Should we give him money?
Panhandlers ask, and we are torn. Should we give him money, or are we only enabling him and supporting his addiction? Watch this video and listen to his advice. For more information on our stance on panhandling, please read this post: ...
Read MoreMinistry… We deliver.
Some call in desperation. Others wait, hoping that someone will show up. How long can we listen to the cries of the people without responding? Jesus told a story of a shepherd with a lost sheep: Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? Luke 15:4 If we wait for the “lost” to come to us, it shows that we are not a “good” shepherd. Jesus modeled the relentless pursuit of the lost when He came here to save us. So should we not do the same? We go...
Read MoreHe shouldn’t have to live like this
My friend in this picture has been homeless for over twenty years. He lived in a small shack in an illegal dumping ground. He didn’t dump the trash, but he did live in it. He tried shelters to no avail. They have crazy rules that sometimes change daily. They treat you like children telling you when to go to sleep and when to wake up. Shelters herd us like animals which makes us feel less than human… People are homeless because of deep problems. Some have drug or alcohol problems, but others have social problems or problems that started at childhood. Out here, no one tells you...
Read MoreOutreach and Relief
What is the connection between blankets, food and the gospel? Our calling is to glorify God by leading homeless people to Christ and stabilizing broken lives as they begin God-honoring lifestyles. So, why do we take blankets and food under bridges? Sometimes the noise of a growling stomach or teeth chattering with cold make the gospel difficult to hear. We use blankets and food to help meet physical needs. Those are felt needs, as the pain of hunger robs your attention. In order to get an opportunity to tell someone about God’s love, we must show them what it looks like. Sometimes...
Read MorePanhandling
I often get asked for money. I often get asked about – getting asked for money. What should we do? Before I begin, we are surrounded by poor people. People have real needs and many people still eat out of trash cans and out of despair some are left with no choice – but to ask for your help. When you see someone asking for money, there are usually two needs going on. The guy asking has a serious need. His sign may say “Homeless vet” or “will work for food” or maybe “beer money”. That guy has a serious need. His need may not be clearly...
Read MoreThankful for a great outreach!
Friday night we showed the movie Amazing Grace at the Bridge. It was a great time of entertainment, fellowship, and ministry. The movie tells the story of William Wilberforce who fought to abolish slavery in England. It also tells the story of John Newton, who wrote the words to the song Amazing Grace. John is a monk who is haunted by his past as a slave ship owner. He “once was blind” to his sins and “now can see” the destruction his sins have caused. He recorded his story to be used in the legal battle against slave trade. After the movie we heard the testimony of...
Read MoreWhat is your calling?
