Helping the Poor

This discussion shouldn't be a guilt-producer. Rather, maybe we could just talk about how we are-- as individuals or as communities-- are helping the poor locally or worldwide.

I'll get it started with a couple things we've done:
a. We had a month of praying for different groups of poverty-stricken peoples, one each night
b. I carry socks and granola bars with me in my car to hand out to people holding signs for food

What have you done?

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Permalink Reply by Chad on April 29, 2009 at 9:43am: When I was a youth minister, a mother of one of the kids had the idea to collect donations of nonperishable snack items and package them into paper bags to hand out to the homeless. People in the congregation and Bruno's Grocery Store donated the goods, and then the youth packaged and them to sell to people in the church for $5; the money went to the youth camping fund. It really connected the congregation, youth and homeless. It was cool, and challenged people to put themselves out there and interact with the needy. There's heaps of homeless here in Pensacola.

I've also visted the local homeless shelters and helped them out. I made a friend named Pops at one of the shelters. they had to close down the shelter, and now he's back on the street. I really feel called to get in touch with him, but not sure how, and kind of afraid.

Also the local food pantry has been starting community gardens in urban areas, and I've helped out with that as much as I've been able to.

I know I want to do more, and God wants to me to do more, but I'm honestly uncomfortable and nervous. God's good at pushing comfort zones!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Micael on May 5, 2009 at 9:06am: Once, after I had discussed how to follow Jesus in my church, I passed a homeless alcoholist on my way home. I looked at him but just passed by, I didn't even say hi. I felt like a hypocrite afterwards. Hopefully I will get a job at the street mission in my town which take care of the homeless and sick.

However, I give a lot of my money to the poor abroad, in the poorest countries.; ▶ Reply to This