Rick Cole, pastor of one of the largest congregations in Sacramento, has decided to become homeless for the next two weeks.
Cole is a preacher at Capital Christian Center, which is often referred to as a "megachurch." He pledged to live on the streets of downtown Sacramento for the next two weeks, or until he can raise $100,000 for the homeless.
The pastor is trying to raise awareness, as well as funds, for a campaign called Winter Sanctuary that aims to shelter individuals experiencing homelessness during the winter. The campaign needs $300,000 in order to supply those individuals with shelter.
He shared the news to his congregation during a service this past Saturday, after which he left behind his possessions and took to the streets with a sleeping bag.
"The churches are ready, but the infrastructure would not be funded to make it possible," he said in reference to the Winter Sanctuary program.
He wasn't sure at first "if it was God that put this idea in my head, or crazy thinking," the pastor said. "But you know what this feels like God to me."
Cole stopped shaving two days ago in preparation for upcoming the two weeks. "I don't know how to look homeless, but I'm going to try," he said.
The preacher said that he will be using the Light Rail for the next two weeks as his mode of transportation and that it will be his first time using the transportation system. "Even getting the pass was sketchy," he said.
Several members of the congregation said they would follow Cole to offer him protection as well as lift up his spirits.
As of now the reverend has raised $26,350 through his personal campaign.
"Really the ultimate goal is there's some hurting people, really hurting, and we're taught by God to help them," he said.
