With such a large gap of time between the Biblical narrative and the present, it can be difficult to apply Bible stories directly to our daily lives and work –– but sometimes, one just jumps off the page. There’s an interesting story recounted in Acts 3 involving the disciples and a neighbor in need. This was right after Jesus had ascended and the disciples were living in their new reality upon receiving the Holy Spirit. Jesus was performing signs and wonders through them as they boldly declared the Gospel of the Kingdom.

On this occasion, they entered the temple –– a sacred place of worship –– at the “gate called Beautiful” (Acts 3:2 NIV). The man they met there was lame from birth, meaning he could not walk due to some lack of function in his legs or feet. Begging for money was likely all he knew. Day after day, someone would place the man at the gate so he could rummage up some funds in an ongoing attempt to keep living so he could try it all over again the next day.

So when Peter and John came in, he did what he did with everyone –– he asked them for money. How many times did he do this daily? Hundreds? How many people kept walking, on their way to worship, ignoring the man completely…acting like he wasn’t there?

But this time was different.

“Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, ‘Look at us!’” (Acts 3:4 NIV)

They focused intently on this man, who in the eyes of his society was the opposite of the Beautiful gate he sat under. They gave him individual attention, and not only did they make eye contact –– they asked him to look back at them. In that moment, a relationship was formed.

Verse 5 says the man was “expecting to get something from them,” but what he received was far better than the financial gift he supposed was coming. Peter then addresses the man with one of the most beautiful and powerful and confident responses imaginable.

“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6 NIV)

He got up. He became strong. And for the first time in his life, he walked.

This is our job at Springs Rescue Mission.

People of all kinds come to SRM, but one thing is very common among our guests –– society has refused to make eye contact with individuals made in God’s image.

So we say “look at us,” and when they see two eyes looking back, a core human need is fulfilled –– to be seen. And not just that, but to be valued as one currently is, not as they used to be or could be one day.

And when somebody feels seen, they too start to see differently. When you lookup at eyes that see you, you begin to see something other than your own situation. You see a different reality, something hopeful –– something that could be better. Something that could be redeemed.

And then, like the man in the story, expectations change. This beggar was used to the old way of things. Old expectations bring old responses. He was preparing to receive another donation, but he got something much better–– something he didn’t think was possible. He received strength in his limbs and the ability to move his feet, one after another, in order to walk…something nearly all of us take for granted.

We often take plenty of things for granted. Homes, income, family relationships, being raised in safe environments.

For many SRM guests, it’s possible that few or none of those things are reality.

A home was lost because of an unexpected financial hurdle.
Family relationships were severed after an illness or dispute.
Past abuse haunts the present day, emotionally, physically and otherwise.

A guest may come to SRM expecting the same treatment society has given them, and when met with something different or better, it may take time for them to understand what we’re offering. A guest may not immediately understand our intentions or reasons for helping.

But when eye contact is established, God begins to work.

And since His resources are for more than financial, the blessing can extend far beyond a meal or a bed. Real, full-life transformation is possible. In fact, that’s the goal. That’s why we’re here.

We’re here so people can get up and walk.

Springs Rescue Mission exists so that people can take the next step forward ontheir journey out of homelessness. And then their next step, and their nextstep.  

It starts with a look in the eye under the Beautiful gate. That’s dignity.

Then taking someone by the hand… real assistance.

Soon, they’ve gotten up and they’re walking on their own.

And finally, “he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God” (Acts 3:8).

Once they walk, they can leap! The journey from staying put to taking the first step is many times harder than the journey from walking to leaping. And our desire, once someone is walking and leaping, is to then acknowledge and celebrate what God has done in their lives… seeing God’s hand at work in their story.

That’s what true rescue looks like.  

At SRM, we desire that our gates would be called Beautiful –– not because of their appearance, but because of the people who find shelter and rest behind them. Because beyond those gates, people live and find second chances. Because beyond those gates, relationships form and transformation results. Because beyond those gates, people learn to walk… some for the very first time. And then we praise the One who made it happen… and we wait for Him to do it again.