Interdenominational Chapel Services are conducted daily by clergy and lay leaders from area churches.

ALMSGIVING
by UGMTC Chaplain Stanley Maneikis

In many old church buildings, near the entrances, are special boxes with a brass sign reading “ALMS BOX FOR THE POOR.”  Everyone who passed in or out of the building dropped in a donation.  Thus, as a need presented itself, it was met.

Recently, several people came to me for advice about handing out money directly to the homeless on the street.  Looking at what Jesus said on the matter, (Matthew 25:31), one sees that He spoke of food, drink, clothing, healing, companionship, not about money.  

Looking at the example of the disciples, Peter and John, in Acts (3:1-8), a man lame from birth asked for alms from those entering the temple.  Peter spoke to him, “Look at us…Silver and gold, I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk.”  Then Peter gave him the right hand and lifted him up on his feet and his ankle bones received strength.  Because of the lift Peter gave and the power of Jesus Christ, on the way to the Temple with the Peter and John, the man was “walking, leaping and praising God.” 
So, it is more than money, it is about a relationship with God. 

When we are approached for money by a homeless person, we are not to judge.  Judgment is “right or wrong, yes or no.”

Discernment is the Christian alternative to judgment.  Discernment is seeking insight.  Discernment is the best way to offer the right hand to the homeless person asking you for money.  Ask if the person is hungry.  If so, offer to buy them a meal and take it to them.  Ask if they need a place to stay, and refer them to the shelter.  If convenient, make the referral by telephone. If someone is with you, drive them there.  If they are sick, take them to the emergency room of the hospital.  Ask about the need.  Ask if they would like prayer.  If the only thing they want is money, you have your answer.  You have discerned the real need. 

Your alms can be put to very good use by your church’s outreach or charity committee, your local Christian homeless shelter, or neighborhood Christian mission, pantry or agency.  They can discern the need.  And you won’t need to feel guilty.

God bless you!

Eight Ways to Help the Homeless

1. Never give cash to a homeless person.   If hunger is the issue, offer to get a meal.  Cash may be the problem.  A good hamburger is hard to turn down.
 
2. Talk to the person with respect, in a friendly, non threatening and dignified way, but don’t take any verbal abuse…walk away if it happens.   

3. Understand that all homeless persons are not the same.  There are many causes of homelessness.  It’s a terrible place to be.

4. Share God’s love wherever you can.  Jesus spent time with the homeless and was homeless himself.  Jesus works through those who believe and follow him.  Work with your church or synagogue, for the relief of the least of these our brothers and sisters. 

5. Pray with the homeless.  God uses your prayers to bring all people to him.  Offer to pray for this person and their needs.  God has not forgotten them, and they need to hear that.  They have a name, and they are not faceless. 
 
6. Take precautions for yourself.  Be safe.  Go in pairs, stay in the open.  Don’t take risks.

7. Encourage  people to get help through Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County.  We provide spiritual care, food, shelter, clothing and housing for men, women and children.  We have staff who can help.  If a person chooses to be a resident, and wants to change, the help is here. 

8. Support UGM and share your resources. We receive no federal, state of local tax funding.  We depend on your donations to serve hungry and homeless men, women and children 

“For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying: ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and needy, in your land.’” (Deuteronomy 15:11)

Think about this…

Jesus, the Son of God, and Savior of the world:
• Owned only the clothes on his back
• Had no address of his own, but that in Heaven
• Lived on the charity of his friends
• Had no bed, no pillow of his own
• Fed his followers on the Word of God first and then with the bread from the earth and fruit from the vine.
Whatever we have more than this is gravy.