The story is told of the cold winter Sunday morning when the parking lot to the church was filling up quickly. Church members were whispering among themselves as they walked into the church, skirting around the man leaning up against the wall outside the church. He was almost lying down as if he was asleep. His long trench coat was almost in shreds and a hat concealed his face. He wore shoes that looked 30 years old, too small, and so holey that his toes stuck out. He was homeless, asleep, and ignored.

The congregation gathered in the parlor and fellowshipped for a few minutes including some gossip about the man lying outside. But, no one went out to ask him to come in from the cold let alone take him a cup of coffee. 

As the prelude began the congregation herded to the sanctuary and waited for the processional. When the church doors opened, in shuffled the homeless man. A stunned gasp was loosed and faces made as he shambled up the aisle head down, making a bee-line for the pulpit. When he turned and took off his coat and hat, the hearts of the people sank as they recognized their pastor. No one said a word. The preacher took his Bible and opened it saying, "Folks, I don't have to tell you what I am preaching about today."

"If you are willing, you can make me clean."