Advocates Needed

Poor people in Charlotte call me for help. Usually, people need money to pay immediate bill(s). Sometimes it's food.

 

Dulins Grove has a deacon's fund allocated to help our flock and those immediately connected to our flock. We can, however, help with food in a limited (random canned goods) way. After explaining this to the caller, I get their address and work to connect them with nearby churches (there are always churches within walking distance whereas we're usually 30 minutes away).

 

This strategy would work if those churches were helping, but they aren't. They have the exact same policy we've adopted. I know because I've called several dozen of them. So, churches aren't helping the poor in Charlotte.

 

Institutional churches aren't helping. But what about the personal church?

 

Maybe it isn't the church institution's job to obey Jesus' personal commands. Maybe it's the Christian's job. Maybe instead of just giving money to a fund which drips into the outstretched hands of the poor in our community, we can go to them as people, look in their eyes, form a relationship, and become their advocate. Maybe some of you have been waiting for a chance to do just this but have seen no opportunity.

 

Maybe not. All I know is I can't stomach turning another person away. 

 

"The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise." (Luke 3:11)
"Give to him who asks of you and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you." (Matthew 5:42)
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39)

And a billion other passages…

 

Right now I know of one family with multiple people going through cancer treatments that has asked for help heading into Christmas. I got a call today from a lady $175 shy of her rent payment. Anyone want to help? Not just give me a check to mail to them, but go with me and meet them? Pray with them? Get to know them? Figure out how to serve them? matthewbroadway@gmail.com

 

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– I know about the government agencies poised to help in an organized way. But they're sagging under the weight of the need. It's a great time for Christians to be the body of Jesus.

– I also know the benefit of giving to funds like our deacon's fund. It's a great thing, but ultimately the poor outside of the church aren't being helped and I don't think Jesus likes it.