Last night Ron and I spent Valentines night serving with Rice N Beans ministry on a corner in downtown Charlotte. Some friends of ours have faithfully ministered to the homeless for years, serving a hot meal and providing needed clothing and blankets.
I had been wanting to go and see first hand how they ministered to the needs of the homeless. Last week I did just that. It was kind of a last minute plan and my husband Ron already had his Bible study group to attend, so I joined my friend Tami and her son Eric. They had been before and picked me up to go volunteer with them. I was intrigued as I witnessed the love shown by the leaders, Cheri and Daryl and their team . They are willing to be the “hands and feet” of Jesus to minister to those who are hurting. The Bible tells us in Colossians 3:23-24, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (NLT) Even though there was some unrest at the beginning, peace soon enveloped us and the people were fed and received items they needed.
I really loved going and being a part of this outreach. We never know the stories and situations that lead to these people being on the streets. It’s no reason to look down on them. The Bible tells us in James 1:27, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” (NLT ) I believe that is spreading the love of Jesus in the darkness of the world.
I talked to Ron about it and asked if we could go together last night. He agreed and we met up with our friends to help out again. I was again on “hot dog duty” and Ron helped people find items of clothing they needed from what was donated. It was a wonderful way to spend Valentines evening serving together with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Ephesians 5:1 says,“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” (NLT)
We want to go again next week but experience a different location. There are lots of hurting people in the world. We need to put Ephesians 5:16-17 into action. It says, “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (NLT) There are many ministries you can get involved in to make a difference in your community and in the lives of others. The first time I went, I looked through our closets to see if we have coats and things to share. Sure enough we had way more than we need and I was able to donate a box of coats, hoodies, back packs and shoes. I will put the Rice N Beans website at the end of this blog. You can pray, donate or volunteer.
There are other ministries that you can support or volunteer with. My Mom and I also help at a local food pantry that serves people in need of food in the community. Think about ways you can help or get involved. Check your local churches or shelters to see what is needed. Together we can make a difference and spread the love of Jesus everywhere we go. Here is the Rice N Beans website. Www.ricenbeans.org
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.
Www.shannonkhinson.com
rootedbythewater.blog 