For those that don’t know me, my name is Jen Tran (new last name because I just got married last month)! I began working as the Emergency Assistance Coordinator here at Morning Glory Ministries back in January and it has been an honor getting to pour into the lives of our homeless community.
The book that gives me the greatest zeal for this mission is Joy of the Gospel by our Pope Francis. He says, “Today and always the poor are the privileged recipients of the gospel … and therefore we have to state, without mincing words, that there is an inseparable bond between our faith and the poor. May we never abandon them” EG, #48. The poor are the “privileged recipients” meaning that due to their lack of safety nets they have the ability to truly know what complete dependence on the Lord means.
This inspires me to hear and grow to understand the men and women we serve each day and to learn from their faith, and truly rejoice when they are able to overcome hard situations.
One man that comes to mind is Michael. He came to Morning Glory Ministries a few months ago (like most) without a job and without a place to live. We provided him with all the resources he needed to accept and maintain his new job at McDonald’s. He was given work clothes, non-slip shoes, and a monthly bus pass to get him through his first month until he got paid.
He walked into Emergency Assistance today proudly wearing his uniform to inform me that he had saved up enough money from his new job and was approved to rent out his very own apartment, getting him off the streets for the first time in years. Michael reminded me that there is hope and there is no one out of God’s reach to revive and make new.
“So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
I want to give a special shout out to all the Morning Glory volunteers. They are the hands and feet of this mission and we would not exist without all of their efforts. Thank you.
If you are interested in volunteering in our café please contact jmason@kcgolddome.org.
Emergency Assistance Needs:
Men
Tennis Shoes
Jeans (especially sizes 32 & 34), belts, underwear (all sizes)
Reading Glasses
Women
Plain Pants (size 4,6,8,10)
Food
Ramen Noodles & Microwavable Meals
Other
Twin Sheets, Pillow Cases, Towels, Wash Clothes, Bibles, Backpacks
People measure being successful in different ways. For some it’s a job, money, their dream house, or a car. For me I try and keep it simple. I see success and being successful as every little victory you have in life. When you clean your house, fix something, or have a good day at work. These are all successes to me.