Last week, we talked about the interrelationships between poverty, food, and the AIDS pandemic. We also talked about what we can do to help (e.g. learn, advocate, participate in charity walks, etc.). The question is always open. Jesus seems to talk more about caring for the poor more than pretty much any other topic. Maybe we should spend a bit more time on the subject, both in brainstorming to find creative solutions to the problems in our world, and in being called to action -- serving the poor as the hands and feet of Christ in the world today.
In the near future, we're going to have the opportunity to "sleep out" for a night in November to get a small glimpse of the harsh conditions that the homeless out on our streets face...and to educate us so that we may advocate for those less fortunate than ourselves. It's easy to forget that there are homeless in affluent places like Fairfax, but Fairfax county estimated earlier this year that there are over 1800 homeless people living in our community. I hope we continue to pray about, and discuss, what we can do to be part of the solution. "Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead
Dear Lord, we are so blessed. We have the opportunity eat more than one meal each day. We have the privilege to get a college education. We have the gift of community. We thank you for all of these things. We know that not everyone is so fortunate. Help us to share all the blessings we have with those in such dire need of food, clothing, community, and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
747 TUESDAYS: Every Tuesday, we're meeting at the Crosspoint Ministry House at 7:47pm for FREE home-cooked food, table fellowship, and a devotion/discussion. Come & bring your friends! Directions:
- Walk through Presidents Park and back behind Jackson Hall.
- Follow the gravel road to Roberts Rd.
- Cross the street and the white house there to your right is the one.
- Enter side door near the parking lot. (It's about a 5 minute walk from SUB II.)
Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter: This new family shelter run by Shelter House, Inc. provides temporary housing and supportive services to homeless families in order to enable them to transition to permanent housing and a stable family life. On Friday, November 2nd , we'll help serve food to the families and do whatever else they need help with. We'll leave campus from the Crosspoint Ministry House at 4:30pm, returning around 8pm.
Homelessness and Hunger Action Week: November 11-17. We'll probably help the Campus Ministry Association staff the event headquarters during the week, collecting canned food and passing out educational materials. I'm also helping plan a sleep out on campus for Wednesday night of that week. I'll keep you informed when I know more. If you want to help plan something for the week, just let me know.
Program Support: We want students involved as we plan our programs & events. Let me know if you want to set up a service opportunity, fellowship event, etc. Also let me know if you have ideas, but want me to set it up. Maybe you want to have a bonfire...or volunteer for Habitat for Humanity...etc. Just let me know!
That's all for now. Feel free to share this information with your friends. Also, join the "GMU Lutherans" Facebook group to stay up to date on what is going on!
In God's grace,
Ben
gmulutherans [at] bbuss.com
