Mercy in Portland

As Mercy Missionaries, one of our core missions is to meet the God’s children on the streets of Portland, Oregon, not with resources but with genuine friendship. It’s not enough to provide physical sustenance—we believe that every person we encounter is worthy of love, dignity, and connection. This belief was beautifully affirmed during our Thanksgiving outreach, which turned into an unforgettable testament to the power of relationship and hope.

Just before Thanksgiving, we had the privilege of hosting Saint Paul Outreach (SPO) missionaries who joined us for their Thanksgiving break. Their visit brought immense joy, as we experienced their deep camaraderie and unwavering commitment to service. Yet, the true highlight of their time with us was witnessing two powerful reunions—moments that revealed the lasting impact of authentic friendship.

Blake and DJ: A Story of Transformation

One of the SPO missionaries, Blake, shared an incredible testimony about reconnecting with his friend DJ, whom he had met a year prior. Blake recounted how he’d last seen DJ in a heartbreaking situation, burning a milk crate just to stay warm. When they reunited this time, Blake was struck by the transformation in DJ’s spirit.

Blake shared: “How I left seeing him down on his luck last year, burning a milk crate because he had nothing else, to now being filled with joy and hope, and how beautiful it was to pray with him before I left Portland this time around. It really showed how God cares for the least of these, and my brother is worthy of His hope.”

Blake’s story reminded all of us that even in the hardest of circumstances, hope can flourish through connection and prayer.

Matt and Air: Beauty Amid Hardship

Another SPO missionary, Matt, shared his reunion with Air, a woman he had met in March. He first encountered her when she was struggling with a broken arm and trying to move her belongings. Matt and a fellow missionary offered to help, sparking a connection. During their conversation, Air shared about her daughter, who had passed away at the age of four, and mentioned how one of the missionaries reminded her of her child. This tender moment stayed with Matt long after he left Portland.

When Matt returned to Portland for Thanksgiving, Air was the first person he encountered during their outreach. She remembered him and expressed gratitude for their visit, even asking them to return. Matt was particularly moved by a small detail she shared: she had recently acquired an all-pink outfit and couldn’t decide whether to keep or sell it. She ultimately chose to wear it that day, revealing a profound truth about human dignity, beauty, and innate feminine desire. Despite her circumstances, Air’s desire to express her unique identity and worth shone through.

Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Connection

Our Thanksgiving Day lunch was another profound experience. As we welcomed our friends from the streets, many shared that we were their Thanksgiving plans. That revelation struck me deeply. Thanksgiving has always been a cherished holiday in my family, filled with love, laughter, and abundance. Hearing that we were the closest thing to family and home for so many of our friends broke my heart. While it was humbling to provide a sense of belonging and celebration, it also underscored the profound loneliness and loss many experience daily.

A Lesson in Hope and Friendship

These encounters with DJ, Air, and many others reminded us of a fundamental truth: every life holds immense value and potential. Friendship isn’t about fixing someone’s problems; it’s about walking alongside them, seeing their dignity, and offering them hope.

As Mercy Missionaries, and through the example of the SPO missionaries, we’re learning that transformation often begins with the simplest of gestures—a conversation, a helping hand, a shared prayer. And sometimes, it’s about showing up, time and time again, to remind someone that they are not forgotten.

This Thanksgiving, I was profoundly grateful for the lessons we’ve learned on the streets of Portland. God’s love reaches into the darkest corners, and through genuine friendships, we can reflect that love to a world in need. Let’s continue to be witnesses to hope, one encounter at a time.

~by Michael Ivezic

Sister Teresa Harrell