Serving the Poor and Homeless Last Weekend

September 4, 2010 - 5 minutes read

It has been one week since we gathered to serve the poor and homeless. I have been thinking and reflecting about the process. It has been refreshing to hear about many praying to receive Christ as Lord. Again, similar to every quarter those who volunteered experienced much blessing through the process. Thank you to all who came and gave their time and energy to love through action those most in need.

The Steve Annti Band with Bob Duck, Pete Paisley, and Jake Roth was most excellent. Mt. View Bible Church has always been involved in our quarterly outreaches. Thank you! This church body meets in Alpine to worship our holy God and teach the Bible. Learn more at mymvbc.com

Thank you Michael M. for you generous donations. Michael has helped us with numerous high quality backpacks, sleeping bags, shoes, etc. for our last few outreaches. His generosity has been much appreciated, especially by those in need. I have gotten many reports from people downtown elated about getting a pair of new shoes or a new backpack. This means more to some that we will ever know on this side of heaven.

The process was a little overwhelming at times. We had at least 200 poor and homeless people show up for basic necessities. Obviously we did not have enough backpacks, or shoes, or pants, sleeping bags, etc., for everyone. Overall, the process went as smoothly as expected when trying to organize over 200 people. Some were demanding and others were very patient and waited to receive whatever they could get.

Many of us are already discussing our next outreach in November 2010. We plan to develop more efficient guidelines to ensure everyone has an equal chance of getting the most wanted items (e.g., backpacks, sleeping bag, etc.).

Most importantly was the gospel presentation and folks responding to pray and recognize that Jesus died for their sin and wanted to have a vibrant and meaningful relationship with them. We gave out over 100 New Testaments and Christian literature.

I have followed up with a few folks needing medication management and expect more to contact us for ongoing resources and referrals. We emphasize the importance of putting forth the effort to get involved in a local church and developing relationships with Christians who can encourage change through Christ.

The following outline was our initial presentation. Pastor John Lutz followed with an invitation to pray and receive Christ as Lord.

August 28, 2010

CMPPS Quarterly Outreach: Grace, Faith/Trust, and Salvation.

Why are we out here today? Why do we do outreaches every quarter?

I. Because of God’s Grace. Paul writing to Christians.

A. Ephesians 2:10 We are… And, We have been made alive in Christ 2:1-5

Questions:

II. What is Grace? Eph 2:8-9.

A. It is the gift of God
B. Not by works, so that no one can boast
C. Unmerited favor from God through Jesus

How did God demonstrate grace through Jesus? Jn 3:16

III. What does it mean to believe or have faith?

A. Does Jesus ask us to trust Him? Jn 14:1-3 (trust as the antidote to a troubled heart)
B. Hope for the Christian

IV. Is it possible to live the Christian life effectively on our own?

A. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit Jn 14:15
B. “I will not leave you as orphans;” v. 18
C. v. 23 God dwells inside of us; Acts 1:8 empowers us to_______

V. Does God the Holy Spirit do anything to non-Christians?

A. Conviction of sin to prompt change and experience Grace. Jn 16:8-11.
B. Gives you the ability to trust God through Jesus Christ

Close with Jn 3:16-21

By the grace of God: Live by the truth and come into the light, experience the grace of God today.

As we plan to reach out again in November. Please consider helping us to gather backpacks, shoes, sleeping bags, etc. for those most in need. If you’d like to volunteer give us a call at 619-659-8187.

We should have new pictures uploaded very soon.

Let us know what you thought about the process if you volunteered. If you have questions or just want to be involved in some fashion, let us know.