"Life is hard." He then began to cry.
"Yes, it's not easy for a lot of people." I said, patting him on the shoulder.
Two days ago, during the church's regular community outreach, we encountered him, a homeless man, in the city center. He said:
"I'm thinking of going back to prison."
"What?"
"In prison, you have everything. It's better than being out here. I'm struggling with whether or not to commit a crime so I can go back."
"I can understand... but can you avoid doing that?" I looked at his weary, middle-aged face and responded awkwardly. In early September, a Hong Kong court sentenced an unemployed man to prison for injuring someone after failing to secure social assistance.
He had just been released from prison ten days ago. He took out a thick letter from Bolton Council to show us; it was about applying for a council house. "I don't understand this letter. I can't read... A social worker in prison helped me apply for it," he said. "I know there are organizations nearby that can help you, but today is Sunday. I'll take you there now, and you can go on your own tomorrow, okay?"
"Thank you very much. Weren't you afraid of me as a stranger?" he asked.
"I'm just doing what I can. This used to be the church's old site, but I still remember this organization. If we still had a place, I'd want you to come to the church every day for meals. But I'm sorry, we can't afford the rent now. In a way, we are also 'homeless,' and can only serve in this limited way."
"Life is hard." He said this and quietly started to cry.
"Yes, it's not easy for a lot of people." I patted his shoulder, using comfort to mask my own heartache.
Leaving behind the church's "homelessness," many Hong Kong people are also "homeless" in one way or another, especially those who have gone into exile or been imprisoned for political reasons, and their families. To some extent, they can understand the need to walk alongside those who are truly "homeless."
Are you willing to walk alongside others?
The Mid-Autumn Festival speaks of reunion. May the Lord help those who cannot reunite on earth to come together.
I hope everyone finds peace this Mid-Autumn Festival.
September 17, 2024
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