Devotional: Help them find a way out
Written by Major Paula Pyle, Officer of the North Minneapolis Salvation Army
As the weather begins to change, we will see many people on the street exposed to the elements. Most of these individuals are facing some kind of crisis, such as an eviction, loneliness, depression, hunger, or hopelessness. Some may have chosen to leave the home of a loved one due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or other hardships. Others have become orphans due to the death of their parent or parents, or perhaps they have run away from a foster home.
Homelessness can happen to anyone, and each situation is different. Thankfully, The Salvation Army is here to help people with through a multitude of programs, including Pathway of Hope family mentoring, Heatshare energy assistance, food shelves, rent and utility assistance, and other vital programs.
We can’t do this without you. Please get involved and join our mission.
How can you love people experiencing homelessness?
- Donate to The Salvation Army
Every day, thousands battle life on the streets without food, shelter, or hope. But for just $25 a month, you can double The Salvation Army’s efforts to come alongside our city’s homeless – and help them find the way out.
- Show Humility and Compassion
We should help them with whatever we have in our hands and never think that we are above them. 1 Timothy 1:7 says, "They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm."
- Be Empathetic
We must put ourselves in their shoes and realize that we or any one of our relatives, friends or acquaintances could fall into this category.
- Be a Good Listener
Simply let them speak then show them love. Let them know that God loves them and has gone to prepare an eternal home for them. Eventually, we may be able to lead them to Christ.
- Pray for and with them
Show them that they can have peace with God in their souls. Persevere even through our most difficult circumstances to reach out to them whether rain, shine or snow. Let us live each day in prayer for persons who are in these vulnerable positions.
As you try to be the hands and feet of Jesus, let this verse be our encouragement: Matthew 25:40, ‘“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
Every day, there are nearly 40 million hardworking Americans facing the battles of poverty. But for just $25 a month, you can double The Salvation Army’s ability to come alongside our neighbors most in need – and help them win.