Ok. So. I'm just a wee bit bothered by THE Church. You know THE Church. The IN crowd. The cool kids. The leadership. The folks who get to decide who in the *Church* is deserving of "assistance" and who isn't.
There is a gal who is a *member* of my Church, but not a regular attender. Not one of the *cool* kids, or *the* group (ifyaknowwhatimean), any how, *Sally had breast cancer that was in remission. Found out several weeks ago that the cancer is back, it is in her spine and pelvis. Through circumstances beyond her control, She is being evicted from her home, her roof is falling in on it & has not had heat for three months (the furnace has been out). Sally is likely going to pass sooner rather than later.
Another member of our Church, a regular attender, not really a cool kid, but a servant of God, with a servants heart, went to one of the pastors of the Church to see what could be done. To see if a special offering could be collected as had been done in the past for others in similar situations. This person was told that at the risk of sounding cold hearted, "no" and that "in these economic times that they could not put the gold bowls out for anyone". When this member mentioned that *Sally would definitely be considered one of the least of these and that their family was supporting her, the member was told their family should be *wise* about such things".
I have to say first off that Haiti is very near and dear to my heart. I spent time there as a teenager on a mission trip in 1985. It changed me forever. I love the country and her people. However, how can you collect thousands of dollars for relief aid for people in another country, when you have a member of your OWN that is dying before your eyes and you are not willing to try and help. In your OWN Community. One of your OWN sisters.
There is a gal who is a *member* of my Church, but not a regular attender. Not one of the *cool* kids, or *the* group (ifyaknowwhatimean), any how, *Sally had breast cancer that was in remission. Found out several weeks ago that the cancer is back, it is in her spine and pelvis. Through circumstances beyond her control, She is being evicted from her home, her roof is falling in on it & has not had heat for three months (the furnace has been out). Sally is likely going to pass sooner rather than later.
Another member of our Church, a regular attender, not really a cool kid, but a servant of God, with a servants heart, went to one of the pastors of the Church to see what could be done. To see if a special offering could be collected as had been done in the past for others in similar situations. This person was told that at the risk of sounding cold hearted, "no" and that "in these economic times that they could not put the gold bowls out for anyone". When this member mentioned that *Sally would definitely be considered one of the least of these and that their family was supporting her, the member was told their family should be *wise* about such things".
I have to say first off that Haiti is very near and dear to my heart. I spent time there as a teenager on a mission trip in 1985. It changed me forever. I love the country and her people. However, how can you collect thousands of dollars for relief aid for people in another country, when you have a member of your OWN that is dying before your eyes and you are not willing to try and help. In your OWN Community. One of your OWN sisters.
The prominent thought in the verses noted above that really sticks out to me is this:
15. Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed", but does NOTHING about his physical needs, WHAT GOOD IS IT?
Anybody else have any thoughts or feelings on the subject?
*Sally's name has been changed for her protection.
**I am in no way genetically related to *Sally. I AM proud to call her a sister in CHRIST.
***for CLARIFICATION purposes, *Sally referred to in this post is not the same Sally reffered to in previous posts. K. we good. alright♥
