homeless care kits

January 30, 2011

homeless care kits

Homeless Care Kits is one of our 4 annual outreaches, which takes place in January. We bring volunteers in and pack up the kits and deliver them to our partner ministries who work hand on hand with the homeless. They contain a blanket, gloves, hat, scarf, toiletry kit, granola bars, and the Gospel of John. I have always had a burden for people experiencing homelessness and have been learning a lot about it here. I would recommend watching Urban Entry's DVD called "Anything Helps?" at http://www.urbanentry.org/Urban_Entry/UE1__Anything_Helps.html

I've always struggled at how I, a single, white, young female, is able to serve the homeless. I was taught to never give money because you don't know how they'll use it and I don't feel safe taking one in my car while driving alone. There was an article in Christianity Today called "Give to Street People? Freely" (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/january/18.60.html) that really spoke to me. I love Lewis's quote when his friend asked him why he gave money to the homeless man since he was going to squander it on ale and he says "That's all I was going to do with it." I am not condoning nor encouraging giving your money away, but that is between you and the Lord. in the past I have purchased McDonald's gift cards and handed them out instead. However, they can always sell these for money, so you really can never be sure. What really makes a difference is programs and people who walk along side of people who are struggling and use a Biblical approach to teach them how to make better choices. I visited the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago and really loved their Discipleship program because I saw men and women who came out of it with changed lives- spiritually, physically, emotionally, etc.

This weekend I was actually in Minneapolis with the other Here's Life Inner City interns and yesterday 3 of us went to the Salvation Army to do outreach. At first no one wanted to talk to me, but a young man named Keland walked up to me. He had just gotten out of jail and was having trouble finding an apartment and job because of his criminal past. He talked about the lure of gang life because it was a family to him. I was able to share with Him about God's family and that Jesus died while we were still sinners. He said he wanted to go to church more and "get his life back on track", but I told him that going to church won't do that...only a relationship with Jesus will do that. I shared my story with him and left him with a booklet explaining how to know God personally because we ran out of time. I wish I could have stayed there forever and just hear people's stories. Yesterday I didn't feel pity or guilt when talking to these people, but just sadness because they were so broken and had no hope. They all had families and dreams and desires. Some of them even had nicer cell phones than me! I pray that our kits will help meet a physical need of people in need so that it will open the door to conversation about Jesus, the Bread of Life, who will satisfy our souls.

The cost of each of these kits is $33. If you would like to donate to help us with the costs, you can go to: https://give.ccci.org/give/2290723