The Jews have a saying; We plan and God laughs. Boy, have I been feeling that lately.
What started as just me hanging out with some homeless people has become a near full-time ministry. Over the last seven months or so, God has continually stretched me in new directions, revealing His plan in short bursts rather than all at once.
One thing I have learned is that I cannot do it all by myself. Whether you are one of those who sends money toward my support, or you come Downtown and help feed or you stay at home and pray for me, I appreciate you all. Urban mission work is hard and lonely and I could not make it without you.
That being said, several of you have asked for ways you can help. Here are a few:
- You can pray for me and for the homeless of Raleigh. We both need the prayer and you probably need the practice. Prayer, rather than being the “least you can do”, is actually the most important thing any of us can do. It helps us make sure not that God is on our side, but that we are on His.
- You can help with my ongoing financial support. The ongoing cost of my living expenses and ministry expenses is approx $2,000 a month. Whether you can make a one time gift or pledge regular support, it is all needed and appreciated. The money you donate frees my time to spend with the homeless and urban poor I work with. Talk to me and we can work out a way you can donate and get a receipt for your taxes.
- I need a list of people who can be called to help get people places, who can help with moving furniture on occasion and who can help with emergency groceries or other needs. The easiest way to get on this list is to sign up for our newsletter, and if you are local, check that box on the sign-up page.
- Finally, while I am not a fan of charity at the macro-level, (because charity is de-humanizing, but love is personal) there are times that supplying immediate needs opens doors to what eventually become deep friendships. Here is a list of things that I can always use as tools in ministry.
As a child of the eighties, I find it hard to say without thinking of Bartles and James, but I really do thank you for your support.
