He is my stong tower - Shelter Over Me

Luke 14:13-14

Jesus said…"But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,  and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

 

On January 4, 2015 Madison and I headed to Central Church of Christ in Victoria, TX to assist in preparing a meal for the homeless in Victoria. It was an event that was organized by the Victoria Homeless Coalition. They strive to open a warm place for the homeless to go when the weather is threatening to hit freezing temperatures. The church family joins in by planning and preparing the evening meal. The Coalition brings in cots, warm clothes, and activities for them during their stay. It was humbling.

Madison was very helpful. At her young age, she has always been mindful of others and their needs. She enjoyed preparing the vegetables, cups of ice and the table to serve the meal. She even understood when she learned why we could not partake in the meal as well (we wanted to be sure there was plenty; you never know the numbers that events like this might draw).

 

I will be the first to say that I can count on one hand the amount of times I have helped the homeless in ways such as this (and not just monetarily). Giving of time is incredibly impactful. Most of what Jesus gave was of His Time, creating meaningful relationships and everlasting peace.

If you would like to find ways to give in this manner, visit:

http://www.nationalhomeless.org/

 

An Article that was written about the event in the Victoria Advocate Newspaper:

 

Warming Center Works to Keep Homeless Warm During Winter

 

 VICTORIA - Victoria's area homeless got a warm meal and a warm place to stay for the night thanks to the Victoria Area Homeless Coalition opening a warming center at Central Church of Christ in Victoria.

The center gives area homeless another option for a warm place to lay their head since most shelters in the area are overcrowded.

"It helps to ease the overflow for sure,” said Kim Pickens, President of Victoria Area Homeless Coalition.” A lot of the shelters will make exceptions and try to fit as

many people as they can in especially if it's a situation like tonight where it's going to be freezing. The problem is they still have a limited space."

The coalition provided each guest with cots, showers, donated clothing, and even medical care.

" I've done some screening for some folks and I'm going to have to take them to get medical attention,” said Lisa Campbell, volunteer and Public Health Nurse. “

We're doing everything we possibly can."

With temperatures expected to dip into the low thirties overnight causing a light freeze, the coalition knew it was time to open a center for those in need.

" When we start hearing that it's too cold for our pets to be outside...then we think about our friends we know that live on the streets,” said Ginny Stafford, CEO of

Mid-Coast Family Services.

The coalition opens warming centers based on several weather conditions like when the wind chill is below 32. And with another artic front coming through this

week, organizers say they're prepared to keep the center open."

"Well it looks like we'll be open again tomorrow,” said Stafford. “And we'll keep our eye on the weather. "

Keeping an eye on the weather to help keep area homeless off the streets and warm this winter.

The coalition will keep the center open for Monday nights as well.