As I was drinking my coffee one morning just recently, I overheard a story on the
morning news that beckoned me to stop and listen.  The news anchor was talking about a Los Angeles Police Officer who’s strategy is hugs and hello’s and help for the homeless! What cop does this? Well I just learned of one!  The story high lighted, Officer Deon Joseph, who has been working on the streets of Skid Row in Los Angeles, California for the past 18 years!! Most American’s have never driven through the streets known as Skid Row, which is an area comprised of about 50 blocks and is home to the largest homeless community in the United States.  The Los Angeles Missions, hotels and do-good organizations in this area, collectively serve over 9000 meals per day to the homeless in the Skid Row District.  Some of these people have nasty drug addictions, some are mentally ill, while others have had a stroke of bad luck in life and for whatever reason were never able to recover. Most are just trying to get through each day. 

LIFE ON THE STREETS

Most of the people who live in this district, live inside of ripped up tents, cardboard boxes and make-shift homes constructed of old tarps or anything else that can be used to create shelter.  Over the years, this area has become more dangerous and infested by gang members, pimps, hustlers, drug dealers, users and other people who only seek to prey on the most vulnerable homeless who reside on Skid Row.

When I first moved to California, my husband and I drove my kids down to Skid Row. My husband wanted the kids to see how good they have it… how good all of us have it in comparison to this place. He rolled the windows down in the car so the kids could get a clear vision of the torn up duffle bags, boxes and grocery baskets filled with each person’s personal belongings. He wanted the kids to be able to smell the urine on the streets so they could get an understanding of how so many people here live. As we slowly drove down the street we watched people fighting, sleeping, smoking dope, arguing over trivial matters and even people urinating on the street where they sleep. Many of us cannot even begin to fathom living on the streets much less the streets of Skid Row.

A BLESSING FOR THE BLUE!

Officer Deon Joseph knows full well that every day is unpredictable. Every day he puts his life on the line as he walks into one of the the filthiest, scariest and most unpredictable places in the country.  He spends his days and nights on these streets, among the unlovely, the abused, the neglected.  He knows most people don’t like police officers, but he tries to look at all these people the way God looks at him. We are all in need and that is exactly what officer Deon does on the streets… He tries to meet the needs and extends a hand of grace and mercy. Officer Deon is a man of God  who has a heart for Jesus and his people. This incredible love is demonstrated and reflected every day in the unconditional love and service he extends to all people down on Skid Row, who know him. 

THANK YOU OFFICER DEON!

Officer of Blessing, is dressed in BLUE will soon receive a Basket of Sunshine from us because that’s exactly what he is!! Officer Deon Joesph is a ray of sunshine, shining love, acceptance and peace into one of the darkest places many of us will never see. I don’t know officer Deon, never met the guy in my life. But I saw heard story on the news and I have since read articles about him online. He is a brother in Christ so for him, I thank the Lord above!  I would like to ask you all to please join me in praying for him as he continues to walk the streets of Skid Row.  Pray for continued protection over him as he works. and for God’s favor to continue to rest upon him.  Lastly, please keep officer Deon’s wife and family in your prayers.