Helping the homeless and the hungry

[*AQuietPlace*]

I worry that giving them money will aid them in their destructive lifestyle, so I prefer giving food, gas or aid.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

I worry that giving them money will aid them in their destructive lifestyle, so I prefer giving food, gas or aid.

Me too. So many around do it for a living.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Me too. So many around do it for a living.

Renda,

To me that is the point. That is the only job a homeless, mentally ill, and addicted person can do. That is why the great commission tells us to ..."go into the highways, and byways and compel them to come in." You cannot minister to people who are hungry, homeless, and do not have sufficient clothing. First we need to meet their basic needs then we can share the gospel.

Blessings, Rhoni

[*AQuietPlace*]

Our church had a ministry to the homeless for a while. What we discovered is that the majority of them already had a very nice income. Social security checks, food stamps, and other sources of income. Most of them lived the homeless lifestyle simply because they preferred it. We even tried getting homes for some of them, and they'd end up going right back to the streets. That was where they really wanted to be.

I know there are some homeless people who are genuinely in need, but many of them aren't. That's just a fact.

[SOUNWORTHY]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

Our church had a ministry to the homeless for a while. What we discovered is that the majority of them already had a very nice income. Social security checks, food stamps, and other sources of income. Most of them lived the homeless lifestyle simply because they preferred it. We even tried getting homes for some of them, and they'd end up going right back to the streets. That was where they really wanted to be.

I know there are some homeless people who are genuinely in need, but many of them aren't. That's just a fact.

[ForeverBlessed]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Renda,

To me that is the point. That is the only job a homeless, mentally ill, and addicted person can do. That is why the great commission tells us to ..."go into the highways, and byways and compel them to come in." You cannot minister to people who are hungry, homeless, and do not have sufficient clothing. First we need to meet their basic needs then we can share the gospel.

Blessings, Rhoni

I agree with you. There is a place that some get into that their future is almost hopeless to them. Meeting their basic needs makes way for an opportunity to minister to them. God can then do a work on the inside that will forever change their lives.

I have someone homeless living with me right now. Some probably feel it isn't for me to do, but I am following what I feel God spoke to me to do. Right now I am just trying to help this person understand who they are and the worth they have as a human being. I am trying to show love and hopefully be able to minister to their spiritual needs as God opens the door.

[Esther]

We have given many times to the pan handlers.

I had a situation about 6 months ago a woman had a old car and walked up to my car where I was sitting at Taco Bell eating a taco and said her purse had been stolen and she needed money for gas to get back home to La.

I gave her a $20.00 which is not what I normally do. She may have been lying to me, but I gave in good faith for what she asked for.

[1Corinth2v4]

Originally Posted by Bryan

Do you feed the needy when they approach you and ask for a handout? Monday afternoon I decided to browse a christian bookstore. Before my entry, I was approached by a man and his wife. By all appearances they were homeless and hungry. They were dirty and gaunt. The man asked if I had any money to spare. "My wife is hungry, sir." I replied "I do not carry any cash. I do carry my (credit) card. If you'd like, I will pay for your meal," as I pointed to the pizza establishment adjacent to the bookstore. The man looked to his wife. She shook her head no. The man said,"I'm sorry to bother you, sir." And they turned away.

I don't believe she was in a position to be picky. If they were really hungry she would have accepted the offer.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by berkeley

Do you feed the needy when they approach you and ask for a handout? Monday afternoon I decided to browse a christian bookstore. Before my entry, I was approached by a man and his wife. By all appearances they were homeless and hungry. They were dirty and gaunt. The man asked if I had any money to spare. "My wife is hungry, sir." I replied "I do not carry any cash. I do carry my (credit) card. If you'd like, I will pay for your meal," as I pointed to the pizza establishment adjacent to the bookstore. The man looked to his wife. She shook her head no. The man said,"I'm sorry to bother you, sir." And they turned away.

That's weird. They don't sound so desperate to me. There's the old saying, "beggars can't be choosers".

I typically give a little money if I have it on me, unless the Holy Spirit checks me about assisting the person.

One of the house churches I attended had a ministry called, "Helping Hands". It was a roster of volunteers that signed up to serve at the Dayton Gospel Mission. The mission feeds and assists many who are homeless or in desperate circumstances. I prefer to work with local organizations or refer individuals to local organizations. Many need more than a one time hand out. They need counseling, help with substance abuse, and temporary assistance to get on their feet. The two other charities I've worked with are Dressed to Work, which provides clothing for those seeking professional jobs that require a higher standard of dress or special uniforms, and the Dayton Foodbank.

This couple doesn't seem so desperate to me if they'd turn down a free meal.