There are games being played with our crises. We have been accused of posturing and playing politics. I have a notice of dismissal on my desk as I write this, and it doesn't look like posturing to me. Last night the city councillor whose portfolio includes poverty issues said on television that we were fully funded. He said we had been given a substantial amount of funding in addition to our per diem rates. What he failed to mention was that the additional funding was start-up costs for our public meals program and that it had been spent - and receipts submitted - by December 31st of last year. He also failed to mention that the per diem rates don't even begin to cover our costs and that we must fundraise for the remainder. He began his statement by saying there was absolutely no truth to the "rumour" that we were closing and that he wished we had given him an opportunity to dialogue with him regarding our financial crises prior to the announcement.

We've been talking to the Social Services department in our city for months about this.

If you're of the praying persuasion, please remember us. This is far from over. As screwed up as all of this is, I still believe the Lord is in it, I still am willing - expecting - that His will be done here in our city, as it is in heaven. I spent about three hours last night pacing back and forth in my kitchen at home, bellowing at the ceiling.

Enough.

It's time to get the focus back on our guests. We must continue to do what we are called to do, we must continue to serve, to love, to greet the broken and the wounded with love and cool water. Jesus awaits; God's love will prevail.