Caring for the Poor

Are you poor?  Have you ever found yourself in desperate need of food?  Do you ever run short on money to pay your bills?   According to a 2024 study, about 35.9 million Americans live below the poverty line.  That equates to around 10.6% of the overall population.  Globally speaking, approximately 831 million people are living in extreme poverty, which means they are surviving on less than $3 a day.   This figure represents about 9.9% of the world’s population.  These are amazing statistics!

Poor people are all around us.  Maybe you are one of them.  And whereas the causes of poverty and hunger are complex and multifaceted, the fact remains:  Many people will go to bed hungry tonight.  How do followers of Jesus react?  What do we do?  Many people turn a blind eye to the needs of those around them.  Some will tell them to “get a job.”  Others, will defer to the government or secular agencies to help them.  But I submit to you:  Jesus proposes another solution.  YOU help them!

This Sunday we return to a core teaching of our Christian faith.  What did Jesus say about ministering to the poor, the hungry, the disadvantaged, the outcast?  Taking a look at The Parable of the Sheep and Goats from Matthew 25, we see a three dimensional picture that both challenges and comforts.  Jesus shall come again to judge the living and the dead.  What happens on that day?  Are you ready for Jesus’ return?  What will your eternal future look like?  What determines your eternal destiny?

Come Sunday to find out!  Worship begins at 10:00 AM with a combination of traditional and contemporary songs.  The message will challenge you.  Worship will inspire you.  Friends will encourage you.  And visitors will be welcome!  A nursery and Children’s Church are provided for little ones.  Refreshments will be served for all following worship.  Men will gather for prayer.  Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are due.  Join us with your family & friends.  Forward this email to invite others!