TULSA, Okla. — A week after a Tulsa pastor said he could no longer hold weekly picnics for people experiencing homelessness at Veterans Park without a permit, he returned to the park July 19 with a different mission.
Pastor Greg Bilbruck returned to Veterans Park, not to serve meals, but to spend time with the people he's come to know over the years. He greeted familiar faces, prayed with people and offered encouragement.
WATCH: Tulsa pastor continues outreach despite ending park meals:
“People are human beings and they deserve to be treated right,” Bilbruck said.
On July 15, 2 News Oklahoma reported Bilbruck had been told he could no longer hold weekly picnics in the park without obtaining a permit. The City of Tulsa later told 2 News that organized events in city parks require permits to help manage safety, scheduling and park use.
Local News
PICNIC PERMITS? Tulsa pastor told he can't hold picnics for homeless in parks
As a result, Bilbruck said he is no longer serving meals at Veterans Park. Instead, he is focused on maintaining the relationships he's built with people experiencing homelessness.
“There’s nowhere else where my people here get community of people that accept them and love them like I do,” Bilbruck said.
Although the meals have stopped at the park, Bilbruck said his commitment to the community has not.
“And I will not stop because I love them,” Bilbruck said.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- 2 News Oklahoma on your schedule | Download on your TV, watch for free. How to watch on your streaming device
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Watch LIVE 24/7 on YouTube
