10/18/2026
On Friday night I got a phone call. A unknown number. It was a gentleman from The Sharing Place. He called in a good mood to tell me he would see me Saturday morning at the Charity Village. “Are you sure? We open at 6AM!” “Pastor Stephen I sleep at City Hall” Yesterday morning we spent our time handing out water to those who came through our area. We got to share what we do and why we do it. We believe Jesus served us and as a result we want to serve others. Jesus loves us. So we love others. After the morning I popped up to ball hockey. A group of guys from all sorts of backgrounds who play ball hockey to encourage each other. My wife was there so I got to introduce her to all the players. Finally we came to this one player who when I first met him was playing in crocs not by choice but because of circumstances. It was January. No one where’s crocs in January to be cool. By far the most athletic and skilled of all our players earning the nickname “hockey.” Last week I could barely walk. Finally some sense came into my slow stubborn mind and the thought came through me that perhaps these shoes weren’t up to the task. When the lady saw my shoes, there was no poker face. More accurately her eyes bulged like an acme cartoon character. “You’re running a marathon in those? You’ve been training in those! No wonder you feel like a SR those are our cheapest walk / run shoes and they look worn out about two or three months ago..!” I went home with new shoes. Last night I had the privilege of a friend downtown who heard I was running offer his place to my family. A double bed and a sofa bed. “I’m sorry I hope this will do.” On my walk to the starting line I walked past more than a few who didn’t have that privilege. Who didn’t have that friend. Or who were told there was no room at the inn. It’s Sunday. I normally share a message of hope on Sundays. So on route I swung by a church. Not to preach but simply to say one last prayer. You can pray anywhere by the way but I’m a bit old school and like the comfort of a good pew. As I approached the church a statue of a homeless man outside. A reminder to me of when I started this process. I started the day saying thank God today “it is finished.” But as I am about to run I recognize that this run was to bring awareness to The Sharing Place, who we are and why we do what we do. In that respect there is no actual finish line. We’re going to do this until we simply can’t anymore. I am encouraged by the support of texts I received this morning. And the donations which I know were sacrificially given. Thank you!!! Just remember I am fortunate. I had a place to sleep last night. I am not running this race in crocs. And no one is making a statue of me to place outside a church. Be blessed my friends. NCM Canada Stephen William Atkinson
Please forgive bad grammar and poor articulation as I am literally writing in line to start. Prayers appreciated. “Hockey” and “Greek” this one is for you. Jesus loves you.
