A Lesson in Hope

It was a Tuesday afternoon when Lillianna, Allen, and I met a Phil just outside of PSU in downtown Portland. He was walking alone, and as we approached, he welcomed our company. Our conversation wove through many topics, from the struggles of homelessness to faith and the Church. As we talked, Phil shared his story with us. His life had taken a devastating turn when a propane fire engulfed his home while he was cooking. He had recently been released from the hospital, still bearing the burns on his face, arms, and chest. His resilience, despite such hardship, was humbling.

Before we parted ways, we prayed with Phil, asking God to guide and strengthen him. Then, we continued on with our street ministry, not knowing how much this encounter would impact us.

A week later, Phil reached out again. He had called St. Michael’s Church, and they connected him to me. It was snowing heavily that day, and he needed help. Initially, I hesitated, thinking I couldn’t make it to him since my car wasn’t built for snowy conditions. But then I thought of my friend Sam, who had a more suitable vehicle. I called him, and without hesitation, he agreed to help.

Phil hadn’t mentioned that he had a lot of belongings to move. But when we arrived, we packed everything into the car, doing our best to accommodate him. As we drove, we suggested taking him to a shelter, hoping he could find warmth and rest. But he declined. He told us that as long as he knew where he was, the snow was preferable to a shelter. The weight of his words settled deep in my heart. He wasn’t looking for a temporary escape from the cold, he just wanted companionship. Leaving him there in the snow was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. Before parting, I gave him my phone number, and we stayed in touch through text messages.

Over the next few weeks, we met a few more times, strengthening the unexpected friendship. Then, one day, I received incredible news: Phil had found a place to stay in a tiny home for the homeless. He told me he had a “prodigal son moment,” a realization that led him to take a step toward stability. My heart swelled with gratitude and joy, knowing he was on his way off the streets.

This journey with my friend has been one of the most profound experiences of my missionary work. It has opened my eyes to the reality that sometimes, people don’t need grand gestures; they need someone who listens, someone who sees them, someone who cares. Phil taught me that hope is not about immediate solutions but about the quiet reassurance that we are not alone.

God’s love is present in the smallest acts: offering a ride in the snow, sharing a conversation, or simply standing with someone in their struggle. And hope is the belief that even in the darkest moments, light is never far away. My friend’s journey, from the cold streets to finding shelter, reminds me that God is always working, even when we don’t see the full picture.

~Michael Ivezic