FURTHERMORE, BRETHREN, do pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may speed on (spread rapidly and run its course) and be glorified (extolled) and triumph, even as [it has done] with you (2 Thessalonians 3:1)
Carter Theis is the brain behind this movement/ministry read more about him here. Basically Carter and his team of writers, videographers, and webdesigners set up shop in downtown LA on skid row to live among the homeless on a volunteer basis to bring them the word of God, clothing, food and friendship. They do this all without tradtional funding but off donations, assistance from friends and their respective [survival] skills.
But the Word of the Lord [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] continued to grow and spread. (Acts 12:24)
Their Johna Project is a non denominational organization dedicated to helping the homeless, poor and broken hearted by holding [church] services and bible study with open arms and without judgement.
How many preachers, telethons, organizations speak about how we should reach out to people and give as well as by living righteous lives? How many would lead by example and give up their earthly possessions in the hope to impact another persons life? Mother Teresa was the only person in my generation that comes to mind who has taken the vow of poverty to impact Calcutta and by extension the world through charity. Well Enoch has taken up the spirit of that cross literally and to the next level of faith by tithing their time talents and abilities full time as skid row residents. It is unfair to compare the dedicated life of Mother Teresa to a passionate underground movement as Enoch Mag and The Jonah Project but what I can say is that type of passion for both people could have only be created by the spirit of Christ. It is certainly not a requisite for you or I to embody that level of service but it is important to acknowledge those who do with money, a box of food, clothing, toiletries, books or however you are moved to support.
During this holiday season my philanthropic contribution is to tell you all about them, granted their style is not for everyone but their heart to serve should be contagious.
Cheers to the crew of Enoch Magazine!
The 'getting down in the trenches approach', while not for everyone, is perhaps the most effective way to teach the tenets of Christianity by example.
ReplyDeleteTo speak the words is good, but it's so much better to live the words and then have a non-believer watch and ask what makes you tick...
Bravo that.
You asked if my mantel makes me happy. I'm a generally happy person; I did the mantel to make my mom happy. THAT makes me happy. What makes me happiest is the Christmas music and I play it all year long.
Back in 1970 when no one was doing it, my mom would take different shaped and colored bottles - from garage sales or even wine - and fill them with light for each of us and we had 'blinking bottles'. It's inexpensive and so twinkly beautiful. Try it and let me know if you share in the delight!