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helping the homeless


I am passionate about dealing with homelessness.  This week has helped us step forward in the cause of opening a homeless shelter in our community in several ways.  That is a daily prayer for me and many people in our community.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

On Tuesday I was with people who work with men and women who are coming out of jail and prison and resettling in to their community.  It was big time encouraging to hear from people from government agencies, community services programs, churches and more who see the need for housing.  I believing that giving someone an opportunity to catch their breath and make better decisions is a big help to success.  It also allows a person to make a decision to listen to God.

It is the church’s place and every Christian’s place to help those in need as the verse above states.  That is our call.  That is our demonstration of God’s love.

Last night was the opening night for our community’s winter warming shelter, and one man came to stay with us.  This is another huge win for us in stepping forward to having a year round shelter.  My prayer is that we will get to serve a large number of people through the winter warming shelter.  Pray for volunteers as well as for those who have this need.

In the coming days God will give you and I opportunities to see needs and to meet them.  We might just be helping someone come to know God by giving them a meal, some clothes to wear or a place to stay.  It might even be giving a hug or a listening ear.

The Christmas season offers opportunities.  Watch for them.  Ask for them.  Do something about it.

May God use our hands and our voices to serve others so they see and meet Him.

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

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