Two weeks ago, Pastor Rick Cole preached his regular services at Sacramento California’s Capitol Christian Church, then left on a mission to live two weeks homeless on the streets or until he raised $300,000 for local homeless service Winter Sanctuary. On Sunday, his congregation celebrated his return.
After 14 days living on the streets Pastor Cole reportedly described a feeling of family among the homeless. He spent the two weeks with just a backpack and sleeping bag. He said, according to local NBC News affiliate KCRA, that in that time he began to feel their pain and loneliness, but called his experience a short window in comparison to those who have no end in sight.
Cole raised $145,000 for the Winder Sanctuary program, which provides a warm place to stay in the colder winter months, KCRA reported. The Winter Sanctuary program describes itself as “a seasonal emergency-shelter program for homeless men and women provided by Sacramento Steps Forward, Volunteers of America and members of the faith community.”
The day Pastor Cole left for his journey on the streets, he preached on and compared his journey to 1 Thessalonians, Breitbart News reported.
Though Pastor Cole did not reach his $300,000 goal, the $145,000 that he did raise represents approximately half of the 2014 budget for Winter Sanctuary budget, according to KCRA. Cole says he is not finished just because he has come home: he wants to do more.
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