Disciples Women

Women's Action Web: The Sorority of the Women’s Action Web

A student at Chapman University recently invited me to attend a mother-daughter graduation tea for Phi Beta Kappa as her surrogate aunt. I was honored and impressed with what I learned about her sorority. These beautiful young women spent their college days together supporting each other’s dreams and efforts to achieve them. The friendships and memories they developed will remain with them forever.

This is how I feel about the seventeen other women that participated in the Women’s Action Webb trip in November of 2001. We all had different goals and expectations of what the trip from San Diego to central California would offer. I don’t think we realized we would bond together in a fellowship that would last a lifetime. We have taken many different paths since that trip but many of us remain in contact as we mentor and support each other.

My experiences with Mary McKenana at Mary’s Kitchen encouraged me to start a sleeping bag and lunch program for the homeless. Every Thursday I pack up whatever I have prepared and go the Sunland to share the gifts God has provided. I have learned that there areas many different reasons for being homeless as there are individuals without homes. I was a firm believer in “God helps those who help themselves.” This has changed as I meet people every week who no longer can help themselves.

I work with broken people who will probably never get off the streets during their lifetime. The chronic homeless have problems with mental illness, addictions and social interaction. It is almost a relief to come across someone who is homeless because of a loss of a job, divorce or illness. These are the people who still have a chance to get back into the mainstream of life. Why do I waste my time with people who will probably die on the streets of abuse or hunger? I have asked myself that question many times. My only answer is that this is where God has led me. I return home filled by the spirit of God knowing that for today this is where I should be.

Our work in Sunland is under attack by city officials. Their answer is to relocate the homeless to another city or put them into jail. We have been threatened with fines and pressures from the police, but continue to do our work.. We hope to establish an aid center where people can come for a shower, a meal and help through existing programs. To my sisters of Webb Trip 2001, I ask for your prayers as I continue my journey. For those of you considering applying for the October 2004 trip, I encourage you to do so, and know that you will be in my prayers.

—by Diane Cripe, Pacific Southwest Region