Psalms 41:1 “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.”
It has been a great experience and privilege to be able to lend helping hands in feeding the homeless in Woolloomooloo. This month will mark five months since we first began. Each time, God has been opening doors, pouring blessings upon us and bringing more people together in this ministry. The kitchen was buzzing in April with many volunteers joining us to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal consisting of steamed veggies, potato bake, red lentil sauce and a mouth-watering apple crumble. It was great to see new faces and first timers attending, and we even had a few more children join in to help, cut, peel and chop fruit for the crumble. In about two and a half hours (our fastest time yet thanks to all the efficient helpers) the cooking was finished, and all that remained was to pack the steaming pots and trays into our cars and drive to begin serving in Woolloomooloo. It was not a moment too soon, since by that time we were all feeling pretty hungry ourselves!
When we arrived, there were already a few volunteers setting up tables, and the homeless patrons had begun to already assemble in a long line just beside the tables. It was about 30 minutes before we began; and by the time we started, there were between 60-80 people assembled. As we served, there was opportunity to converse with the people as they passed by the tables and encourage them to take more veggies, which many of them did. Some were not sure in the beginning, but after trying the foom, they eagerly came back for more. More or less, they are used to turning to comfort foods instead of having a healthy, hearty meal. It is in these times and situations that I’ve realised that although these people have made bad choices, are suffering with addictions, have come from abusive homes, or have chosen to live that life, they are human beings nonetheless, deserving of our compassion. In a world that plunges men and women deeper into sin and decay, it is no wonder that the life expectancy of the homeless is considerably lower than the general population. It also means another soul lost to eternity where they might have been redeemed. In France, Les Morts de La Rue reported that, according to homeless statistics, at least one person dies every 20 hours on the streets.
God has blessed us by allowing us to live in a privileged country and by bringing us closer to Him to learn of Him at his feet. If we are being moved by His love and Spirit, working as He worked, then we too will look for ways to relieve the suffering around us. Jesus’ method of working teaches us the all encompassing principle of how to live and work for others. “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. he showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.'” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143)
~ Daniela Balarezo