15 Minutes of Fame

Some say that every one will experience at least 15 minutes of fame in their life. Most seem to be always seeking or expecting fame because they think they deserve it, and when and if they receive it, they always think that it is well deserved. But most who seek it or think they deserve it will only experience a manufactured fame that most would not confirm. That’s why I think it is interesting when some one, like a homeless person, receives that fame, even for 15 minutes, and is shocked to receive that kind of recognition. Maybe that is the only way to receive fame is by not seeking or expecting it. Certainly most would not think that real fame would be experienced by a homeless person who has an addiction to alcohol and has spent his whole life fighting the urge to drown his sorrows in a bottle, but it can happen.

Homeless Danny called me the other day from Charlotte. He had just once again completed detox and was in a half way house. He said that he was calling to tell me about something that happened to him that he never expected. He is attending a church that sponsored a 5 mile walk for the homeless. The walkers were encouraged to solicit sponsors that would contribute to the homeless for every mile they walked. The top money raisers would be recognized at a banquet for their efforts. Danny told me that walking 5 miles is nothing for a homeless person because that is what they do all day. So he decided to enter and seek donations from members of his church. It turns out that Danny and another student received the highest donations. When he was told that he would need to give a speech when he received his award at the banquet, he was petrified. But then he decided tell everyone about Jesus since He was homeless too. He told them how God was working in his life and what it meant to be homeless all his life. Excitedly, he told me that when he finished reading his speech and looked up, everyone was standing on their feet giving him a “standing ovation”. He said he could not believe it. So Danny got his 15 minutes of fame unexpectedly. I told him I was so excited for his accomplishment. After I hung up the telephone I prayed that God would use this to show him that he is important and not just another alcoholic who would continue to fight his addiction for the rest of his life. Will you join me in this prayer?
~Marc

Helping not Hurting

Hello. It has been a while since I have written, a long while. I missed Food for Life many times after the birth of our daughter, and over the past couple of months I have really been integrating it back into my life now that our little girl is not so little any more and my parents are so generously willing to watch her for me. My husband and I have been reading a book that we borrowed from my dad called, "When Helping Hurts, Alleviating Poverty without Hurting the Poor and Ourselves." We both have been struck by a few key concepts during the reading that we have done thus far.

One concept that I am struck with is the fact that it is so easy for us as ministers of the gospel and as volunteers to separate ourselves from the people that we claim to be serving. We say that we are doing these acts of service because we care and we want to help, yet so many times as Christians we mentally separate ourselves from the very people we want to help, putting us in two different categories, this is "us" and "they" are over there. The question is, can we really effectively help them with that mentality without hurting them? Will we ever be able to determine what their real needs are and what the root cause of their homelessness is if we won't befriend them, and I mean truly befriend them? Paul and I feel convicted that the most important thing that we can do for them is not serve them a meal and give them a blanket. It is to share the gospel through friendship. We have to ask ourselves, "Are we truly their friend?" Because friends spend time together, sharing their lives with each other as equals. Obviously, any time we reach out in friendship to someone who struggles with addictions and possibly involves themselves in criminal behavior, caution is in order, but just because we need to proceed with caution, does not mean that we do not proceed at all. It is striking to me how many people will volunteer in the kitchen and in the serving line, but they will not even speak to the homeless people, let alone pull up chair and share an extensive conversation. That is frightening to some. It is difficult sometimes to realize that the homeless are people just like us. They have a past with hurts, they have feelings, they have struggles, and they need Jesus. Sure, they have made some bad decisions, but haven't we all? It is so easy to think, "Ya, but my bad decisions are not as bad as theirs, and why haven't they learned from their mistakes yet." However, life is a journey for us all. We all make bad decisions, and we all repeat the same mistakes over and over again and feel stupid for doing it. The difference is, most of us can hide our mistakes so that the whole world doesn't know what they are. We can't help them until we see ourselves when we look at them.

Over the next few months as Paul and I read this book, pray over the concepts, and share these concepts with the volunteers, we will be writing about the ways that we have found to integrate the concepts and what we are learning about ourselves as well as the people that God has placed in our lives.

~Charity

Give and Take

We had a youth group from North Hills Community Church volunteer last Tuesday night. They were volunteering their time as a ministry project. Many of them already come downtown each week. They assisted others provide 75 hot meals for those in need. We are grateful for those young and old that has a heart to help the less fortunate.

In many ways the homeless are no different than others in society. There are those who are truly in need and verbally thank everyone for any assistance. Others, though, expect to receive what ever they want. They are takers. For instance, I noticed one individual who got some coffee and then took all the packets of sweet and low that was available for everyone. Others were thankful for the coffee on a cold night but there was no sweet and low.

Many had needs such as blankets, coats and especially socks. A pair of dry socks is important on the street. Fortunately, one of the volunteers brought in a good supply of all that was requested. After one individual received a pair of wool socks that he requested, he then wanted some boots size 11 ½. I thought, does he think this is Shoe Carnival. He had on a real nice pair of shoes. We try to meet every need we can regardless of their response. Obliviously, there are times when many take advantage of our generosity. But they are no different from others in society, they have need beyond the physical and that is a relationship with their Creator.
~Marc

The Real Problem

Suresh, from the Evangelical Institute of Greenville, preached for Paul last Tuesday night. Every week Paul reminds everyone that we are downtown for the Gospel. With that in mind, Suresh preached on the meaning of the Gospel.

He asked for a show of hands for those who had problems. Everyone responded. Like everyone, the homeless experience problems such as loneliness, addictions, need for shelter, and need for employment to name a few problems. But these problems are a symptom of a major problem in everyone’s life. The real problem is sin. Sin separates us from God and the only remedy is that it must be dealt with. We can not deal with it by our good works which we think will cover our sin and God will then accept us. There has to be a sacrifice or a shedding of blood to properly cover our sin and make us acceptable to God. Suresh read from Isaiah 59 and Roman 3 which describes sin and it's remedy. There has to be a Redeemer who is Jesus Christ. Suresh invited all to accept Jesus as their Savior and a number of individuals responded. Praise God.

While everyone was eating, Suresh entertained everyone by playing his Sitar. Everyone was delighted with the unusual sound.
~Marc

We Need a Singer

The homeless get restless when they line up to get their food and it is not ready. So to take their minds off their stomachs, we ask someone to sing, and of course, they better be good. Tonight that is exactly what happened and the unplanned singer was great. Many times we have to improvise to get the job done.

Tonight, we served 65 meals with the assistance of 14 volunteers.
~Marc

Our Volunteers

The volunteers are amazing... We seem to develop a comarade that none of us would have outside of the ministry. One volunteer told me last night that it is so cool to serve along side people from different backgrounds who just love hanging out with the homeless. He added that others don’t know what they are missing. From our desire to serve, we develop lasting friendships. Gordon, who has been coming about 3 months, filled in for Paul and provided everyone a powerful message. Another slipped me a very generous check for the ministry which we always need. That family supports us with their time and money. What a blessing.

It is always good to see volunteers bring new volunteers with them. Last night one lady brought a couple who jumped right in cutting and chopping in the kitchen and later working in the “dish pit” A job that not everyone wants to tackle.

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I can not leave out the homeless volunteers. “Frenchie” always loves to serve and then there was “Frog” who couldn’t wait to start cleaning up and carrying out the trash. He has not been well physically in the past, but tonight he was much better and had to strength to help out. Everyone volunteer is appreciated.
~Marc

Hard Night

It is easy to become complacent downtown not being aware that there can be some dangers with the people we serve. Because of this, Paul and Charity started the evening with a meeting with the volunteers in the kitchen. They reminded everyone to be cautious and stay in pairs, ladies should not walk out to their cars alone, and ladies should not become too involved with the opposite sex and be especially cautious with their children. Even though everyone is, for the most part, very friendly and appreciative, there are many who have sexual criminal backgrounds.

Later during Paul’s teaching we had an example of this type of behavior. One individual kept talking loudly with his neighbor and becoming unruly while Paul was teaching. Paul asked him to please be respectful and not talk while he was teaching. But he continued and finally Paul had to get some assistance to eject him from the premises. Later he came back and said he was either staying or we would have to call the police. So unfortunately, we followed his advice.

Regardless of the difficulties, many volunteers spent quality time with the homeless. We saw a lot of new faces which leads me to believe that things are getting worse financially for many folks. We were pleased to serve 85 meals with the assistance of 22 volunteers last Tuesday night.
~Marc

Many Needs

When the weather gets really cold, like it was last Tuesday night, I know there will be a lot of needs. One lady gave Paul an electric bill for over $600.00. That pretty overwhelming for a small minister likes ours but it is really overwhelming to her since she could be without heat soon. Another needed kerosene and someone else needed gas for their vehicle so they could travel to Columbia where they had a job. Most of these needs are taken care of in the last hour before leaving. It can get a little dicey when there are so many people trying to talk to one person. We can not meet every need but we try.

We served 45 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. The numbers are usually down when it is really cold. I expect that many find a warm place early and just stay put.
~Marc

Final Days of 2009

In Proverbs 16:9 it says that “the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. As we approach a new year, Paul reminded everyone that we all can make plans but God is always involved. Sometimes difficulty can be God establishing our steps for his ultimate glory and our good. We can’t make plans for the New Year unless we acknowledge God and his control of our life.

This week we had many requests for coats and blankets. It can be difficult when there are requests by women. One lady was on crutches and she requested gloves and a pair of pants. Apparently she wears diapers and had an accident. Fortunately, we were able to meet all of her needs. After she ate we gave her a ride home where she lives by herself.

Another unusual situation had to be dealt with on Tuesday night. A man came in looking like a policeman. He a large badge around his neck, radio squawking on his hip, and a hat that said he was security. He told Paul that he worked for Triune but after a phone call we found out that he just likes impersonating a policeman. Paul told him he was welcome to stay but he needed to remove his garb because it was intimating to the homeless. He decided to leave.

Tonight, we prepared and served 55 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. For the year of 2009 we were pleased to serve 2,835 meals which required 1,758 volunteer hours. Thanks to everyone that was involved in Food for Life Ministries in 2009. May God establish our steps in 2010. Happy New Year.
~Marc

Christmas Gifts

Last Tuesday was very special for all of us. It was a time when we celebrated God’s gift by giving His Son for our redemption. That is the greatest gift of all. To celebrate that gift, Food for Life provided a gift for each homeless individual that can make a big difference in their lives on the street. Each one received a new back pack loaded with goodies like coupons for food, a blanket, toiletries, Bible, and snacks. Because of the generous financial support from many individuals, we were able to distribute 82 back packs and a hot meal for each individual. We are grateful for 32 volunteers who helped us make this a very special night for everyone.

Christmas Is Coming!

Hello, my name is Charity Blumer, and I am Paul's wife. It has been a long time since I have written for the blog. I am excited to write this entry in order to share what we will be doing this Christmas for the homeless people that we serve at Food for Life. We invite those interested in reaching out to those in need to partner with us in our effort to give much needed items as a special gift to those to whom we are reaching out this Christmas. Let me tell you what we will be doing and how you can help.

This Christmas we would like to give a backpack to every person in need at Food for Life. In the backpack will be a variety of needed items. The estimated cost of each backpack will be $30. The following is the list of items needed, separated into two categories.

First, we will be needing some used but clean items (used because they are things that homeless people often lose, so it is not necessary that they be new). The items are as follows: backpacks, blankets, towels, and wash clothes.

Second, we will be needing the following new items: pocket Bibles, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, combs, socks, knit hats, gloves, boxed nonperishable food items, a candy bar, and a $5 gift card to a restaurant (like McDonalds).

We need volunteers to either sponsor a backpack or donate the needed items to make this special gift possible for each person at Food for Life. Those interested in donating financially are welcome to send a check to Paul. As mentioned earlier, the estimated cost of each bag is $30, and we will be needing 75 bags. If donations would be of interest to anyone, we will be collecting 75 of each item mentioned above.

We will begin by asking that during the next two weeks, from now until December 4, used backpacks (clean with no tears) ,pocket Bibles (New Testaments are great too), towels, wash clothes, and blankets be donated. The donated items can be dropped off at Streetside Catering.
We will be collecting the rest of the items during the following weeks.

We are excited about reaching out to those with great spiritual, emotional, and physical needs this Christmas. We appreciate everyone who will be partnering with us at this special time of year!
~Charity

Guest Blogger

Hey guys, my name is Brittany Dail. I’m a student at North Greenville University and Marc asked me to be do the blog this week for FFL. The funny thing is, it was this very blog, that I stumbled across on accident, which informed me about this ministry at Triune. Ever since then I’ve been trying to come every week that I can. It has been really cool to tell my church, Northpointe, about it as well. When Paul first e-mailed me about this ministry, one of the things he pointed out is that he wanted for the volunteers to break out beyond the kitchen. This was big challenge to me at first, but I am seeing more and more each week where he is coming from. The opportunity to provide a meal for someone is incredible, but the chance to share with them the Good news? I think that far out weighs any physical way of providing for someone’s needs.

It has been really cool to sit down and talk to the many people that come from week to week. God has really been breaking down walls in my life as I get to know and continue serving the people that come through. Also, by building relationships, I am able to see what some of the need is among these people in my own community and as God leads, find other possible ways to reach out. Since some of my church family at Northpointe has been coming to serve lately, I am even more excited! My heart is that we will continue to build relationships and be as intentional as possible with our conversations. I also pray that we would look for opportunities to love on those that don’t always receive much love, and share what Christ has done in our lives.
~Brittany