This morning as I withstood the blustery weather serving coffee and breakfast outside of the THS Methadone Clinic, I was aware that as cold and wet as it was, I could go back to the comforts of my warm, dry home. Not so for everyone. And yet it was heartwarming to encounter so many beautiful smiles and faces even with the deep suffering in their eyes.
One man talked about the struggle of addiction and that while the Methadone was a welcome relief for some, it could become a life sentence of managing the fix. Another woman was grateful. She said on days like this with the miserable rain pouring down, she was glad she was no longer homeless. Just four months ago, she got into a tiny home at Licton Springs Village on Aurora. With a big smile on her face, she was thankful that she didn't have to endure the weather outside in the park but rather could go home.
Home. Something so many of us take for granted.
This week as many of us gather in our homes around the table feasting and celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday, I hope we will remember those who are not as fortunate. And may God give us their heart for the poor.
We have a pretty cool invitation to begin to partner with Bethany Community Church North once a month to be the presence of Christ on Aurora. And I believe this is a remarkable opportunity for us to serve our neighborhood and to love our neighbors.
When you happen on someone who’s in trouble or needs help among your people with whom you live in this land that God, your God, is giving you, don’t look the other way pretending you don’t see him. Don’t keep a tight grip on your purse. No. Look at him, open your purse, lend whatever and as much as he needs. Don’t count the cost...Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors. - Deuteronomy 15:7-8,10-11
Today, I am grateful. For each and every one of you. Your generous hearts, your generous love, and the ways you pour your lives out for the sake of others! I am privileged to serve The Practicing Church.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
by Jessica Ketola
One man talked about the struggle of addiction and that while the Methadone was a welcome relief for some, it could become a life sentence of managing the fix. Another woman was grateful. She said on days like this with the miserable rain pouring down, she was glad she was no longer homeless. Just four months ago, she got into a tiny home at Licton Springs Village on Aurora. With a big smile on her face, she was thankful that she didn't have to endure the weather outside in the park but rather could go home.
Home. Something so many of us take for granted.
This week as many of us gather in our homes around the table feasting and celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday, I hope we will remember those who are not as fortunate. And may God give us their heart for the poor.
We have a pretty cool invitation to begin to partner with Bethany Community Church North once a month to be the presence of Christ on Aurora. And I believe this is a remarkable opportunity for us to serve our neighborhood and to love our neighbors.
When you happen on someone who’s in trouble or needs help among your people with whom you live in this land that God, your God, is giving you, don’t look the other way pretending you don’t see him. Don’t keep a tight grip on your purse. No. Look at him, open your purse, lend whatever and as much as he needs. Don’t count the cost...Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors. - Deuteronomy 15:7-8,10-11
Today, I am grateful. For each and every one of you. Your generous hearts, your generous love, and the ways you pour your lives out for the sake of others! I am privileged to serve The Practicing Church.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
by Jessica Ketola
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