Difficult Times

As you may have heard, a week ago today, Siloam Mission laid off 25% of its staff. It was a difficult week, to say the least.

We haven’t been doing well financially and as extreme a measure as this seems, our leadership feels it really is the only way to handle the situation at the present time. As difficult as it is, we have taken a course that will hopefully prevent us from having to cut back on any of our services. The most important thing at this point is to make sure the people we serve, the people who feel a sense of belonging here with us, do not get left out in the cold so to speak – or quite literally I suppose.

People come to Siloam Mission because we offer dignity and respect, and provide a relief from life on the streets – even if for just a moment. So although the loss of some of our staff members has been and will continue to be difficult, both for those who go and those who stay, we must continue the work God has trusted us with. And in turn, continue to trust in Him.

We trust what the book of Romans tells us, that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord. So we will trust that what Satan intends for evil, God can use for good. We will keep our eyes focused on what we are here for.

Those who will be moving on have taken the news quite well. There is emotion of course, but many have asked when they will be able to return to volunteer. That’s because we have a team of people at Siloam who truly care about what they’re doing. It’s not just a job to us – it’s life, it’s love, and it’s God’s heart.

As a connecting point between the compassionate and Winnipeg’s less fortunate, we have always relied on volunteer support. Now, even more than ever, we need the support of our community; through material goods, funds, and particularly time. We will continue to offer programs and services at no charge for those who are experiencing poverty and homelessness in our city, and we need your help.

Sarah Enns
Community Education Coordinator

Jesus Never Talked to a Prostitute

“Jesus never talked to a prostitute because he didn’t see a prostitute; he just saw a child of God whom he was madly in love with.” – Shane Claiborne

On the wall on the 4th floor at Siloam Mission, we have that quote posted. A staff member wrote it on a piece of card stock with a permanent marker to post during an event. That event was two years ago, but I liked the words so much that I just left it.

We often have groups, of all ages, up on the 4th floor and they see it. Some get it and just stand there and nod. Others don’t really understand what it means and ask about it.

Whether a follower of Jesus or not, we can see in history that he was one who saw the person and not their circumstance. And still knowing the circumstance, loved them anyway. He offered mercy and grace when others would have condemned.

During his human life, Jesus didn’t talk to a prostitute, a thief, or a murderer. He talked to his people; his children. Jesus didn’t fellowship with the criminal, the sick, the poor, the homeless, or the sinner. He was just with his people; his loved ones.

That’s why we keep that quote on the wall. We want to be an organization that sees people for who they are, not for their situation or circumstance in life. We want to see people the way Jesus sees them – as people; people who have potential and need to be loved.

I hope I never talk to a prostitute either.


Sarah Enns
Community Education Coordinator