What We Do: Our Justice Van Runs

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' " Matthew 25:40

November 21, 2024

It was an overcast November afternoon when Su-Hui and I pulled into the Mustard Seed. Su-Hui brought homemade muffins and hot chocolate. We had picked up DQ burgers, and Jeanette had dropped off her delicious sandwiches. We also had cookies, bananas, snacks and assorted drinks.

Because it was the day after street payday, we knew it would be quieter. We served Tammy, Rene, Alli, Max and Joel on Queens Avenue. 

We circled over to the Bottle Depot where there was only our friend, Ricky. He asked for prayer for his foot. We had a great conversation with him, and then headed down Princess Avenue. There was a small encampment at the bottom of the street. We served our friends Christina, Koby, Mikey, Brad, Matty, Dennis and Jerry, and gave tarps to Koby, Jerry and Christina. 

Matty asked if we had a tent for his friend Carson who is down near Rock Bay. We offered to give him one to give to her, but he said he preferred that we do. He was very complimentary of the Justice Van and very grateful. Su-Hui told him that JUSTICE means "Jesus Understands Suffering; Trust In Christ's Empathy.” We gave him a tarp and a pair of runners as his were borrowed and had holes in them. We also gave him a new pair of socks. He is a very kind young man. 

We headed to Rock Bay. There we came across our friends Anna and Sean, who were tenting in their normal spot. We gave them socks and a sleeping bag; they were so thankful. I asked a couple of guys if they knew Carson, and they said she was in front of the Rock Bay shelter. We found her and told her we had a tent for her. We have helped her in the past, and she is a very gentle soul. We gave her food, drinks, a tarp and, of course, a tent. When we told her that Matty directed us to her she just smiled. We also served Jake, and Su-Hui told him the meaning of JUSTICE as well and he said, "That makes sense."

We drove back to the Seed and found Lex and gave him food and drinks. We told Matty that we had given a tent to his friend Carson, which thrilled him. Su-Hui and I said after that it was quite a busy night considering it was the day after payday. We agreed that it is not the quantity but quality of service. 

I like to say “Beauty, not Duty.” Tonight was a special night of serving.

Frank

(Frank Woods, Executive Director)

October 13, 2024 

It was a gorgeous day when I met Christine at the Mustard Seed. Chris dropped sandwiches off at my place, and the Tolsmas brought more. We also had oranges, bananas, cookies, Royal Bay Bakery cinnamon buns, snacks, and assorted cold drinks to hand out. It was fairly quiet on Queens Avenue except for a large encampment at the top of the street. We served CJ, Jared, Pierre, Kristina, Veronica, Adam, Frank, Mike, Tammy, Shaunna, Dennis, Keith, Veronica and a few other members of the street community. We gave out a hat, a few pairs of socks and a jacket because the nights are getting colder.

Then we circled over to the Bottle Depot. Though the Depot was not that busy, people kept coming to the van from nowhere. Many of them were very hungry and thirsty because of the lack of resources open on Sundays. Some people said they would take any food or drinks we could give them. We served Koby, Doug, Deeana, Travis, Deb, Derick, Matty, Olivia, Renee, Tyler, Michael, Basil, James, Chris, Amanda, Glen, Leaveu (sp?), Melinda, Sam, Kingston and others. 

We gave out a warm winter jacket to Doug, who was very happy to receive it. Matty's pants were hanging down and not in good shape. He asked if we had sweatpants. We had not only the perfect size, but the perfect color or him. He thanked us so much. We gave out more socks and another coat as well.

After the rush, we had one sandwich left. As we drove down Princess Avenue we saw Tammy and a fellow standing by her tent. Tammy introduced us to her friend Brett. When we asked him if he wanted a sandwich, snack and drink, he was beyond grateful. So, miraculously, the last sandwich to the last person – again. There were no cookies, cinnamon buns or fruit left. 

As I drove away, I was once again blown away by how we always seem to have exactly the right amount of food and supplies. In the Divine economy, all are counted.

Happy Thanksgiving blessings to all.

Frank

(Frank Woods, Executive Director)

A General Comment on the JVS Runs

One of Frank’s favourite themes centres on how we often have “just enough” to meet the needs of everyone. And, as a rule, he’s pretty much right. That said, we sometimes find ourselves out of sandwiches toward the end, but the street community folks are usually quite content with a protein bar and chips, and a pop and such. 

Another side of all of this is that Frank gets “up” for it every time! He’s “on” for the entire hour or so, and I’ve never seen him act as though he wishes he were somewhere else. Thank you, Frank!!!

Doug

(Doug Kelk, Volunteer)

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