Physical Needs

Many people we serve each Tuesday night are some of the poorest in Greenville. This couple is an example of those that come for something to eat and occasionally receive help with their personal needs. This week this lady explained that she had surgery and could not pay for her medications. Her husband does work as a tanner but as anyone might imagine has very little work in this field. Food for Life provided the medications she needed and the following week gave them some assistance with their utility bills.

Another concern was for someone who required transportation to the Emergency Room to enter detox. This is the only detoxification center available at night. When an individual decides to make that step, we try to provide the transportation to meet that need. Thanks to Danny, one our volunteers, for his concern and driving him to the hospital after we finished last Tuesday night.

Unfortunately, many of the problems we see can not be easily fixed with food and a ride to the hospital. Last Tuesday, a couple came in with a baby. One of our volunteers questioned them about their housing arrangements. They explained that they were living with a relative. However, another homeless man told us later that they were actually living in a large concrete pipe under a bridge. Naturally this caused great concern because a child was involved. Since we didn’t know for sure, one of our volunteers, Anthony, contacted a friend who was a policeman to check out this area to see if this couple was there with the child. Anthony stated he would not be able sleep at night without knowing that the child was safe.

We are thankful for all that serve each Tuesday night. With the help of 18 volunteers, we served over 100 hot meals. Also, Paul continued his study of Romans. We can not always meet every physical need but we can freely give spiritual food to everyone which is food for the soul for eternity.
~Marc

Sequence of Events

Most wonder what happens at a Homeless Ministry; so this week I thought I would give the sequence of events for each Tuesday night.

The volunteers arrive about 7:00pm. They park in the back of Triune Mercy Center and walk up the sidewalk and enter at the side of the building. Our services are conducted in what would be the fellowship hall for the church next to the kitchen. Many of the homeless come in as soon as the doors are opened. We prepare ice water for them to drink while we prepare the food. Paul usually coordinates with the kitchen on the time the food will be ready because the meal is served at the conclusion of the services. Each week we have music and Paul continues with the study of Romans. Everyone usually attends the services except for those who are preparing the meal in the kitchen. The following two short video clips will give you an idea how the services are conducted. The music video is a little dark because we had the lights off to read the overhead screen. At the conclusion, everyone gets in line for the serving of the meal.
The Music

The Preaching


Last Tuesday, we served 65 individual meals and prepared an additional 25 take outs. We had 18 volunteers of which 10 worked in the kitchen and the remaining spent their time talking and counseling the homeless during and after the meal. Later, all of the volunteers and some of the homeless help clean up before we leave. Also, during this time Paul and other volunteers are evaluating many of the homeless needs. Some one usually goes to the store to purchase various items for distribution. Last Tuesday we distributed blankets and a pair of shoes for a gentleman who was in flip flops.

We usually finish about 9:30pm. We encourage anyone who would like to volunteer to just show up each Tuesday night.
~Marc

Hug the Homeless

When you hug a homeless person, you can expect to smell like a homeless person. We don't normally hug people because most would not appreciate that kind of attention. But last Tuesday it was necessary and appreciated by one individual who was distraught. He had apparently over dosed on drugs the previous week and was revived at the hospital. It scared him and the way he dealt with that was by drinking. Tuesday night he showed up intoxicated and constantly talking about his brush with death. Anthony and I talked with him and put our arms around him and prayed that God would save him and protect him on the street. He cried and hugged us back as we ministered to him. On the way home, I had to roll down the windows because of the smell. It made me think about him and all the others who come down town. I wondered where they had been during the week and where they would sleep each night. Even the next day, I could still remember that smell which reminded me to pray for all of our friends downtown who have no hope.

Last Tuesday we are grateful for 14 volunteers who were willing to take time out of their busy schedule to serve 65 hot meals to the less fortunate in Greenville. I will never take them for granted.
~Marc

Good Music and Food

Every week many show up tired and hungry. Some have not slept during the night but have spent their time walking in order to keep from being noticed. Others find a "cat hole" but don't sleep very soundly because there is always the risk of assault or someone stealing their possessions. So it is no wonder that many are not very friendly and are short tempered. But one thing that seems to soothe their nerves and take the focus off of their problems is music. Last Tuesday night we had a group that sang Praise and Worship music to the delight of everyone. I saw many, that usually can be a problem, tapping their feet or clapping their hands and it was all to the Glory of God. We are truly blessed when different groups show up to provide music before Paul teaches. There is usually less distractions because their moods seem to change. Just like every Tuesday night, we do not have a predetermined program to follow. We just allow God to send those we need.

Another event happened before our Tuesday night ministry that Paul had to address. It seems that our long time friend Eric was seen "flying a sign" in Greenville for money. Even though he made $50 in one hour (according to him), Paul assured him that his behavior was contrary to his professed Christian beliefs. Also, he could receive a nuisance charge by the local authorities for panhandling which could result in a fine and/or time in the jail. In addition, we all impressed upon him to earn money the old fashion way; a job. Eric seemed to take the advise very well. Later, we gave Eric a ride across town where he knew someone who would let him spend the night.

We served 100 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. We had a very large crowd and ran out of food. Paul made a trip to Church's Fried Chicken to provide food for the remaining folks. It is very difficult to plan the quantity of food not knowing what kind of turn out we will have each week. But in the last five years, I don't think we have had to send out for food more than 3 or 4 times. We usaually have what we need to meet others needs.
~Marc

Meeting Needs

Every Tuesday we receive various requests from the homeless. This week Becky asked for a flash light because it is dark living under a bridge at night. That is all she asked for even though it was obvious she needed much more. Bonnie left while everyone was eating and purchased a flash light and a blanket. Unfortunately, we do not always have on hand what is requested so a trip to the store is not unusual. Wayne seemed to be satisfied this week and did not ask for anything. He related to me that he had a ticket from labor finders for a temporary job and felt his future job prospects were good. He always looks neat and clean even though he and his significant other are sleeping on the street. He even offered me some of his anti-bacterial gel to clean my hands before serving drinks that night. He had received that little gift from a local church. But some homeless are not as social. Ike came in at the end of Paul's message and kept mumbling. Fortunately, it was never loud enough to disturb anyone other than few sitting close to him. He wanted his meal and a quick picture and then he was out the door.

Last Tuesday we served 55 meals with the assistance of 14 volunteers. Our kitchen manager (we call him Sarge) was out of town this week but a first time volunteer came in and filled his role perfectly. God always provides. We even had few younger volunteers who seemed to enjoy helping serve tea and water. We are grateful for young and old who take their time to come each Tuesday night to minister to the homeless and less fortunate in Greenville.

~Marc

New Life

There was a very good reason why Paul did not attend last Tuesday night. On the previous Friday, 08/15/08, Paul and Charity were blessed by God to welcome into the world Mckenzie Carmen Blumer. She was 5 lbs and 8 oz and was 19 inches long. Everyone is doing well and the Blumers are spending their time with their new daughter and my granddaughter.

We had two of our volunteers give the message from the Word of God on Tuesday night. Tony gave his testimony how God had saved him. He described his life before Christ and how God is His mercy reached down saved him from his sin. It was very encouraging to everyone. Lee, another volunteer, expounded on John 3:30 that stated that "He must increase, but I must decrease". This verse refers to John the Baptist who exalts Christ but as Lee explained we also must decrease and Christ must increase in our lives. Our focus should be on Christ and not ourselves. Only then will others see Christ through us.

Cathy, another volunteer, who is a nurse was kind enough to check the blood pressure of many of our downtown friends. She checked 14 individual and found 6 to have high blood pressure. These folks were referred to the Medical Clinic for treatment. We appreciate everyone who uses their talents to provided for the less fortunate downtown.

We had a good turn our last Tuesday night. We provided hot food and drink for 100 individuals with the assistance of 14 volunteers.

The a picture on the right is one our friends who wanted to show us his best friend.

~Marc

Talking Back

Sharing the Word downtown can be difficult at times. Unlike in church where everyone will sit and listen to your message, the homeless downtown will talk back to you. It can be very helpful because it allows us to develop a dialog with some for further discussion. But at other times, it can be very distracting. It takes someone special such as Paul who can respond with humility but at the same time maintain order and clearly articulate the Gospel.

Last Tuesday night, Mark Brewton was up to the task of substituting for Paul who could not attend Tuesday night. I was amazed that a young man could be asked to speak without any preparation and in ten minutes could stand up give an exposition the Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11 and. in addition, answer the inevitable questions from the crowd. I am very thankful for Mark’s service each week and especially for sharing the Word with our downtown folks last Tuesday night.

Last Tuesday we were blessed to have 16 volunteers. Many worked in the kitchen preparing and serving 75 hot meals. Some spend their time talking and praying with the downtown folks and others assisted in providing much needed clothing or transportation. They provided shoes for a lady who was wearing flip flops and a shirt for a gentleman who was in a tee shirt. Even at this time of year, there are requests for blankets, pillows, large shirts and shoes for men. If anyone would like to donate those items or funds for that purpose, please contact us.
~Marc

Our Tax Dollars Help

Recently, I heard a statement that “bums should not be allowed in the library because they do not pay taxes". I thought at the time that I should have reminded this person that the library is for the public; like public roads. We don’t check with someone walking down a public street to determine if they pay taxes. I think her real concern was being around the homeless. She would rather see these individuals spend their time away from public buildings and more time around ministries such as soup kitchens or homeless shelters. I agree that these ministries are important to the homeless, but I think the public library also provides a real service to the homeless in Greenville. It is a place where they can find a cool place in the summer and a warm place in the winter. So what, if they take a snooze in a chair, I have done the same thing. But more importantly, the library provides a means for the homeless to stay in touch with their families through email. This service could be instrumental in reestablishing a connection with families that could help them get off the street.

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The library is not a ministry such as Food for Life, but it does provide a real service for the less fortunate who live on the streets. I am grateful that my tax dollars are used help those who do not pay taxes.
~Marc

Come and Go

Many of the homeless and volunteers come and go for different reasons. It certainly is not natural, by the world’s standards, to attend a weekly ministry with people who are not naturally pleasing to be around; especially with all the other distractions we have in this world. Many volunteers attend out of curiosity, but may not have a real passion to serve the less fortunate. They come a few times and then we don’t see them return. There are others who attend every week without fail. I was talking to one such person last Tuesday night. He told me of the difficulties he had experienced in his life and how he wanted to help others that were experiencing similar difficulties. His form of volunteering was to spend individual time with as many of the homeless as he could. He always waited until the meal was served and then he would sit across from an individual and spend that quality time showing that he cared. He told me that his desire came from heart knowledge not head knowledge. He said he had read a lot of books on counseling but nothing prepared him like the passion he had in his heart for loving and caring for each person. His only problem was that he could not spend as much time as he would like with every single individual. We all have different talents downtown. No one has to tell a volunteer who attends every week what to do. Each of them recognizes how they can best serve and they just do it. It does not matter whether it is getting the food together, making the tea, or preaching the Word. We are all lead by the passion we feel in our hearts.

Many of the homeless don’t show up every week. Some find a better place to receive a free meal or a cooler place to get out of the heat. Last Tuesday night, one group showed up and saw me taking pictures. They wanted their picture taken and requested a few different shots. Usually when I take out my camera, either they will not want their picture taken (for various obvious reasons) or they immediately start posing. I guess we all want to be in the lime light unless we are hiding. However, there are those that come every week. They bring their Bible and focus on Paul’s message and are looking for a Word from the Lord concerning their situation. They enjoy the meal but mostly they are seeking Spiritual food. They are the first to help prevent distractions and the first to help clean up and say “thank you” when they leave. They, also, have an investment in our ministry and feel like they are part of a family that many never had growing up.

So where does that desire come from to perform an unnatural act when there are better things to do according to the world’s standards. I think the answer can be found in the Bible. It is a heart changed by God. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, “know the Lord” because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest’ declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 33:33-34).
~Marc

Who is your neighbor?

Hello friends and family of Food for life,

I want to start off this week by saying thank you. It has been quite a journey, but so many people have stepped up and given their support of Russell and his family. Only a people who realize God's kindness in their own life could give on this level. Many times people fail to remember their own state of depravity. When we forget what God has done for us, we fall into a pit of judgement. This is a picture of the kids you are supporting.

In the parable of " The Good Samaritan " a lawyer stood up and tested Jesus by asking a question. "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "What is written in the Law?" The lawyer quoted scripture from Deuteronomy & Leviticus, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all you soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10: 25). In the parable of the good Samaritan Jesus told a story of a man that had fallen pray to robbers. The Scriptures stated that the man came down from Jerusalem. He didn't give any other details other than the basics. Jesus didn't speak of the man's past, his state of mind, whether the man was a good man or bad man, or whether the man brought this upon himself. In the parable He gave three scenarios, a priest, a Levite (both community leaders), and a Samaritan. In His parable Jesus said this certain Samaritan had compassion. Then He asked the Lawyer, "So which of these do you think was a neighbor?" The lawyer replied, "The one who showed mercy." Jesus said, "Go and do likewise."

So many people have a deep issue with showing mercy on others. Mercy should be shown according to whether mercy is deserved or not. Jesus said, "Go and do likewise." What a joy it is to be free from judging others and their situations. God has treated us with such kindness. Food for Life desires to be a good neighbor. We want to show mercy. We believe mercy has been given to us.

This week one of our faithful volunteers was talking with a man. The man told him he had been trapped in Greenville for days. His home is in Tennessee, yet he had been walking the streets for about three days without clothing or food. He told a story about coming here for work, and then through a series of circumstances, became homeless on Tuesday. When I told the man we were sending him home, his face dropped and the only thing he could say was, "Tonight!" What a joy. We do this in the name of Jesus, who is one day sending us home.

This week Food for life had the pleasure of feeding 72 people with the help of 14 volunteers. Thank you to all who give their time and money to help us show mercy.

Chef Paul

Helping Each Other

Last Tuesday night Lee Headley, Charity’s cousin, did a great job breaking down Luke 9:23-26 describing what Jesus meant when He said “to take up your cross and follow Me”. It is amazing how God always provides what we need each Tuesday night. Paul was sick that night and there was no one prepared to bring the Word to our group. Lee walked in and asked “how can I help” and Bonnie said “you can preach”. He spent about 30 minutes in preparation and brought a convicting message to everyone. Praise God.

Our ministry is not only to the homeless, but also to the less fortunate in Greenville. Probably about 50% of the individuals we serve have jobs but are poor. Most work at minimum wage and have a difficult time financially. They come each Tuesday night and share a meal with the homeless. They can identify with them because many are one pay check away from being in the same situation. In the past we have helped some financially when they were on the verge of losing their utilities or facing eviction. One such couple was so appreciative that they started assisting us by providing transportation for others in need. This week we had a battered lady who needed a ride to a Spartanburg hospital. She had already made the necessary arrangements for admission but just needed the transportation. This couple that we had helped in the past volunteered to drive to her to Spartanburg. It is such a blessing when we see individuals, we serve, start to help each other.

Please continue to pray for the family that Charity described in the previous post. Since they have now moved from a motel room into an apartment, they are not living in one room for the first time in many months. This is especially important for the little girl. The father is working and we are thankful for the assistance we have received from our ministry supporters and North Hills Community Church. This family will continue to have financial needs as the children prepare to start school. If anyone would like to donate to our ministry for this family, please use the donate button on the blog or contact Paul or Charity.

We continue to be pleased to serve a hot meal each week to our friends in downtown Greenville. This week we served 60 meals with the assistance of 14 volunteers.

~Marc

A Special Situation

Recently Marc mentioned a special situation in which Food for Life has gotten involved. A few months ago, a man started coming to Food for Life for the Bible study. He started getting to know Paul and made a profession of faith. About a month ago he called Paul and confessed that he was in a desperate situation. Because of a series of circumstances that appeared to be beyond his control, he was being kicked out of the place in which he lived along with his three children.

Food for Life jumped on the opportunity to help him and his children, knowing that it was certainly going to be a situation bigger than us, but one that we would trust God to work out. Within a matter of days, Paul was able to help the guy find part time work, and Food for Life was able to financially support him for the following three weeks. Just days before this took place, one of my single, female friends had mentioned that she would like to do some babysitting for the summer. She has been providentially available to take care of the children on most of the days that their father has had to work, which has been a huge blessing. She really has a heart for the Lord and ministry and is using the opportunity to minister to the children, which have been completely unchurched and are learning for the first time about the Lord Jesus and what it means to be a Christian.

It appears that things are coming together for us to be able to assist the father and his children this coming week in getting into their own apartment. We have had various friends and church members offer to give pieces of furniture, and we are praying that the rest of their material needs will be met over the course of the next few days. There are so many needs that Paul and I see that we would like to be able to meet. We are simply praying for God's provision, as the needs are great, and it will take many helpers in order to provide to all of them.

Two things that we ask our friends to pray about are as follows:

1) We need women or families who would be willing to help with babysitting, especially after the summer is over and our current babysitter is unavailable. One of the children really struggles with reading, and we are hoping to get him some help with tutoring, or at least get volunteers who are willing to work with the children after school for a couple of hours that could help them with their homework. Babysitting is really our greatest current need. Paul and I are currently helping with the babysitting, but our baby is due in 7 weeks, so our availability is soon to be quite limited.
2) We are also in need of material donations for his apartment. The current needs are as follows: a couch, living room chairs, end tables, a bedroom dresser, curtains, plastic containers for food, pots and pans, wall hangings, small bath and kitchen towels and rags, shower curtain and rod, shower mat, and trash cans for the kitchen and bathrooms. Also, basic items are needed, such as trash bags, dish detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, soap, shampoo, clothes washing detergent, vacuum cleaner, and broom.

We of course covet the prayers of believers for wisdom on our behalf and continued spiritual growth on behalf of this special family.

We were pleased to serve 55 meals this week with the help of about 15 volunteers.

~Charity