Room in the Inn (RITI) – Guest Perspective

ROOM IN THE INN (RITI)

We welcome your participation, and know it will be a meaningful experience for you.

Room in the Inn from a Guest’s Perspective

 Tonight I sit at my humble desk, typing on my humble computer, remembering with thanksgiving the many blessings bestowed on me by God through the congregation of St. Stephen Presbyterian Church. 

 Many, if not most of you, do not know me.  My name is Lou Friese.  I am a formerly homeless veteran, resident and citizen of our community.  I was honored on many occasions to be chosen as your guest during the coldest and hottest months of the year through the Room in the Inn program.  God indeed blessed me when he pointed me to your church.  But I am sure you are asking, how did God bless you by visiting us?

 St. Stephen is like many churches in Tarrant County hosting Room in the Inn.  What makes St. Stephen special?  You have that spirit of “radical hospitality.”  You invite those that many consider the dirge of society into your beautiful cathedral.  You humbly invited to share with your guests a most beautiful Christmas Eve service in 2013.  Once again, guests receive this from all Room in the Inn congregations, but …

 There are three things I will always single out.  It is now almost a part of Room in the Inn lore how, during Super Bowl week—when ice storms brought the metroplex to a near paralysis, members of St. Stephen would not be denied.  “We will, and we are hosting” was your motto.  For one night, we “residentially challenged” and congregants became one, as everyone “pitched in” as a family to make this night my most memorable Room in the Inn experience.

 There was a Hispanic gentleman, Miguel.  Miguel speaks as much English as I speak Spanish.  Muy poco.  Yet Miguel bonded with many of you over a jigsaw puzzle.  To see his eyes light up when working the puzzle with “his friends” was something special.  Several months ago, I ran into Miguel on a local bus and greeted him.  Somehow I was able to communicate enough with him to share some memories.  When I said jigsaw puzzle, his eyes got that same familiar glow of memories.  Memories have been made and will continue to be made by your love, your honor, and your respect.

 Please allow my third reason to be a bit selfish.  Pastor Fritz and I visited many times over the years and he sensed my passion for working and serving God by helping others.  About this time last year I received a call from Fritz asking me if I would be interested in serving on the board of directors of the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition, a board that he chairs.  Not only was I interested, I was honored and, as I complete the first year of my three-year term, I realize God pointed me to St. Stephen to help lead me in a direction of serving God with what talents I am blessed to possess.

 May the Peace of Christ continue shining on all of you at St. Stephen.  You will never be forgotten.

 Lou Friese currently has a full-time job and is well on his way to finding permanent housing.  As a board member of the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition, Lou is making a difference in the lives of the homeless in our community.  Lou is among many former and current RITI guests who bless the lives of volunteers each Tuesday evening/ Wednesday morning at St. Stephen.  Please join us in this important mission (December through February, July and August)!