I have had a few friends asking about Bumrush Event that helped a lot of folks in need on Christmas Eve in Dallas. Here is a exert from Sheb Steiniger (one of the founders) when asked about the return of Bumrush this year: In the last 5 years of Bumrush, I was threatened with arrest on multiple occasions, and actually saw the silver bracelets come out once, prior to a kind supervisors better judgement. Sadly, it is not feasible to conduct Bumrush the way it ran for so many years. Although Ive been quite frustrated with the DPDs lack of ability to turn the other cheek, I fully respect our men and women first responders regardless of what uniform they wear, and do not desire to make their Christmas Eve any more of a hassle than it already is. The officers of Dallas pd have a job to do, and that is to uphold the laws within Dallas, and protect its citizens. While I may not always agree with their enforcement tactics, I certainly have the utmost respect for them, and had always made that clear to them while on the streets of Dallas. Bumrush, however did get pretty freakin huge (which was awesome, thank you all, by the way) which certainly made it more difficult for us to get in and get out quickly, safely and effectively. Ive not been able to dedicate any time (nor finances) to taking the legal steps to operating a not for profit organization, with a mass gathering permit, food permit and good handlers licenses etc etc etc, Ive been told on a couple occasions Im required to have for us to do our thing. My time right now is dedicated to my growing family, my ministry within my church and trying my best to shepherd the flock God has chosen me to be a part of as a connections pastor in my church. Once I am able to find more of a balance in time, and ensure I will not sacrifice myself to my aforementioned callings, I want to begin to rethink serving the homeless population even better than we had over the last 14 or so years with Bumrush. That is a mouthful.. Or an earful, I suppose. It is with a heavy heart that I say once again this year, I will not be able to take lead and launch Bumrush for Christmas Eve. Id encourage ANYONE, who feels called to serve the homeless, to do so in a way that shows true sacrificial love, not pity, and remains within all the legal boundaries set forth in the city you intend to operate. The stress of constantly looking over your shoulder is simply too much to bear, spoken from experience.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 03:36:10 +0000