Matthew 25:35-40
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
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.’
More and more often we see people at the intersections of Fry, Mason and Grand Parkway with signs asking for help. Some saying, “will work for food”, others saying “need help to get to another destination”. At COTHA, we have a saying “never look away” and provide bags that can be given to the person in need. Included in the bag is a bottle of water, snacks, toothbrush, socks along with a list of food pantries and places to get food. An invite to the COTHA Wednesday Night Spaghetti dinner is also included. The bags are helpful and at least show we care but unfortunately, we’re seeing there is a greater need.
COTHA has opened it’s doors by inviting other churches and outside resources to come together to develop a unified homeless ministry. We have found that there are numerous assistance programs in the area but we lack knowledge of one another and means to get that information to the people in need. The good news is, we’re coming together and it feels so right! There is so much work to be done, education needed and funding but we’re gearing up! We’re setting our goals high and know that we are being faithful servants, doing for “the least of these brothers and sisters of Jesus, knowing in our hearts, we are doing it for Him.
If you are interested in getting involved in the “Homeless Ministry”, please email me Paula@cotha.org. I’ll make sure you are invited to the next planning and strategy meeting. One thing for sure, You will be Blessed!