Compelled to Serve at Don't Walk By

Awesome volunteer Bo Huang attends Redeemer Downtown and has volunteered with Don't Walk By with his community group for several years. "We’ve always felt compelled to serve with DWB because homelessness is one of the major, ever-present social issues of NYC and Christ cares deeply for the poor," Bo says. 

Why did you decide to get involved with Don't Walk By?

I’ve been participating in DWB for several years, with my current and former CGs. We’ve always felt compelled to serve with DWB because homelessness is one of the major, ever-present social issues of NYC and Christ cares deeply for the poor.?

Did you serve with any friends or people that you knew? What was it like to serve together in community?

Yes, we always serve together as a CG and it’s a fantastic experience! Not only do we get to put our faith into action, but by being together, we get to do so joyfully. Moreover, as a CG leader, my heart wells with warmth to see our members rise up to lead DWB teams and literally en-'courage' each other to approach strangers as Christians. 

What was most memorable about the Don't Walk By experience? How did it change the way you saw the homeless? 

In our years of serving with DWB, we've had many meaningful conversations with homeless men and women, even accompanying several back to the home churches. But what I honestly think is most memorable about the experience are all the homeless who didn't want help, wanted it on their own terms, or were too incoherent to communicate. They've shattered the many naive notions I've held about poverty and homelessness. Those who didn't want help pierced my shallow millennial ego to "save the world." Those who wanted help on their own terms reinforced the essential humanity and dignity of the homeless. And the incoherent, insane, etc, highlighted my limitations but emphasized the importance of dedicated non-profits with specialized staff who passionately pursue this grueling work day-in/day-out.

What would you say to encourage other people to participate in Don't Walk By?

I would encourage others to participate in DWB because it is both necessary and challenging. Homelessness is pervasive in NYC. To ignore it is to ignore one of the great (along with poverty and inequality) social, economic and political ills that our generation is called to heal. To disengage from the world's woes would only quicken the self-absorbed current of this City and further atrophy the soul. To be frank, DWB is incredibly challenging - you have to walk around in the freezing cold, talk to strangers and face rejection. But bearing the uncomfortable in the pursuit of God's heart leads to growth, maturity, and character as He molds us into engaged and compassionate Christian citizens. 

Photo by Justin T. Shockley