Recently Marilyn Thiessens, President of the Utah Area Team, sent us this informational write-up centered around the topic of homelessness. Why? Because in today’s world, this is a crisis that touches every community and God has placed Aglow groups both spiritually and geographically to be His hands, and feet, and to bring His heart to those living on the streets.
Grab a Kleenex and a pen and paper because as you read this story, we believe God is going to give YOU creative ideas for the homeless in your community. You will want to jot the ideas down as Holy Spirit is nudging you.
Homeless definition: having no home or permanent place of residence, unhoused
Marilyn said,
“Even when participating in an outreach to the homeless to help meet some of their needs, we often don’t really think about what this would be like. That they are real people just like us. Like us, you and me. Who knows what got them there? We have a saying when circumstances get out of control, “Life Happens.” We have to have grace for one another, it’s not a judgment call. Life Happens to us all from time to time. Some are individuals. Alone. Some of them are families with babies and children. Moms/Dads with babies and little children without a place of shelter to go home to today. No bed to crawl into. No bathroom. No kitchen. No couch. No food. No money. No means. No help. Alone.”
Aglow West Valley Lighthouse did a winter outreach for the homeless. Planning ahead, the leadership made the announcement three months ahead in the Lighthouse meeting, then collected items for the next two meetings in a large decorated box. They also extended the invitation to participate to a couple of other Utah Lighthouses. The response from hearts and hands was generous and thoughtful. They were able to fill to bulging over 200-gallon bags, as well as backpacks.
Suggested Items (to fill gallon-size baggies):
Toiletries: Bar soap, shampoo, deodorant, wet wipes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, shave crème, hand sanitizer, lip balm
Other: Hand warmers, foot warmers, small first aid kit, playing cards, hats, scarves, gloves, socks, (with cash donations we purchased underwear) Gospel track, Aglow Salvation Bookmark, Christmas card
Food: Water bottles, peanut butter, jerky, Vienna sausage, protein bars, candy bars, granola bars, pop tarts, cookies, cheese and peanut butter crackers, breakfast bars, hard candy, gum, fruit with pop-top cans, juice boxes
They also received 2 adult coats and 5 children’s blankets.
For distribution, the group partnered with a local church, Life Church WVC, and their Isaiah Calling Homeless Ministry offering Prayer and a Gospel Message. Oh, what fun they had and it was amazing how much a gallon baggie can hold.
Wintertime is not the only time to remember the homeless, there is a great need all year long. Adjust your items accordingly.
Matthew 25:31-40
When the Son of Man comes in His Glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. Then the King will say to those on His right, “Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’ And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
Jesus understood homelessness.
Matthew 8:20
But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay His head.”
Marilyn says, “Many thanks to everyone who participated and contributed, especially to Lucinda Cordova and her group and the Ogden group. God bless you!”
Thank you, Utah Aglow for reaching out in your community of West Valley! You are making a difference!
Let us hear how you are reaching out to your community! Tell us your story