How a Bike Brought Hope

Last fall, one of our Weekly teams met Brian* seen above (*name changed for privacy reasons) in east Atlanta. Brian talked with us for close to an hour, sharing his story of how he’d been living outside for more than a year.

At the end of the conversation, we asked him if there was anything specific we could help with, and he immediately answered, “a bike.” He explained that a bike would give him free transportation and he could get a job.

What Brian didn’t know was that a month earlier, in God’s providence, a longtime Lazarus volunteer had connected his neighbor to us because they had a bike they wanted to donate to someone experiencing homelessness.

Brian was excited to hear we actually had a bike, and the next day was thrilled when we brought it to him. With emotion in his voice, he said, “Now I can not only get a job, but I can keep a job.” We prayed with him that job opportunities would open for him, and wished him well.

Last week we reconnected with him, and learned he has found a job, and is renting a room in a rooming house! His situation is much more stable, and and he has hope for a better future.

We are so thankful for this good news from Brian, and the reminder that the hospitality and kindness we offer on the streets is bringing hope and transformation. Thank you for your prayers and support as we couldn’t do this work without you!