King's Business - 1962-05

of Christian Love

by Harry G. Sandstrom

Spiritually needy men line up outside of New York's historic Bowery Mission. More than 350 are given lodging in these build­ ings each day. The Mission is supported by volun­ tary contributions. The vagrants are led to seek sanc­ tuary and help at the Mission by the church-like appearance of the narrow building, the music at the frequent services, which pours through the doors, the many signs at street level inviting them in; at nights by the huge lighted cross sign and the light streaming through the stained-glass windows and again the music and singing—and, of course and princi­ pally, by word of mouth. Once inside there is available to them a complete rehabilitation pro­ gram — from the first chapel service and the bowl of soup on through showers, fumigating of clothing, a bed, shave and haircut, medical care, counseling, clean clothes of every description, job-procuring and — the invitation to be re-bom in Christ. There is also a “half-way house” uptown where the men who have been rehabilitated and have secured a job can still remain under the aegis of the Bowery Mission, while paying nominal amount for a room to bolster their self-respect, until such time as they feel they can go back to their homes and once more take their places in a responsible, tax-paying world. Of course not every vagrant takes advantage of the full rehabilitation program; not every fellow kneels at the altar rail and accepts Christ. But a surprisingly large percentage do. Meanwhile, whatever help—material or spiritual — is given to the skid- row unfortunates is Christian work of a high order.

When the souls are fed with living Bread, drifters like this man are given warm nourishing meals. Comfortable living room of Uptown House, half-way point between gutter and home.

41

MAY, 1962

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