that she could set the rules and that if she did not feel comfortable with Robert staying the night, we would figure something else out. I could see she was not comfortable.
I dropped Shannon off at the house and headed down town to where I first met Robert. Upon pulling into the parking lot I noticed some police cars at the parking ramp bus stop. Guess who they were talking to. Yep Robert and his two big black dogs. As walked in and said he was with me the cops became uncomfortable and asked for my ID. It was somewhat of a relief when one of the officers said they had never had any problems with Robert other than just trespassing. If I would have arrived 5 minutes later who knows what would have transpired. They let us go and I loaded Robert and the Dogs into the back of my truck (thanks Dad!) and headed for home.
That first night was not a pleasure. Tiny and Sugar Bear, Robert's dogs, bolted into our house knocking over one of our framed pictures into the turtle tank. After locking the ruckus hounds into our guest room, Shannon scurried about nervously as I talked to the drunk man in our living room. I'd never smelt anything quite like it. Cigarette butts and urine baking in the oven. It was obvious that the first way we could help him was to wash his clothes. We convinced Robert to change out of his snowsuit and piss soaked jeans and into my clean apparel. Shannon put the washing machine on the sanitary hot wash cycle and continued pacing around without any destination. Then came the moment of truth... "Honey, he's sobering up. Can he spend the night." Despite her fear, despite everything in her body telling her no, my faithful little wife responds..."Yes, he can stay."
The following days and weeks entailed a lot of prayer, dog sitting and even a doggy shower. One of the saddest events was Robert being sent to detox on christmas eve. Imagine spending christmas with a hangover and no family. Some time later the day came when Robert admitted he had a drinking problem and asked for help. I pressed him to get an alcohol assessment and took him to Project Turnabout in Granite Falls, MN with Pastor Greg.
It's been a couple months now and Robert is living at the House of Hope, a halfway house, in Mankato. He's been attending church with us and looking for a job as a chef. This week he called me in tears and had been drinking. He came over and was so scared that he would be kicked out of the House of Hope. He kept saying he was so sorry for letting us all down. I explained to him how God forgives my failures when I ask for his forgiveness. I advised him to be honest with the people at the House of Hope about his relapse. Despite his fear, He was honest, and they've allowed him to stay.
So, what can I say. That day I handed my business card to Robert Lynn, I had no idea what would come of it. My shortsighted mind could not see what my and others' prayers would bring, I still don't know. God answers prayers in amazing ways that one could never expect. What ever happens in Robert's life, it has been an amazing and challenging experience.
Thank you Robert.
Thank you Church.
Thank you Wilson Family and Aron.
Thank you Shannon.
Thank you God, for your grace to me despite all my failures.
Please continue to pray for Robert.
Good Night!
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