Hope in Burien: Phoenix's Story

Phoenix was the name she gave. She walked past us whilst we were serving at the Transit Center on Friday, March 22nd, 2024. In the background, worship music was playing, and the Good News of the Gospel was being shared, with the reminder that the love of Jesus overcomes all and that, no matter what anyone has done, there is forgiveness and restoration available. Stooped over, walking alone, arms around her shoulders as if she was hugging herself, Phoenix walked by, stopped for some refreshments, spoke with a few volunteers, and continued on her way, heading away from the buses towards the Burger King/Big Lots area.

The Burien Transit Center is one of the busiest transit centers in the region. With its strategic location, it has become one of the amazing attractions for the City, the County, and the general population. It's a much-needed connecting hub for many in this region and has, over the last few years, seen itself become one of the points of entry for the homeless coming into Burien.

It was a busy night here. Buses were coming and going; commuters were getting on and off, and some were coming over to our outreach set-up. We continued connecting with people, both civilians and homeless alike, on this beautiful early evening.

As we were serving, Phoenix walked past us again, this time heading towards the buses. With a brisk walk, she hurried past us, not stopping or acknowledging us this time around. Earlier, some of the volunteers had publicly shared their own testimonies of how they had received freedom themselves; after I had also spoken, the invitation was given to anyone who wanted to receive prayer to come up. From the corner of my left side, I saw this figure come up, and when she got near, you could see the sadness, the tiredness, and the loneliness in her eyes, which had this "glazed look."

She walked up and said, "I'd like some prayer, please." We welcomed her and asked if there was anything specific she wanted prayer for? "I want to break… freedom from addiction, please," she said softly. We shared the Gospel and the love of Christ with her, encouraged her that she had a purpose and that all was not lost (among other things), and at the end, she shared that she believed she could get free.

Then, we prayed. And a miracle happened. WHOOWIEE!!!

Streams of tears flowed down her face. Her glazed-over and glossy eyes were clear as day. (She shared that she had been high and that now she felt something lift from her.) She stood up straight and was not stooping anymore. She felt different, and literally looked different. We were all AMAZED, and full of thanks to God. We asked if she was homeless and she said "yes;" however, she had a temporary place to stay that night. We invited her to come to the Sunday night service at Hope Christian Church and after further conversation, she shared her birth name as Aubrey.

Dear readers, on that Sunday night, March 24, she showed up, and she looked like a totally different person. HALLELUJAH!!! After the meeting, we talked with her and presented her with some of our partnered services. She agreed to go to a women's shelter in Seattle, and we took her that very same evening. Prior to leaving, she asked for prayer again due to some pain in her back. We prayed. And another miracle happened! After prayer, she joyfully expressed that the pain was gone. She had been "dealing with it all day," and now, she "could not feel it at all," she said. Glory to God!

Aubrey had, in one weekend, (a matter of a few days,) received deliverance from addiction and healing for pain in her back, as well as got connected with a shelter that saw her get off the streets, all from an encounter she had with Jesus, the One who loves each and everyone so dearly and invites all to come to Him. Aubrey believed and, with an open heart, received the opportunity to start a brand new life.

I personally do sincerely believe that prayer works, so do join us in praying for the homeless in our dear city, so that more will be saved.

Father, we thank You for Your love, Your grace, Your patience, Your kindness, and Your mercy. Father, we thank You for this incredible City of Burien and pray for every homeless person in this city, from the North to the South, and from the East to the West. We pray for each one of them from the Transit Center, through downtown Burien, the encampment by the Courthouse, and in every alleyway and hidden brush in this city. We ask for a transformation of hearts for them and a desire to change and receive the services they are offered. We thank You that there is freedom from addiction and hope for the future in You. We ask for total restoration of lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

-Joseph Riverson

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Joseph is the Executive Director for Samaritan Worldview, which focuses on helping the homeless, the poor, and the destitute of society through the love of Christ. Learn more at www.samaritanworldview.org.

You are invited to join them in outreach, and you can reach him at 253-237-4211 or josephr@samaritanworldview.org.

Joseph is also one of the leaders at Hope Christian Church. You are invited to visit Hope Christian Church any Sunday at the 10 am or 6 pm services, located at 632 SW 143rd St., Burien, WA.  Learn more at www.hope-christian.com.