We were just about to leave , when we heard the faint sound of laughter and voices. They were a group of 5 people guys and girls gathered around some candles under the bridge. They had a little living room set up and made cozy. 

Needles were present and they didn't hide what they were doing, it was all out in the open. 

As we began our walk back to meet the van, he chased after us. He wanted to be with us, and sit in the van, and get a few necessities. Even in the midst of being high he was very clear and able to communicate honestly and very kindly with us. He shared his struggles being homeless, his difficulties, his need to talk and be heard. With a thank you and a God bless, he was gone. 

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She was in the fetal position outside the van, 7 months pregnant, noticeably uncomfortable. She arrived about a week ago to Toronto, trying to find a better life than the destructive people she called family back home. With another child nearly twelve years old she couldn't take care of, she showed a strength and a determination to get back on her feet, leave her meth addiction, and be stable mother to her two kids. 

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A young couple with an infectious joy, she so young bright eyed, and a truly captivating presence, he a sense of humor and a gentle kindness. Their stories wrapped up in struggle for survival, scary situations, victim of  an abusive family, and loneliness on the streets. I did not want them to leave the van, I loved the warmth they seem to carry with them. 

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God knows these people, God sees these people, God loves these people. He knows every piece of their story, he sees them with hope to restore and heal, he loves them with an outrageous, furious, relentless love. 

He is not disgusted with the mess, he is in the mess.He is not overwhelmed with the brokenness, the hurt , the abuse, the addiction, the hopelessness.  I know and believe  he has hope for these people. I trust that he he is at work, and that he knows what needs to happen with each individual. 

Please keep these precious people in your prayers. That they would come to know Jesus. Jesus is what we need.