Newspaper Article

This was a good article about Paul and Food for Life Ministries in the Greenville News last Wednesday. I included it in this post in case anyone missed it.

He was a late Blumer, but he's at top speed now.
Paul Blumer, a restless 32 when he became a Christian, is now a 42-year-old entrepreneur brimming with enthusiasm and energy. He pours much of that energy into his catering/cafe business in Taylors, where he is executive chef in an operation that prepares about 4,000 meals a week.
By 6 p.m. each Tuesday, Blumer is investing energy into the Food for Life ministry. Now in its 10th year, the ministry matches both of Blumer's greatest passions — serving good food and encouraging spiritual growth.
Each week, Blumer joins about 15-20 volunteers — including wife Charity and parents Mark and Bonnie Blumer — to prepare and serve a meal to any hungry souls who might arrive at the Triune Mercy Center, on Rutherford Street near downtown Greenville. The meal, and the opportunity to talk about spiritual matters, is offered freely. The Tuesday meal is one of three the nondenominational mission church serves each week as part of its ministry to the homeless.
Blumer, who had worked in the Greenville food industry since his teen years, got the idea for his work with the homeless shortly after his spiritual awakening in October 2000.
“I had a vision for a ministry called ‘Food for Life.' The ministry would feed the spirit, soul and body of a person,” says Blumer, who began the process by leading Bible studies in Carpenter's Cellar coffee shop on Main Street. With help from other volunteers, he assembled backpacks filled with Bibles, blankets and personal hygiene items and offered them to the homeless and needy.
As he began to build relationships with homeless men and women, his ministry stretched to other nights of the week. Often, he would take leftover food from Strossner's Bakery, where he then worked as a manager, and distribute it to anyone he happened to spot on cold winter nights along Washington Avenue.
As the Bible study grew to nearly 50 from zero — he was alone on his first four weeks of the Bible study — Blumer's group soon outgrew the location. At about the same time, with his father's financial support, Blumer opened Streetside Catering in Taylors.

In 2003, Blumer moved the ministry to the Triune Mercy Center, where a kitchen and a welcoming atmosphere waited. His catering company provided the food.
“At about that time, we stopped being a Bible study and started being a ministry,” says Blumer. “But we're not just a soup kitchen. The ministry is a lot more than what we do Tuesday nights.”
Over time, donations have helped him feed the clients, which number 60-80 each week. His passion to see others grow spiritually motivates him to bring the message.
“In the Scriptures, you see that Jesus identified with those he ate with. When you minister to the homeless, one of the hardest things for them is to listen to someone who doesn't know them or doesn't care about them,” Blumer says. “Having a meal together helps break down that barrier.”
It costs the group about $150 a week to provide the meal. Through more than 500 Tuesday nights, Blumer has always managed to find the funds.
“We don't have a lot of money in the bank, but God has always supplied the need,” says Blumer, who gets regular donations from the SOS Thrift Store and individuals.
Blumer shows no signs of burnout, in part because of loyal support from volunteers. During the months when North Greenville University and Evangelistic Institute of Greenville are in session, the group has numbered as many as 70.
“A couple of years ago, I was feeling discouraged. One day I realized that it is not my ministry — this is God's ministry. I really don't know anything. All I do is stand there and proclaim that God's word is truth,” says Blumer. “If I do that and love people, God can use me.”

One the street at 21

I shared with a young man named Mike last night at Food for life. He was there early at 6 and looked lost and new so i asked for his name and shook his hand. He asked if it was ok if he was there.. i said that was fine. I asked if he would sit down and share his story with me. And that took us for a 2 hour ride. Mike was into drugs at the age of 12. He said it went from being a "big deal" to later down the road watching the rerun of an old t.v. show you don't even like. He said that he began to be isolated from old friends and then it was just a couple of them and then he was alone more and more. But to be on the streets was the farthest thing from his mind. It wasn't until he was fired from his most recent decent job that he said he snapped. He said he went on drinking binges and using... He couldn't handle the stress. He was kicked out of his house, lost his car and more all in a matter of a few weeks. He ended up out on the street looking for a place to stay dry carrying everything he owned.

I asked Mike if he knew why all that happened to him. He said it was because he was stupid. I said all of us are stupid and do dumb things that's not the answer. I asked him if he went to Sunday school when he was a kid. He said he did. I asked if he remembered the story of the wise man and the foolish man. This is where the foolish man placed his hope in anything but God (sand) and the wise man placed his hope in God alone and first (rock). I then explained that He had been placing all his "hope" in his job instead of where God designed it to be. So when the storm came he went bezerk and couldn't handle it. He said life isn't like the movies huh? I said no, movies are for entertainment not for how to live. The Bible is for how to teach us to live.

Mike said that he said a prayer last night all of his own accord. I hope in God that 10 years down the road Mike will look back and say WOW look what God has done in my life. What about you? Can you look back and say, WOW? If not, you and I can "repent" or change our minds and start to put our confidence in God first and the gospel of Jesus and then build your house of expectations carefully on the Rock. So if a hurricane comes on shore we will be left standing and not be washed away.

- Dan

Volunteers to Post

It has been weeks since we have posted on this blog. It is not because there is a nothing to say, it is just finding the time. However, we continue to meet every week and feed the homeless and share the gospel. This week we served 85 meals.

In the future we will be asking some of our volunteers to post weekly sharing their own experiences and how God is using them to change others lives. I look forward to reading these reports each week.
~Marc

Why We Are There

We are all looking forward to this Tuesday night with the homeless. We are asking God to provide for all of our needs, volunteers and homeless. We realize that needs of the homeless are many and they are basic that we may take for granted; like shelter, dry clothes, and food. But we all have a need for a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This is a need that we all have whether we are a volunteer or a homeless person.

Each Tuesday night we try to fulfill the most important need we all have. How can any of us see that need unless someone explains the Gospel which is available to everyone. That is why we come downtown each week. So Glory to God. May we see more either turn to or return to God through Jesus Christ.

Programs

I was talking with an individual who was scheduled to enter a program the following week. He seemed to lack the conviction that he could complete it or that it would do him any good. If fact, he said he would not do this if it had not been forced on him by the courts. The main problem, he explained, was that if anyone crossed him, he could not help but to retaliate. Of course, that is what got him in trouble in the first place. I tried to encourage him that not only could he complete the program but that it could help him. Then explained his real problem.

When he was a child he was tied up and beaten by his father. He could not understand why he was treated that way and why his mother allowed it. He had a hate love relationship with them. He said he was taken away a number of times because of the beatings but always to be returned to his parents and the abuse. Once he become older and strong enough to defend himself, he became the abuser to anyone who got in his way.

We see sin every week in others and in ourselves. His sin is justified in his own mind because he was treated a certain way. But sin lucks in all of our hearts and we are always trying to find a reason for our behavior other than looking within ourselves. The only real program that works is to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. Become a new creature. One who loves God and each other by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. That is the program that we present each Tuesday night. That is the only hope.

Rainy Days

Last Tuesday it was pouring rain. I always feel so sorry for the homeless when they come in wet knowing that the best they can do is dry off inside. Unlike myself, who was wet, will go home later and take a hot shower and put on dry clothes. I am uncomfortable for a few hours while they are uncomfortable all night. Even later they will get wet again walking to the mission. Naturally, many did ask for a ride from the volunteers but the general rule is we don’t give rides. One commented to me as he left, everyone wants to be a friend inside but not friend enough to give him a ride to the mission. That comment made me feel bad considering the circumstances.

One of the homeless came in walking with a cane and taking tiny steps. He has been around for as long as I can remember. He has always been friendly even though he has been on the street for years. I saw him many times cry like a baby during the service, so bad that I would get him a tissue to keep his nose dripping on his clothes. I once visited him up the street. where he was sleeping next to a building. It was very cold that night and we had some blankets to pass out. Tonight he looked real bad. The nurse at Triune said he had taken his first dialysis today and he would probably not make it to the mission on his own. We decided to get a cab for him after he ate. As another homeless held an umbrella for him, he made his way to the cab. I thought to myself that the cab should be going to a nursing home instead of the mission. What will he do in the morning at 6:00am when they turn everyone out. Wherever he goes it won’t be an easy walk.

Tonight we served 120 meals with the assistance of 22 volunteers. Gordon, one of the volunteers, gave his testimony. Everyone said it was amazing what God has done in his life.

Numbers

As we start the New Year, I was thinking of how many people that helped us last year and the meals reported each week. It really adds up, but the most important number is not reported each week. That is the number that accept Christ and mentored by one of the volunteers, the many people that receive funds to help them keep their lights or heat on. How many that are driven to detox or put in a room for the night due to illness or provided a coat or a blanket for a cold night. The really important numbers many not be reported but they are the most important because they represent lives of people that are in need. So even though we report each week on meals served and volunteer hours, that is not the most important numbers.

With that said, last week we served 146 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers.

Christmas for the Homeless

Last Tuesday night was filled with cheer, good food, and presents for the homeless. Everyone, including the homeless was in a good mood this time of year. Even though they may live under a bridge in the freezing cold or sleep on a pew in a church to get out of the weather, everyone was happy. One of the homeless was giving out Christmas cards to all of the volunteers and mentioning, by the way, he could use a little change. Even Homeless Eric got in the spirit of Christmas by helping wash the pots and pans. That was a first. All of the volunteers were happy as well. Many enjoy volunteering this time of the year by bringing their children and spending time with the less fortunate to make them appreciate what they have as a family.

Tonight we served 149 meals with the assistance of 32 volunteers. Thanks to everyone who helped wrap all the clothes and gift cards for the homeless. If you happen to go to Liquid Highway downtown and see a lot of homeless people, it is because each of them received a gift card for $5.00.

Merry Christmas!
~Marc

Christmas Gifts

Food For Life is collecting the following items for Christmas presents for the homeless: L or XL mens coats , warm blankets, gloves, warm socks, toothbrushes, candy bars, McDonalds gift cards. Items should be clean! Please do NOT donate: women's coats, adult clothing, childrens clothing, and childrens coats. These are not needed at this time. Drop off items at Streetside catering by this Sunday please! We will be giving them out next Tuesday night.

Also, we are accepting cash donations to purchase the gift cards for food. Since our numbers have increased in the last month, we expect to have a big demand next week. Thanks to everyone that supports Food for Life with your service, money, and prayers.

Thanksgiving, A Time of Giving and Thanks!

Thanksgiving is a time that so many people sit down and try to think of ways that they can give to others. This is especially important to families. It is a great time of year for parents to teach their children the importance of giving to those in need as they consider all of the blessings in their own lives. Some people give to orphans and foster children, others reach out to single moms or widows, and others desire to lend a helping hand to the homeless. A question I am sure we all want to ask ourselves during this time of year is this, "How can I truly help in a lasting way, and not unintentionally hurt?"
Scripture talks about the importance of giving materially to those in need as an act of grace. We are told to make sure to reach out with a heart of generosity in the name of Jesus as if we were serving Him personally. Those acts of grace are so important, but what a difference we could make for the long-term if we used those acts of grace as a means to build a relationship, make a connection with the people in need. What a true act of grace it would be if that plate of food that we served led to a conversation, that conversation led to the sharing prayer requests, that sharing led to the joining together to pray, and that prayer was the beginning of a friendship. What a difference that would make!!!
There are so many churches and so many people at Thanksgiving time that do acts of generosity to the homeless but never make an effort any other time of year. Because of this, it is easy for the homeless to disconnect with the people who are giving to them. The homeless person could leave the facility with a full belly, a warm coat, and a heavy heart.
This Thanksgiving, as we think of the things that we are most thankful for, such as our salvation and our family and friends, let's remember that what makes us blessed most of all is not the clothes we wear or the beds that we sleep in, but our relationships. Relationships with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and with others who truly care about us are the things we are most thankful for, and these relationships are the things that enable us to flourish in our lives. The homeless community is no different. This Thanksgiving, let us give with the same heart of generosity with which we give every year, but let us give the two greatest gifts we can offer, the gospel and our friendship.
~Charity

Change of Clothes

What do you do when your clothes are dirty? He is a black man who looks like he just stepped out of a time machine from the sixties. He has a large afro with an equally large and long beard. I saw him many times in college either debating politics or demonstrating against the establishment. It was not actually him but maybe a clone that could have ended up on the street and never changed or probably more likely would have ended up in suburbia with a wife and nice clean children. But that was not him.

I would like to take his picture but he does’t want me to. So I don’t. I know his pant and shirt size by heart because every week he wants a change of clothes. Washing is out of the question on the street but changing into clean clothes works. Usually he asks for a hygiene kit which is not always available. Last week we looked around and did find some deodorant, hand lotion which had good smell, toothbrush and toothpaste. He was set for another week. He is not the only one who comes in each week asking for clothes, but he is the most consistent. He does not come for the preaching or the food. He stays by himself and only appears when you got the goods. I wonder what kind of stories he could tell. I know he appreciates the help but he wants to be left along.

Last Tuesday we served 85 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. Dan preached the message which was well received by everyone. Most come for the meal but there is a core group that wants to hear the Word. That is why we are downtown. To provide not only physical but more importantly spiritual help in the lives of those who are poor in spirit.
~Marc

Moving

Moving can create a lot of stress. There are so many problems to deal with such as giving up a place that you have become used to, as well, as the people that you have bonded with over the years. Then there is the problem of finding a new place. Of course, you look for location, location, and location. Other things matter, but that is primary what you would look for. Then there is the stress trying to find out where things are located and how to get around. I have experienced this more times than I would have liked in my life. But there is some satisfaction and relief when you find the right place. You usually want to show it to someone. It is no different for the homeless. They experience all the same emotions changing locations.

We had an opportunity to talk to a homeless who had not been in Greenville for years. This person had moved on to better things only to return. Things don’t always work out like you expect them. Finding a safe place to sleep in Greenville had been the first priority, but it had taken longer than expected. The stress was evident each week as this person looked around for a safe place to sleep and finding out how to get around in Greenville again. Things had changed. Then last week we were informed that the perfect place had been found. In fact, we just had to go with this person that night to look it over. It was downtown next to a highway but it did seem secluded. There were very thick trees with an opening in the middle. From the outside, you would not even notice there was an open space in the middle and it was downtown which met the location requirement. This person explained that in the morning there were birds in the trees to sing and it just seems so peaceful. Never mind that there is a lot of noise from the traffic. It was the perfect place. I felt like I was attending a house warming party. So naturally we presented a small gift for the new home.
~Marc

Big Crowd

None of us are sure of the numbers that will turn out on each Tuesday night. That means we come downtown not knowing how many homeless or volunteers will show up. Sometimes we get more than we can handle and other times we wonder where everyone has gone. Is there something happening on the street that is more appealing or is there something on the tube tonight? But this Tuesday everyone showed up. We had a capacity crowd from the street and local volunteers. There were so many volunteers that Paul had to conduct the volunteer prayer, before the service, in the hallway instead of the kitchen which is a much smaller area. But we consider this a blessing because many had the opportunity to minister to folks who are in need.

The total count for the night was close to 150 individuals. There were over a 100 plates served and many more prepared for take out. Many of the volunteers came from North Greenville University, Evangelical Institute, and East North Street Baptist along with our regular volunteers that show up every week. These numbers give everyone many opportunities to share the Gospel.
~Marc

Hope

A riddle. You can’t see me. You choose where to put me. You need me as much or more than food. Without me you would die. What am I?

That was Dan’s riddle for us last Tuesday night who was filling in for Paul. The answer is hope. He said that hope is for the soul like oxygen is for the body. It sustains us through difficult times. The Apostle Paul said in Romans 15:13 that “now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”. True hope is putting the full weight of your trust in Jesus Alone. Only then will you have hope. This message was for all of us.

It was apparent that the homeless appreciated his message. One decided to give Dan a dollar. That is very unusual since most only will ask for a dollar. Dan tried to give it someone else he thought was in need, but that person declined. He told Dan “you got that dollar for preaching” Later he did find someone to bless with his wages. Thanks Dan for your serve to Food for Life.

We served 75 meals with the assistance of 22 volunteers. Everyone was fairly calm, with one exception. One individual, sporting a golf club, threatened to tee off on another homeless person in the food line. Fortunately, he left before there was any serious confrontation.
~Marc

Observation

Last week on Tuesday, I was talking with a volunteer that has not been downtown in a couple of years. That thing that really surprised him was the change in the demographices of the poor and homeless. Now the group is much younger which includes women (some even pregnant). He commented that when he was volunteering a few years ago that most of the homeless were middle age men. They consistently showed up every week and for the most part listened attentively to the preaching and were calm while eating their food. Now some become angry easily when being served regardless how patient the volunteers are. Usually they want specific food or two plates instead of one and can not understand why they can’t get what they want. We try to set some rules to make sure everyone gets something to eat. It is a different group to some degree and some are definitely not happy.

As I write this observation, I wonder how I would act if I was in their circumstances. I probably would be worse. We all expect things to go right for us and when they don’t we look for someone to blame. However, if the truth be known, we are responsible for many things that happen to us and it is hard to accept responsibility. So what is the answer? The same as it has always been. We need to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. That is what fuels us to go down every Tuesday and fellowship with the poor and homeless regardless of their behavior.

Last week we served 100 meals with the assistance of 24 volunteers.
~Marc

Reconciliation

He can be a little intimating, especially if he is under the influence. I always have to remind myself that God loves him and we should too. To have a private conversation is difficult but tonight he wanted to talk to me about his situation. He said he was tired of living this way. Last month he was fined for a nusiance charge which took about half of his disability check and now he was here trying to get some food. He said alcohol had him by the throat and demonstrated it by grabbing his throat. He said he knows he should trust in Jesus and I reminded him that he would also have to repent. I explained that it was more than just going a different direction but it was a change in desires. And the only way to accomplish that is by the Holy Spirit. Then you will have different desires and different friends. I told him how God has changed Paul in so many ways and immediately tears started rolling down his cheek and he said “I can’t let anyone see me like this”. As he wiped the tears away, another homeless showed up and started talking to him and his demeanor changed and he regained control of emotions. Something happened in that moment that turned his attention away from the spirit to the world. It was time to eat.

Paul is currently teaching a Bible study for the volunteers based on a book titled When Helping Hurts (short title) by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. This discusses homelessness and poverty and how to alleviate them. To understand how to do that we have to understand what the universal problem is for them and us. The bottom line is reconciliation. Since the fall we are all separated from God. Reconciliation means to put things back into the right relationship again. That can only be accomplished through Jesus Christ. “The goal is to restore people (homeless or not) to a full expression of humanness to being what God created us all to be, people who glorify God by living in right relationship with God, with self, with others, and with the rest of creation” (page 78). This is a necessary first step to help others come out of poverty and addiction.

I would like to give a special thanks to all the GE employees who held a fund raiser last Friday night at Star Lanes Bowling. The money raised will be donated to Food for Life and another worthy charity. I was surprised how many people showed up for this event and it looked like everyone had a good time. Their goal was to raise $1,500.of which some of the funds will be used to purchase kitchen equipment for Triune Mercy Center. We are grateful for all of the volunteers who support Food for Life.
~Marc

It is Sad

It is sad to witness the condition of many who cannot resist the devastating effect of stimulants on their body and spirit. Also, it is sad when it not only affects them but also others. The purpose each Tuesday night is to share the gospel and love on others. But when someone can’t stand up and wants to stumble in while Paul is preaching, you know things could go very wrong.

That is what happened this week. When I saw him I knew there would be trouble. But I thought to myself, maybe not this time. But I should not have ignored the signs of trouble. I wasn’t in the room but I could see through the window. Everyone was standing up in the corner and two men were yelling at each other. Many immediately took control and ushered both from the room. Unfortunately, they continued their disagreement on the side walk. One hit the other and he fell in the street even though others were trying to break up the fight. I knew at that point that I had to call 911.

Two patrol cars showed up and everyone scattered. Some took off across the street and others that were helping to break up the fight went back into the building for the rest of the sermon. No one was arrested and everyone calmed down. It was a good outcome to a very tense situation. I guess many of the homeless experience this many times each week but we don’t deal with this very often. Most are very respectful and some even grateful for the food and fellowship. But our desire is to reach everyone so we can not turn some away just because there might be trouble.
~Marc

God's Invisible Attributes

It was hot last night and all of the homeless couldn't wait to get inside to feel the cool air conditioning. A large container of ice water was appreciated by everyone. Usually in this kind of weather we see hot tempers as well, but this week everyone seemed to be content to just "cool it". The weather continued to go from one extreme to another. A thunder storm moved in with heavy rain and lighting. I wondered if we would lose electricity before we could finish cooking the dinner. Fortunately that did not happen until everyone had finished eating. And by then the sun had come out and there was enough light for everyone to finish their meal. As everyone was leaving there was a beautiful rainbow in the sky. Most did’t notice but some did and commented that they were amazed at the power and the beauty of God. I thought about Romans 1:19-20. “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” God was reminding everyone of His existence.

This week we served 90 hot meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. Many were the GE employees. No one could miss them with their green company shirts, although one individual only had his shirt hanging around his neck. I guess he fulfilled the requirement for company attire.
~Marc

GE Day

Volunteers from General Electric came in force last night. They were all in green company shirts filling every space in the kitchen. Many of the homeless had not seen them before and one asked me if it was St Patrick’s Day which I replied that it was just GE day. It is good to have volunteers but it can be difficult to coordinate that many new volunteers. But the food was prepared on time although the banana pudding was made without the pudding but no one seemed to notice.

Zak preached for Paul tonight. He brought a powerful message and didn’t seem to be distracted by the comings and goings of people in the room. That can be difficult at times unless you stay focused on the message. There were a few disturbances but most were resolved although one individual was sent packing.

As usual there were many requests such as rides every where, money, socks, shirts, gasoline, electric bills to be paid, medication, and two stamped envelopes. One individual wanted us to take some legal action against the police for harassment. We did as much as we could for the resources available.

We had a smaller crowd last night. We served 68 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers.
~Marc

What's His Story?

I have had many volunteers say to me “what’s his story”. What they mean is why is he homeless or what happened to him that resulted in his situation. Of course there is no one answer. We all end up in our current situations because of the influence of others and our own personal decisions. But most of the time nothing turns out like you would expect it. Most would not choose homelessness. Although there are a few that has learned to live with it and probably would not give up this life style. Many have had terrible family situations more varied than I have time or space to write about. Then there are many that just make bad choices i.e. drinking, drugs, or crime to name a few. Then it can be a combination of both problems. All of this can devastate anyone and the street is the result.

Many of the volunteers are reading a book titled “When Helping Hurts” (short title). The authors premise is that the poor is a result of brokenness of foundational relationships. Everyone was created to live in a right relationship with God, self, others, and the rest of creation. But the fall was a problem for everyone. So the first thing is to realize there is no difference between them (homeless) and us (volunteers). We all have the same problem. So when we say what’s his or her story, we could just as easily say what is our story.

Our story last Tuesday night included serving 68 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. We were blessed to have a group from East North Street Baptist Church. They jumped right in helping in the kitchen, serving, and spending time with the homeless. We are always grateful for active volunteers. There are always a lot of needs and no one person can possibly help everyone. ~Marc