Good Morning, Morgan!
“Good Morning, Morgan” was something Daniel Lenhert uttered out of obedience but without a ton of conviction. That is, until after serving at Winter Relief changed his perspective.
Daniel serves in the Army and works at the Pentagon. He rides the Marc train to DC, then takes the Red and Blue Metro lines to get to work. He begrudgingly believes that God has him commute on the metro to teach him patience and humility as he is jostled about by fellow humans.
Where he disembarks from the Marc train at Union Station he often passes by Morgan. Morgan is a homeless, double amputee that sits inside the station on a regular basis. Daniel always says “Good Morning” to Morgan, and eventually, God moved Daniel past his aversion to touching this man to embracing him with a handshake as he said those words.
Many people would say that Daniel’s actions are already above and the beyond what the normal passerby would offer this wheelchair bound gentleman, but Daniel would have you know that he interacted this way mostly out of pity and obedience.
Having the gift of compassion, Daniel had always been burdened over the issue of homelessness, but he was never sure how to get involved. When the opportunity arose for Daniel to serve at Winter Relief at Severn Run in February, he was excited to have the chance to interact with the homeless.
Having the gift of compassion, Daniel had always been burdened over the issue of homelessness, but he was never sure how to get involved.
He prayed about how much time God would have him give. As he prayed about taking a day or two off work, he felt the Lord say, “Daniel, why are you messing around? Do it all!” He put in for a week of leave and contacted Pastor Steve about where he could serve.
Pastor Steve assigned Daniel to work overnight. The first couple of nights, as Daniel observed those he was serving. His eyes were opened.
“The guests were no different than me. Maybe they’ve made some mistakes or taken a different route in life, but their needs are the same as my needs.”
Daniel realized he was guilty of a judgmental attitude towards the less fortunate. God began to melt his heart. He began to see the less fortunate as God sees them.
“They’re just so grateful”, Daniel says. “Grateful to be seen, treated with respect, and cared for”.
Now, when Daniel sees Morgan, he doesn’t speak to him out of pity or obligation, but with respect and a genuine interest. They’ve had a few conversations and Morgan has asked about Daniel’s Fight Club bracelet. Daniel looks forward to the day we he can share Jesus with Morgan.