REACHING OUT TO THE POOR AND HOMELESS

Why do we reach out to the poor and homeless? God calls believers to love others and demonstrate compassion and mercy for all people, especially those that struggle in this life. The poor and oppressed have a special place in the heart of God. The Scriptures are full of references to God’s concern for the poor. For example, Ps. 140:12. “I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor.”

Luke 4:16-21. And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read… “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He appointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD… Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Over the years we have worked with volunteers who want to serve the poor and help make a difference. Some have come to serve with preconceived ideas about the poor: their condition is their own fault, or they are lazy or drug addicts. There have been those who were naive, and others who were initially critical as to why someone would be in a position of complete poverty and need the basic necessities we offer. Most come with a sense of openness and want to understand better the individuals who are poor and homeless. As Christians we serve the poor because God dwells/abides in us through the Holy Spirit. God through us has compassion for the poor.

Moreover, we have a message of hope for those who are not only physically poor, but spiritually poor as well. As genuine Christians, we want all people to know the “riches” found in Christ, especially the poor. Obviously we are not talking about material riches. We proclaim Christ crucified for our sins. Anyone willing to repent from a self centered life and willingly strive to live a Christ centered life will experience riches indeed, both in this life and eternal life to come. Riches in this life might be a sense of peace living in poverty should circumstances dictate. We do not teach material riches in this life through Christ. We do emphasize an assurance of salvation that ends in eternal riches through Christ in God’s kingdom.

Through the Cross all people have the opportunity to experience fellowship with our Creator, even the poor. Furthermore, there are many professing Christians we come in contact with through our outreaches. In fact, they encourage us and pray for us as we come to serve them. However, they are struggling for whatever reason and poor. We are called to love all people and practically help others, especially those that belong to the Body of Christ. Luke 6:20-21. Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

I have found that many Christians aren’t mindful of the poor and homeless. We all have our financial difficulties and struggle with the day to day grind. We go to church, give our money, maybe give to third world charity. It is all good! For many Christians, out of sight for the most part is out of mind. However, God wants us to be mindful and help those most in need. Deut. 15:7 “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.” One of the biggest concerns of the Apostles in the early church was helping the poor. Help us Lord!

Finally, many volunteers have shared that serving the poor the way we do at Balboa Park is a blessing. Volunteers are able to interact with folks and serve. It is a time of getting out of “self” for a while and caring for others. For many Christians in Alpine, reaching out downtown was a new experience and lifechanging. Going to Balboa Park puts us where many poor people are downtown. It allows disciples of Christ to examine themselves and recognize our biases, allows God to show us the reality of those in need. Our efforts have many times been supernaturally empowered and God touches folks on both sides of the tables. I believe with my whole heart that as we go out to serve the poor and homeless, we are the hands, feet, encouraging words, etc., of our gracious and mighty God!

Come serve with us! Allow God to use you as He determines. Our next outreach is scheduled for Saturday, October 29, 2011.

Share your ideas: we want to reach out to the working poor too! There are many folks struggling in Alpine and surrounding communities. Luke’s House is located in San Diego and we want to increase our efforts in creating a food pantry and distribute food to the poor from there.

Pray for our efforts! And, pray about getting involved.

Peace,

Randall