"Kathy Rice started the Thursday homeless bag lunch ministry and Dick Lystra started the Monday homeless sandwich ministry. The ministries are on hold until the winter months when most of the homeless are gathered around the downtown area. I’ve had the opportunity to ride with Dick on Monday and out with Kathy and her team on Thursday morning looking for those in need. I’ve always had difficulty giving handouts instead of hand ups to homeless community. I want so desperately to see them dig themselves out of poverty, but over the years I have discovered that in most cases this will never happen.
Most have some kind of issue, from substance addictions to mental cognitive issues. There are plenty of programs to help the homeless, but in most cases they don’t want to conform to the requirements to receive the support of the program. So the dilemma is do we allow the homeless to go hungry because they don’t want to help themselves or do we at least try to show some kind of human compassion?
The homeless men and women are God’s children and are seen in his eyes as no less. I’ve also been reminded that we’ve been given a directive to love all, not just the people who are like us. I see Gods working every time I go out and serve those who are struggling. I have found that when we walk up to someone in need and hand them a sandwich or meal they show gratitude. I’ve received and observed sincere thanks, not for just the sandwich but for showing compassion.
This past winter I observed kindness and caring among the homeless community for each other. One Thursday, when the temperature had dipped into the 30’s, we had the opportunity to hand out knit caps and blankets. One of the homeless men pointed out a friend saying he had struggled all night and needed the blanket and knit cap more than he did. I observed this kind of compassion more than once during our outings. The men we saw regularly looked forward to our visits and conversations of concern. Sandy Knepp who serves on the team always brings candy with her on the Thursday morning outings, receiving the nickname the candy lady from the homeless men. These two ministries are much more than a handout, they bring hope, compassion and love for not just the homeless men but also for those that serve as well."
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a River Cruise to Belgium and the Netherlands March 19-27, 2022. If you are interested in reading about the trip or joining in, the link is below.
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