On a recent Saturday morning in downtown Tacoma, Christ's followers piled out of a lime green bus. The bus riders leaned a wood cross between a telephone pole and stop sign, erected a table and set up coffee and cups.

Then they waited for those who need their help.

This scene has been played out for the past six years as Steve and Donna Welch drive their ministry to the homeless, drug addicted, hopeless and forgotten.

That Saturday morning the faithful had staked out a corner where they would pray for those in need.

Believe me, the Welchs and crew had a busy morning.

The couple calls their witnessing The Street Corner Commission, which literally lives the words of Matthew 22:9 - Go ye therefore into the highways, and as may as ye shall find, bid to the marriage - and takes prayer to a street corner.

It wasn't long before their congregation - which can vary between 20 and 80, depending upon weather and need - began to appear.

Most were quiet and respectful; a few folks arrived in the opposite mode.

All would be prayed for.

Donna Welch leads a small group prayer for some of the homeless who can find food, clothing and prayer. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

I noticed one guy shivering in the sunshine as he sat on a piece of curbing.  His clothes were dirty, and he wore a black leather jacket several sizes too big.  He rocked slightly; his blue eyes watered like Niagara Falls down his weatherworn face.

I walked over, sat down and asked him what he thought of the Welchs and their ministry.

"These people are great," Rollie said as he held a cup of coffee in his battered and trembling hands.  "I feel better about myself when they're here."

I wasn't sure if he felt better because he had been prayed over or because he had something hot to drink.

I suspect it was the latter. 

Rollie, a regular on this particular corner of prayerful concern, told me that he had been homeless since 1995, that he couldn't deal with normality, that he didn't seem to fit in anywhere, and that heroin was the only thing that seemed to help him make it through life.

As Rollie shook next to me, I though maybe a bus ride to rehab would benefit him better.

Steve and Donna Welch think and believe otherwise. They help with food and clothes; they bow their heads and pray. 

"We're here to help; Jesus will help; prayer helps," Steve tells me.

Eric points to an item of clothing he wants from a bus operated by The Street Corner Commission. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

A single line of about 15 people formed up behind the bus as Donna handed out plastic bags filled with food items.  She also gave out clothes to those who ask for them.

And then she would ask if the person would like to pray.

Like raindrops falling into puddles, prayer circles formed and reformed as men, women and, yes, children came away with something.

"We are bringing a church outside; we pray for everyone," Steve said.

Steve Welch. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

Give the Welch's credit for their faith. They accepted, and helped without question, all who came up to the back of the bus.

"We will continue to bring the prayer," Steve told me.

I admire that.

Want to help?  Visit www.thestreetcornercommmission.org.

To donate to United Way's mission to provide shelter to those in need, click here.