Jesus On The Streets

Matthew 25:37-40
Then the righteous will answer Him, "Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?"
Then the King will answer and say to them, "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of the, you did it to Me?"

I was at the church yesterday, studying and praying. As a friend of mine use to say..."Your job is to just show up and take care of what ever needs taking care of." That is kind of how it goes when I go to the church. You never know what might happen. Someone calls or drops by for prayer. Maybe there is a crisis of faith or an illness that needs to be ministered to. You just never know.

Well, yesterday was a day where physical needs were met. Whether you know it or not, there is a segment of our society that stays on the streets. They move from place to place looking for change or whatever else can be donated so they can scrounge up something to eat.

There was a knock on the door and I recognized the individual immediately. Rain soaked, he came in and asked if we had anything that he might could get to fill up the empty place in his stomach. I was able to find a few things in the kitchen. Some apple sauce, a few cookies, a can of Vienna Sausages, a bottle of Dr. Pepper and some crackers. Loaded up with his meal, he asked for prayer and thanked me and then made his way back out into the rain. 

It suddenly dawned on me:  "Downtown for a reason....serve with a purpose." That is what we (Vineyard Recovery) are suppose to  do. Be a place where people are not only fed spiritually (Jesus was good at this) but also physically (Jesus was great at this). So here is what I want to offer to you.

I want to establish a food pantry of sorts as a part of what Vineyard Recovery is doing. It would need to be food that can be eaten without needed to be cooked. Food that can be eaten right out of the can.
Here is a list of some of the things I think we can provide.
Crackers and cookies
Tuna, Ham salad, canned chicken.
Pork and Beans (Beannie Weenies)
Peanut Butter
Canned drinks or 2 liter (either one)
Apples sauce and other assorted fruits (Such as fruit cocktail)
Candy bars and / or cakes (such as honey buns)
The individual containers of Lasagna / Chili / Soups...The ones that come in microwavable containers (Usually can be heated up at a quick shop using their microwave). 

This is just a partial list and we can come up with other ideas. Such as maybe putting a bar of soap and some deodorant, maybe some disposable razors in a baggie as a kind of hygiene kit. I may be getting ahead of myself, so let's keep it simple.
If you feel like this is something you'd like to participate in, then either purchase some of these items and bring them to the church (Gadsden Vineyard) or call me (256-490-1868) and I'll make arrangements to pick them up. Or if your coming to Vineyard Recovery just bring them with you. If you can't make the purchase but want to help feel free to simply give toward the purchase of these items.

Jesus was all about meeting the needs of those who needed help. It was from this place that those around Him heard the message of the Gospel. I think we'd do well to heed His example. Why? Because Jesus is on the Street...He is in the deserted houses....He rambles through dumpsters and back alley's. It's time for the Kingdom of God to be brought to those that no one really wants to acknowledge.
What do you say?

God on you...
mb