Easter in Derby

We take part in a worship gathering each week with a street ministry downtown at Derby Plaza. Typically about 30 of us gather in the plaza for a time of singing, a message from Dennis (long time missionary), food and fellowship.  We help serve food and drinks, engage in conversation and get to know the stories and struggles of the people here.  We are all struggling with different issues and are glad to be able to share God’s love with those who have been rejected from family and society. 

On Easter we had the pleasure of participating in a touching morning for everyone. Dennis shared a message about Jesus washing the diciples’ feet, the relationship they had in friendship and how he wanted to make himself less to serve them. After the message he told everyone that we were going to wash their feet.  The faces in the crowd were painted with expressions of surprise, confusion, and resistence. They remarked in varying tones, ‘why would anyone do this?’ We proceeded to get out basins, soap, and pitchers; then Dennis and Edison started washing peoples’ feet. We helped pour water to clean their feet and distribute towels that we had gotten for each of them.  One of the guys asked if they could wash Dennis’ feet as well.  After everyone else’s feet had been washed one of the little boys washed Dennis’ feet.  It was spontaneous and sincere.  We are looking forward to spending more time with this group.