What is a Church?

What is a church? The dictionary states it is either “a building where religious services are performed” or “a group of people who follow the same Christian beliefs”. I wondered about this definition last Tuesday night because an individual left during Paul’s teaching mumbling on his cell phone “this better be important because I am in church”. This individual was not homeless or poor but he was attending the service right along side with all types of people; black and white, rich and poor, Christian and non-Christian, volunteers and non-volunteers, smart and not so smart. All types of people come downtown for various reasons. Sure there are some whose eyes glaze over when Paul teaches just waiting for “amen” so they can eat. But there are so many that take it seriously. They bring their Bibles and listen and expect to receive a greater knowledge of the Word of God. Also, they expect to share it with others downtown. Earlier, in Paul’s ministry, we would hear many homeless say that our ministry was their church. But Paul was always quick to say, that we do minister to individuals but we were not a church. He wanted to encourage everyone to become part of a local church where they could receive on going encouragement and accountability. This is very important. However, I know many who go to church and do not allow themselves to receive any accountability. So are we a church? We are in a building where religious services are performed and we are a body of believers who, each in his own way, ministers to others. We probably are not a church in the true sense of the word, but we are a type of a church who ministers by providing food, clothing and blankets, and preaching true Biblical principles and providing accountability for those who seek it.

An individual attended last Tuesday night who was instrumental in helping Paul begin his ministry by providing a location for his Bible Study. Paul had an idea to start this ministry in his house but this individual offered a downtown location free of charge. Good thing it was free because many nights no one showed up. But Paul told him that he could see the room filled with people listening and worshipping God. And within a year, that is exactly what happened. Even to the point that the fire marshal would not allow us to continue because there were too many people. Then through some downtown connections, Paul was allowed to continue at Triune Mercy Center. Again, it was free which allowed the ministry to continue to grow. As an example, last Tuesday night, we served 100 meals with the help of 24 volunteers which included a girls “fast pitch” softball team called the “Carolina Crush”. But in the beginning a good night was 4 or 5 people and Paul and his family were the volunteers. Now the volunteers come from local employers, all types of churches, homeschoolers, and even softball teams. It seems there are many who want to minister but don’t know how. We provide a venue to allow them to grow spiritually by ministering to others. And what is important, now there others that have that same vision that Paul had downtown 6 years ago; to see a room full of individuals listening to the Word and worshiping God.

Thanks to everyone who attended in 2008. Because of your compassion, Food for Life served 3,919 meals with assistance of 2,327 volunteer hours. I want to wish everyone a prosperous new year and look forward to 2009 to see what God will do in the lives of everyone who attends each Tuesday night. God Bless.
~Marc

Christmas Gifts

Christmas is here. We had a great time last night sharing the real meaning of Christmas through song and the scripture in the gospel of Luke. Paul presented a powerful sermon and one individual made a profession of faith in Christ at the end of the message.

The Woodside Church of God came down with their youth and brought blankets and coats. There was a wide selection and many left with bags of clothes. Food for Life gave each person a Christmas card with $5.00 in McDonald’s food coupons. I wondered how many would show up at McDonalds at one time. Homeless Dwayne received an oil lamp with fuel and a flashlight with batteries. He was all smiles because that is very useful living in an abandoned building. We usually don’t give money but we made an exception for homeless Eric. He received $10 from his favorite volunteer.

After we cleaned up, we gave some a ride. Eric went to the Mission, Frog to his place of residence across town, and Johnny and Debra on the way back. Since we only have two seats, the rest of us were crammed into the back of the van. I am thankful we were not stopped because we would probably look a little suspicious to the authorities.
~Marc

Powerful Testimony

Another great Tuesday night at Triune Mercy Center; we served 85 hot meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. Two of the volunteers are friends of ours who are missionaries from Alaska. They are in Greenville for the holidays and came down to help Paul. We appreciated their help and especially enjoyed visiting with them.

The highlight of the night was a testimony by a man who 6 months ago was on the street with his children. He testified how God has changed him and his family through the ministry of Food for Life. It was very powerful since many of the homeless knew him personally and could visibly see the impact of God’s grace through Jesus on his life. That is what we all desire for everyone each Tuesday night.

Next week we will meet on Monday night instead Tuesday. We changed the day in order for Paul to attend before he leaves on a trip to Colorado. We have been planning for a great Christmas feast and some gift surprises for all who attend. We are grateful for Adair who raised a considerable amount to fund our Christmas party. This time of year we enjoy getting together to not only experience the festive atmosphere but also to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas to all from Paul and Food for Life Ministries and may everyone have a happy new year.
~Marc

Encouraging Testimony

GE employees continued to assist other volunteers each Tuesday night. Some volunteers work in the kitchen cooking, washing dishes, and serving the food. Other volunteers come each week to provide the music as they did this week. And occasionally, someone will substitute for Paul if he can not attend. This week Patrick did a great job preaching God’s word for our edification. We all chip in to get the job done each week regardless of the work each performs. This week we served 66 meals with a total of 19 volunteers.

One of the volunteers told me that he had gone through some of the same problems we see every week. He had experienced the same addictions and even jail time among other things. He was now clean and just wanted to volunteer to show others that there is hope, and that they can go from being served to being a servant. I appreciated his testimony because we all desire to see change in their lives. That is why we come down each Tuesday night.

The above picture is one our friends. He makes walking sticks to sell. This one is not finished but it did look very good. I am amazed at the talent we see every Tuesday. One of the homeless even played the piano while everyone was eating. Regardless of his situation, he was willing to share his talent with all of us.

As a reminder, Food for Life will be on Monday (Dec. 22) instead of Tuesday (Dec. 23) the week of Christmas. We changed the night so Paul could attend. He will be leaving town on Tuesday. The following week we will return to our regular schedule.
~Marc

Conversations with the Homeless

That’s William. I told him to act natural but he chose to act unnatural. Is he trying to disguise himself or is he just acting up. He has been coming downtown for as long as I can remember.

I talked to Steve who is on the street. He has a college degree and an alcohol addiction. His father is a doctor and his sister has a master’s degree. He told me that he has had very good jobs but his addiction keeps calling him and he can’t resist. He said he would even steal for a can of beer. That is sad. I wonder if all of us regular folks are any different. We all are bent toward sin in one way or another. The battles that we fight, most don’t even know about.

Also, I talked to Wayne. He and his significant other live in an abandoned building. He said there are many homeless there that have taken up residence in different parts of the building. It is almost like each has a separate apartment except there is no rent or heat. They use cardboard to keep the wind out and use candles and flashlights for light. Fortunately, no one seems to bother them. He told me about a 19 year old college girl living in their building with another homeless guy. He said her parents have come and pleaded with her to come home. She refuses because she wants her freedom and she does not want anyone telling her what to do. Dwayne and others have told her she is crazy. I think they realize that she has a home and loving parents which most of the homeless never had.

After the meal, Frank had a few suggestions for Christmas gifts for the homeless. He said socks, stocking cap, flashlight, razor, and MacDonald’s coupons in a zip bag would be appreciated. Also, he was real interested to know if we were going to raffle off a week’s stay in a motel again. The year before last, he won the prize and was hoping he would be lucky again.

Last Tuesday night we shared a meal with 55 friends with the assistance of 14 volunteers. Even though we live in different worlds and experience different problems, we are the same in many ways. Each Tuesday we try to share our love and concern for others unconditionally.
~Marc