I’ve been thinking a lot about putting my Christianity into action and Matt 25:34-46.
May i ask what do some here do to help those less fortunate?
I need some suggestions. Thanks.
Hi, Yannis,
I have been wondering about this also. There are too many dishonesty involved. How do we know which are trust worthy?
Hi Yannis
My wife is very involved with her Episcopal Church, and they have several events throughout the year, such as Thanksgiving dinner for the needy and lonely, and fund raisers for the homeless. I go with her whenever I can. We also donate our time to standing watch over the makeshift homeless shelters on a rotating basis, or tending to the basement Thrift Shop in the church.
In that regard the churches of Christendom put the Watchtower to shame, who shun everybody outside the Borg, no matter what kind of dire straits they might be in.
:heartbeat:
Jesh
Hi Yannis
My wife is very involved with her Episcopal Church, and they have several events throughout the year, such as Thanksgiving dinner for the needy and lonely, and fund raisers for the homeless. I go with her whenever I can. We also donate our time to standing watch over the makeshift homeless shelters on a rotating basis, or tending to the basement Thrift Shop in the church.
Thanks for that Jesh. A lot of times working with a church is the best way to go because they have the resources and organization to accomplish the most good.
I have struggled with this for years.
I have a few things to suggest.
Food pantry's are always a good choice. we have many in my area. I will admit I am lacking in my efforts.
Clothes drops
and generallly just helping people out when you realize they need it. The movie with "pay it forward" in it was a real eye opener for me... even if we can only do one thing and ask people to remember that kindness is not dead I think it has a bigger impact then we might imagine.
Some of the most needy people are to proud to ask. while I find some of the people who do the most asking are the laziest in my experiences so far. Don't worry I am trying not to be jaded.... it seems to be just the way things go..
So I guess my biggest point is if you can give give, it will be used for both good and bad while in this system.
"causious as serpents yet innocent as doves" It is very difficult to learn a balance, trying to apply christian principles when so many seem eager to just take is a struggle for me. I will be re-reading this thread for pointers as this is a big thing..
We donate clothes, books, home goods, etc to the salvation army, good will, drop them off at churches, mosques or to anyone I know who is in need or knows of one in need. I don't care what they prescribe to or even if they do, that is between them and Jehovah.
We also donate money time to time to charitable organizations such as Islamic Relief (they help everyone not just Muslims and you can specify where the money goes to and to whom). I came across this charity on Charity Navigator, which examines and rates charitable organizations. IR was among the highest rated. Anything with less than 4 stars I don't use. I also donate to St. Jude's Children's hospital.
We tried donating thru the kingdom hall but were told by the friends that it will go to the worldwide service work. There are several in the congregation that are very poor but as far as I could tell receive no financial etc help from the friends.
When I broached the subject again, I was told rather sternly that this isn't how the 'we' do charity. The charity of the JWs is of the best kind: the ministry. I never tried again.
If we know someone in need, we donate to them through someone else (so they don't know it is us).
If any local church etc is having a fundraiser, I donate to them too.
During college (I am ashamed to admit that I haven't since) I volunteered in an emergency shelter for children.
I try to do extra charity whenever I am experiencing something good or going through a difficult time.
Even a smile or an encouraging word are charity. Charity isn't something material. It can be a visit to the senior home, lending a helping hand to one in need, or even good advice to someone who needs it. One of my dreams (and I pray that Jehovah enables me one day to accomplish it), is to put a student through college. I received a scholarship from a college alumni that allowed me to come to the US and finish my college education there (and meet hubby). I am forever grateful and thankful to the alumni.
As long as we do what we can, Jehovah will bless our work and lives.
This is a subject close to my heart, as I feel a strong desire to aid the needy.
I think of Jesus and his followers carrying a money box for the poor with them on their journeys. How wonderful. Jesus did not even have a place to lay his head, and yet, he gave to the poor all he had. Whether it was money, or of himself. He did not need to be associated with an organization or church to distribute to the poor.
Sometimes we can give, and see the direct result of our offering. For example a hungry person asks for a meal at a fast food resturant. Other times we donate food to a food bank, and the foodbank distributes the food, to those who hunger.
We don't need to visit a foreign country to find those in need. They are everywhere, if we just open our eyes, Father will show us them all around. With his help we will see what their need is, and with his help, he will show us how to provide it. Sometimes it is money, food, or othertimes friendship. In one case for me, what she asked for was a prayer. This single encounter, has lead me to a child of God, my sister. Although poor on earth, she has much wealth in heaven. She has much physical needs, but in what faith strengthening ways I have seen those provided! ( Surprise bonuses provide a pair of shoes.) Her needs though are much more then just physical, she hungers for the water Jesus provides. With the blessings of Father, the seed planted, is maturing into a fruit bearing plant.:heartbeat:
If some homeless person comes up to us and asks of us, are we willing to give what we have? Or do we 'qualify' their need? Friends, we are resposible to give, they are responsible before God for what they do with it. If we get taken by a dishonest person, consider it all Joy for the sake of the Christ. For is it not just things of this world, which are here today, and gone tomorrow? But by having a generous heart we store eternal treasures with our heavenly father.
Do you want to help? Pray for someone. He will show you the way. Go to where we know the needy are, make yourself available, and leave the rest up to Father. Beautiful blessings await.
love
Lynn
I just found out about "World Vision" for needy of the world.
I’ve been thinking a lot about putting my Christianity into action and Matt 25:34-46.
May i ask what do some here do to help those less fortunate?
I need some suggestions. Thanks.
"Happy is the person who thinks about the poor."--Psalm 41:1, Thomas Nelson's New Century Version.
Hi, Yannis. :) This is a promising thread you have begun. Thanks for that. Personally, I may not comment; simply because I am more reclusive about such things, mindful of Jesus words at Matthew 6:2-4:
"2 When you give to the poor, don't blow a loud horn. That's what show-offs do in the meeting places and on the street corners, because they are always looking for praise. I can assure you that they already have their reward.
3 When you give to the poor, don't let anyone know about it. 4 Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father knows what is done in secret, and he will reward you."--ibid.
Don't get me wrong. I am not disparaging the wonderful expressions and suggestions already posted here. I guess I am just "wired" a little differently than that.
I believe there are ample opportunities to do good everywhere and every day. We almost trip over them. And, since none of us can really do it all, maybe we sow seeds of contentment when we resolve to do what we can, right where we are, with what resources are at our disposal. :)
Christian Love to ALL, :love: isomam
In our town we have a Food Bank that several Denominations support.
There are also three thrift shops where people can get nice clothes for $1-$5.....God bless the rich ol Presbyterians who donate their nice stuff. Hospitals and convelesant homes always need volunteers.
Our Community Center runs a Senior lunch program and a meals on wheels for the ones who can't be mobil. Several of the Churches pitched in and got a wheelchair van for taking the elderly to the market and doctor's visits.
Lots of wonderful programs to volunteer for.
agape
designs
well--I agree with Everyone :) and will say that the opportunity to help others is all around us. As our powers of observation grows we can really find and see the need in others in unexpected places. I remember years ago at a circuit assembly and an older sister sitting quietly through the lunch break--just sitting and waiting for the session to begin again and on the second day the same thing only this time that light bulb went off for me and I realized she Had no lunch--and she never would have uttered a word about it either--she was taken care of after that but it was through powers of observation and a delicate treatment of the situation.
another example--my daughter has a day care and there are kids galore around all the time. One cold afternoon 2 winters ago a little kid from across the street came to play at her house. He had no boots on and socks on his hands for mittens...again--a delicate situation to handle as one doesn't want anyone to feel bad but the opportunity was present to assist a family in need. ..It is my feeling there is no end to how much we can help those around us if we want to and are able to. Food drives are done here monthly too for the food pantry and that is always easy to contribute to.....and...just a thought but it is my opinion that sometimes what people need most is a caring attitude and to be given the feeling that we are concerned for their welfare--even recognizing when they are having a bad day and giving them a chance to talk about it--it all counts and it all matters...(my peanut :love: ) ...love, wolfie.....
Someone, I can't remember who, figured that 70-80% of Jesus ministry involved helping people along with sharing the Good News.
Just like you did, if we look around our commuities there is so much we can offer and help out with.
agape
designs
well--I agree with Everyone :) and will say that the opportunity to help others is all around us. As our powers of observation grows we can really find and see the need in others in unexpected places. I remember years ago at a circuit assembly and an older sister sitting quietly through the lunch break--just sitting and waiting for the session to begin again and on the second day the same thing only this time that light bulb went off for me and I realized she Had no lunch--and she never would have uttered a word about it either--she was taken care of after that but it was through powers of observation and a delicate treatment of the situation.
another example--my daughter has a day care and there are kids galore around all the time. One cold afternoon 2 winters ago a little kid from across the street came to play at her house. He had no boots on and socks on his hands for mittens...again--a delicate situation to handle as one doesn't want anyone to feel bad but the opportunity was present to assist a family in need. ..It is my feeling there is no end to how much we can help those around us if we want to and are able to. Food drives are done here monthly too for the food pantry and that is always easy to contribute to.....and...just a thought but it is my opinion that sometimes what people need most is a caring attitude and to be given the feeling that we are concerned for their welfare--even recognizing when they are having a bad day and giving them a chance to talk about it--it all counts and it all matters...(my peanut :love: ) ...love, wolfie.....