Help not Hoard
In a time where everyone seems to be stocking up, I’d like to talk about the body of Christ, and those who choose to give away.
When a yearling calf recently injured a leg, Becky Garvey and her husband Jon, Young County ranchers, decided to have the calf butchered and donate the meat to House of Mercy Enterprises,(H.O.M.E.). The Garvey’s also regularly give of their time, leading a bible study at H.O.M.E. on Wednesday evenings.
Dr. Bakowski, an optometrist in Weatherford, TX, recently chose H.O.M.E. to donate multiple household furnishings. Here in Olney, Stewart’s Grocery regularly contributes food items for use by the residents of H.O.M.E.. Ms. Bobbie Wright and her ladies group regularly contribute hygiene products. Nedra Belew often stops by with an item or two to donate. Crystal Cook donates her time and provides parenting classes to our residents as needed. An Olney resident donated a washer and dryer. So many others donate clothes and household furnishings.
These are just a few of the examples of the countless acts of generosity we see here at H.O.M.E. Many individuals from all of our local churches, people of the body of Christ in this small community, donate items that are either used here at the H.O.M.E., or passed on to others in need in the community.
It is not uncommon to have someone visit the H.O.M.E. with a need. A young couple that had just moved to town, received blankets and a hot meal at H.O.M.E.
In some cases, donated items assist residents that are transitioning into their own homes. Graduates of H.O.M.E.’s Christian Human Development Program as well as those residents who used H.O.M.E.’s shelter program for a hand up, are able to make donations to the H.O.M.E. in order to furnish their new residences with items that have been donated.
This is the Body of Christ functioning as it should. A cycle of helping each other, and allowing God to meet our needs. Scripture tells us in Matthew 6:31-32
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”
It just may be one of those in the body of Christ that delivers your need to you.