I have worked with helping others find solutions to their
needs for over 40 years now, starting as a young man, I worked with my uncle
who was severely injured while in the Army. As a result of my uncle's injury,
(BTW I lived most of the time with my grandparents who cared for him) which
consisted of blindness, traumatic brain injury and later on the development of schizo-affective disorder, I was able to work with him to learn simple basic things which made it easier
on others and him that few at the time thought possible. I also worked professionally
with the homeless, including those with mental illness in areas of
rehabilitation as an Executive Director and Consultant for over 15 years and a
total now of over 30 years in all capacities. It is a subject I know something
about. The bottom line, I want to communicate to you that in my experiences, I
have not just worked with the homeless but especially the homeless many think
there is little hope for. I think there is hope, a solution to the issue of
homelessness and poverty in America and ultimately around the world but I can
only speak of my experiences and observations in America which include all sectors
of America, from the South to the North East, the Southwest to the Plains and
from the West Coast to the Northwest. I believe the universal solution to help
all people is the same. What I am going to say will shock some, make some angry and maybe, just maybe open the eyes of
others.
Here is an unfortunate truth, dollars upon dollars have been
thrown at the issue of homelessness. This
has not resolved the problem.
Unfortunately, more private and public dollars than ever are being thrown at
the issue of poverty and homelessness and little if anything is improving to in
my opinion justify the cost. There has to be a better answer. I unfortunately
not only speak from a professional perspective, I am also speaking from a
position of experience. I was for over 2 years, by the definition of
homelessness, homeless. I lived in a YMCA transient shelter when I married my
wife and completed High School while living there prior to that. I write about
these experiences in my book The Keystone Kid and those experiences are not
exaggerated, they are as real and accurate as I can possibly record. While the
book deals with various issues I dealt with, the answer to the problem is the
same for all situations I had to endure in my own life. I believe now, as I
have believed for some time, the answer is the same for most on the streets. I
know because where I have seen real change come about over the many years of my
work is the same in the overwhelming majority of people.
Are you ready for the number one way that we as a society,
caregivers, and helpers in particular can make a change? Here you go, to know
(for to know gives the ability to show change and model what needs to be
changed best) and follow, (in all ways,) the person of Jesus, and then from
that point, introduce Jesus to those we work with.
The Bible is very clear on this subject, and I have seen it
from experience to be true in life. "What will you gain, if you own the
whole world but destroy yourself? What would you give to get back your soul?"
Things are not the solution to helping someone want to change. There is a
spiritual component within each of us, that unless filled with the Spirit of God
will not have an understanding or desire to change or find a place of peace
within ones own spiritual needs. I am
honored and pleased to say, it is one of the things that makes the ministry I
do and the work Mosaic is involved in different than many others. I am thankful
that I am aware of other ministries doing the same thing and they have been things
that have helped direct me in the work I believe is the work of God. This has
been the thing I have seen be the most effective in bringing about change to
the poor and the homelessness issues in American.
One of the things I have seen and believe to be the number
one problem amongst the homeless is the lack of hope. Many don't believe things
can and will get better. Providers believe they know what is best and at best
offer solutions that are temporary and do not last. It is so bad in some
circles that some call themselves ministry and either the Jesus that is
introduced is diluted at best and in many instances are 'Ministries' that never
introduces people to Jesus. I see this done by some who are flat out lying and
deceive. They say and do things that are clearly not true, while promoting
themselves. They supposedly place hundreds of homeless people in housing when I
doubt they could show 5 actual people where they have done so and it has lasted. Or
supposedly feeding tens of thousands of the homeless when there are less than
2,000 homeless people in their community. Of course with groups like this, it
is easy to get a large numbers of people to support you but that support is
based off of lies. It is imperative that one does the research to verify the
facts. When it is done one can clearly see indiscretions in things like finance
and more with numerous businesses in the community but it is sometimes so much
easier to believe the lies. Then there are so called ministries that have
personal indiscretions ranging from marital infidelity, leadership issues, untrue
accusations and much more. I agree it is imperative to get the log out of ones
own eye before worrying about the speck in another's, but I am not speaking
about specs here, I am speaking about logs and making sure that those who say
they do ministry follow the Biblical expectations of what the Bible calls
ministry, otherwise it is not ministry it is a facade masquerading as ministry.
There are clearly higher expectations for Biblical leadership and it is
imperative that we follow that leadership and direction. If doing that, it becomes
clear, it is about Jesus.
What is it Jesus does that some never take into
consideration? It is quite simple, the very nature of God we see from the Old
Testament through the New Testament is the concept of hope that comes from
knowing and being in relationship with God, that only comes through Jesus. The
Bible speaks hundreds of times on this subject. There are verses like the
following:
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -
Jeremiah 29:11
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of
what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared
to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that
you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. - 1 Peter 3:15
For everything that was written in the past was written to
teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the
encouragement they provide we might have hope. - Romans 15:4
I could go on and on, like I said, there are literally
hundreds of verses that deal with the subject of hope. I beg the question: how
is hope instilled amongst the poor, the homeless or anyone when the need for Jesus
is left out of the solution all together? The answer is simple, the evidence
shows, it isn't. This is one of the primary reasons we see the homeless saying
things like, "I have no desire to get off the streets, people are giving
me everything I need," or, "I don't want help, I have no obligations
or responsibilities on the street," to most recently, "Everything I
need is given to me, I prefer to use my money for my drugs and whores." I beg
another question, is it possible, that in the do-gooders intent that we have
failed doing good and arrived at the place were we enable people more than help
them? This is both a spiritual and a political problem, spiritual because Jesus
and God has a purpose for each of us beyond just surviving and a political
agenda that seems to be pressed at times that sees it as the governments responsibility
to take care of those who are incapable of taking care of themselves. This is a
Communist or Socialist perspective. The danger here is that while it is true
there will be a segment of society who will always need help, it is clear to me
from my observations and experiences, that we are leading others into that
place that are capable to find that hope but have either given up on life by
surrendering to alcohol and drugs, (of which many of the things that are given are
sold to buy more drugs and alcohol.) or are some really incapable of helping
themselves, at which point some others have less resources being provided to
help those such as those with severe mental illnesses. The bottom line is this is
quite possible and I believe likely. Many of the providers or those seeking to
do good may be doing more harm than good because they leave out the one
instrument of change that I know gives hope, God.
Understand, I am not trying to make blanket generalizations. There are always exceptions but they are exceptions, not
solutions. In this whole dilemma, not only should the mistakes of what I call
the do gooders be addressed but the failure of the Church in large, and
Christian community must also be addressed. Many churches have gotten caught up
in political dogmas to the point that they have forgotten about the missional
expectations of Jesus. Many do good once a year, say at Christmas, but what do we
do all of the year to carry out this mission? I am asking the church to
consider something, something I would love to do and be a part of but there are
people in your communities who could do this as well. Look at ways you can
serve the homeless and the poor, while at the same time, having crusades (not
revivals but crusades where the Gospel of Jesus is clearly preached) to this
population. Then take on the responsibility of the Church to those who have converted.
Take them under our wings, disciple them and implement the whole of the
following passages of scripture:
Acts 2: 42-47: (42)
They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to
each other. They also broke bread and prayed together.
(43) Everyone was amazed by the many miracles and wonders
that the apostles worked. (44) All the Lord’s followers often met together, and
they shared everything they had. (45) They would sell their property and
possessions and give the money to whoever needed it. (46) Day after day they
met together in the temple. They broke bread together in different homes and
shared their food happily and freely, (47) while praising God. Everyone liked
them, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved
And,
Acts 4: 32- 37: (32) The group of followers all felt the
same way about everything. None of them claimed that their possessions were
their own, and they shared everything they had with each other. (33) In a
powerful way the apostles told everyone that the Lord Jesus was now alive. God
greatly blessed his followers, (34) and no one went in need of anything.
Everyone who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money (35) to
the apostles. Then they would give the money to anyone who needed it.
(36-37) Joseph was one of the followers who had sold a piece
of property and brought the money to the apostles. He was a Levite from Cyprus,
and the apostles called him Barnabas, which means “one who encourages others.”
Here is the reality as I see it, until the do gooders start
introducing Jesus with integrity or are at the least working with those who are
faithful to this need and the Church and Christians do their part, then as much
as I hate to say it, while some good may be done, in the overall scheme of
things, we are may be wasting our time. It is my desire that we do what we
should be doing. Some say the Bible addresses over 2,000 times the needs of the
poor and needy, the orphan and the widow. While I am not sure if it is that
many times, it is clear it is an awful lot and the Church needs to be doing the
work God. It has always dumbfounded me, the church spends so much time on subjects
like abortion, which should be addressed but seems to ignore the expectations
of caring for the poor and needy which are so strongly emphasized in scripture.
The bottom line for many problems including both of these, the answer is Jesus
but how can people hear if the followers of Christ don't take Biblical
teachings seriously and recognize that Jesus is exactly who he said he was,
(...no one goes to the Father in Heaven except through me.) and emphasizes those points and takes
and illustrates that message of hope to them?
Today I implore three groups: 1) There are those who deceive,
they are in my view, evil and God will judge them harshly for their actions. I
believe they should be exposed for their deceit. 2) There are others who just
don't know. They have taken seriously their work but never seriously taken the
message of hope that comes through Christ seriously. They wonder why they see
little or no results, stay discouraged or know in their hearts they want so
much more for those they legitimately love and care for. To those individuals,
surrender to Jesus, I would love to be one of those who introduces you to him,
simply contact me at mike@furches.org or Facebook or other forms and I will
gladly walk you through the process. 3) There is another challenge, and challenge to Christians and The Church who are not doing their part. I so realize
many are doing their part. There are great churches doing great work, seeing
wonderful results and many Christians individually doing their part, but, for churches
and Christians who aren't, get busy. Ask for forgiveness and do your part in
reaching one of the great mission fields on the earth. Don't just stop at a
conversion, we are not called from a Biblical perspective to just make
converts, we are called to make disciples. Don't settle for anything else. We are
to be a part of the process where people are sold out Jesus Freaks and fully
life long persons committed to Jesus, even until the point of death. We are called to do the work of
Jesus on this earth, including an area strongly emphasized in scripture,
serving, reaching and seeing the salvation of the poor and needy, orphan, widow, tax collector, whosoever. Anything less
is not what God has called us to do.
Addendum added 7/20/2021
It is so easy in today's world to give quickly and truthfully, without thought. I find issue with this as one who is involved in ministry for over 40 years now, who also has such a hard and difficult time surviving, yet, still finding ways to try and help. Even last night, giving counsel on things like suicide emergency assistance to looking at solutions to homelessness. The big ministries who sometimes do very little have great ad campaigns to keep the cash flowing.
As a recent example, and this one will be controversial, there seems to be quick solutions for homeless issues that really do not seriously take into consideration the long term needs of the homeless, which by the way encompasses, folks who have lost jobs, have serious substance abuse problems or mental illnesses with various disorders that impact people in different ways. There seems to be this idea that we can just convert shopping centers, buy homes and other things that solves the homeless problems, it is in a way, a societal answer that people often make who are unwilling or unknowing of the ultimate needs of the individuals. The sad truth is, these solutions in the long run, do a great job at keeping the homeless homeless and dependent on society. The life changing concepts are critical to bring about if we genuinely want to see lives changed. While the Bible clearly states, we will always have the poor among us, we are also obligated to do more than just offer lip service. I am reminded of the passage of scripture that clearly says, if we see someone in need, and have the means to help them and don't we can't say we have the love of God within us, we don't. Of course we think that money is always the answer to issues, and that is a part of it, but often times the means of helping someone in need requires more than just money.
As an example to the above, my nephew in Pensacola Florida has started a ministry where he gets old beat up bicycles, fixes them up and has a process to help the homeless with a form of transportation by having a bicycle. A great ministry that is addressing a specific need. There are questions though in the total scheme of things that should be understood where others in the church could come in and help. What for example if someone has a job? A bicycle could be of a great help, but, they don't know how to ride a bicycle? Sometimes the solution is a great solution but someone may need help in order to obtain that solution. My nephew has done a great job at doing what he does, and then working with others to provide other helps as they can.
When I was running Mosaic as a downtown ministry we were the largest daily provider of services to the homeless in Wichita. We didn't charge or bill for those services so money was an issue. I refused a salary so we could do that ministry. We did something unique though, we didn't just serve coffee, we served the best coffee, we didn't just serve food, we cooked and served the best food. We didn't just give clothes, we gave the best clothes. You see it is so easy to give dented cans, cheap hand me downs and more, heck, we even had someone once donate clothes that had been soiled by cats, like this was a gift out of love. Why give second best when we are called to follow Christ who gave His best and His all?
The above, with lack of training, living skills education and long term help is one of the issues I have with the tiny homes approach many are following for the homeless. We have to make sure appropriate training that incarnates people back into society, that enables the best possible chance of success are the models we follow. Creating villages for the homeless people with tiny houses is segregation and I believe provides the dented cans approach to and for the homeless and makes it easy to throw money away in a quick way that in reality, has little positive benefit other than getting people, temporarily off the streets. It is certain, without the proper instruction, training and assistance, that I believe ultimately should include Christ, the solution is in fact, temporary as the person will certainly end back on the streets without that hand up, not a hand out, and walking alongside of and with, as opposed to sending someplace to put out of mind and out of site. In many ways, this is no different than the position some municipalities have taken by doing things like buying bus tickets for the homeless to send them to another city.
Am I saying things like Tiny Homes or other assistance of this nature is all bad? NO! I am saying that there has to be far more and in all things, my self esteem and self worth while homeless would have been built far better and quicker by a chance to be reintroduced into the hope that comes from Christ, of the possibility of someday having my own real apartment and or house. The dreams and asperations of others are often times built by the belief others have in them. If a person thinks others think they are only deserving of a tiny home, they will have tiny dreams and asperations. Dream big, for we serve a big God. If used, emphasized and shown that it is only a stepping stone done the right way, well then, do it the right way and let the person know it is a process to their larger dreams. That isn't how it's being done though that I have seen. It is more of a out of mind, out of site, and I don't have to do as much that way approach. Thankfully, God believes in his children more than that and has chosen to use us to accomplish His purpose.
I know this will strike many the wrong way, others will hate
it, some agree with a point or two and some will know I am sharing truth. A truth
that may not be easy to hear but none the less, truth. I challenge everyone to
do more than just give money but if giving money, give to those that are doing
good, that is the good that helps the whole person, including the spiritual
component of people, not just the physical. Remember that the Gospel and
message of Jesus is also called Good News! In closing I close with the following verses.
What does it profit anyone to gain the whole world and lose
their soul? - Matthew 16:26
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you
trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy
Spirit. - Romans 15:13
You can experience the plan of salvation and the eternal hope that comes with Jesus. Watch the following video for more information, just click on it, if the video doesn't appear, click on the following link. I also encourage you, if rededicating your life to Jesus or making a commitment to follow Christ, let me know, I will do all I can to help you in the situation you are in.
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