Note: Guest post by Chad Miller

Almost year ago Suzanne and I began visiting people in downtown Raleigh. We never knew all that God would do through our lives. We have made a lot of new friends and met some people who really need substantial help. I always had a struggle of being a bit of a pew rider, never wanting to get outside my comfort zone. Sure, I visited people in hospitals, counseled people and was an activist, but it never required so much of me as the pain of seeing people who are continually in physical needs. After I would visit people before, I could go back to my suburban home and know the people I was with were going back into a similar situation.

When you spend time with people who have less, you realize that community and friendship is all they have. I guess it helped me realize that community and friendship matter much more than economic status or stuff.

I am definitely not a person who will condemn anyone for being wealthy. Yet, I want to challenge people to know some people outside of their own so-called class. I think it helps you to become less selfish and materialistic.

So now, a year later, I have a lot of friends who would still love me, no matter what. I am part of a ragamuffin family , and I love it.

********

Chad lives in Apex, NC with his incredible wife, Suzanne. Chad and Suzanne have been involved with the homeless of Raleigh since January of 2007. They currently are working as schoolteachers in the community, trying to bring awareness of people less fortunate to other people. Suzanne is also an aspiring writer. Chad is on staff at Connections Church in Raleigh, NC as a Children’s Pastor. They both work in unison to bring dignity and grace to all types of people they meet with.