COMMENTS FROM A HOST FAMILY
Those of you reading this who are already host families know about the privilege of being a S.L.E.A.P. host. Those of you who are not host families read on.
I have been a host for six years now. I see perhaps half a dozen young men in a given year. Some stay only one night, some stay for several nights over a period of a few weeks, and then two or three months can go by before the next.
The 'phone rings at work and Kristen from S.L.E.A.P. asks tentatively about my availability either for that night, or sometimes for the coming few nights. There is no obligation.
The young man is brought round, often as not his belongings in a carrier bag, introduced and left. We will chat a bit about what is expected of them, the "rules" of my house, and show them to the room in which they stay. We usually eat together, and then they are free to go or stay as they please, provided they are back by ten!
Some talk, some do not. Some talk about faith and ask why. Some tell their stories, some do not. Some share their hopes and their plans. Some just want to watch some telly, or surf the net.
In most cases their circumstances are not of their making or choosing. The victim of some one else's selfish decision. Just like the rest of us, they need to know that they are loved, they need shelter, a kind word, a warm drink and a bed for the night.
If the difficulty in raising some of my guests from their bed in the morning is an indication of the soundness of sleep and the security that they feel, then their need and relief must be very great.
So the challenge to you is why not be a host. You will not be disappointed. This is God's mission for real!
Norman Pedley