About six million Americans receiving food stamps report they have no other income, according to an analysis of state data collected by The New York Times. Now that is a staggering figure. According to the article, about one in fifty Americans now lives in a household with a reported income that consists of nothing but a food-stamp card. Can you imagine? Chances are you may know one, but not realize it.
Members of this group – ranging from homeless men to single moms to the elderly – live on nothing but their food stamp income, which can range from $50-300+ per month. In this challenging economy, this group is struggling to survive. Some live in homeless shelters, while others have moved in with friends and family. Many find employment difficult to come by, have sold all their possessions, and rely on their food stamp card for their daily sustenance.
There is much political debate taking place trying to discern how to fix the problem. Proposed solutions range from increasing cash support available to families to decreasing taxes that create additional jobs.
But what can the church do? What can you do to address this staggering issue of poverty in our nation? Is there anything that you can do that will make a difference? Here are just a few suggestions to plug in right away.
Prayer
As it says in 1 Timothy 2, we should pray for our politicians who are in authority. Pray that they would be given wisdom to address this systemic issue in ways that would honor the poor and glorify God in heaven. Pray for the poor who are suffering. Pray that God would mobilize his people to step into the challenge and into the lives of the poor and needy. Reflect on Ephesians 1 and pray for all to come to know the spiritual blessings we have in Christ as well as the power to live out these radical implications in the world.
Benevolence Ministry
Sojourn receives between 30-60 calls per month from families in our neighborhoods seeking financial assistance. Some of these families truly have no income except their food stamps. Sojourn has equipped and mobilized a mercy ministry that seeks to aid these families with assistance and draw these families into the body of Christ. You can read the benevolence policy here. There is always need for additional servants in this ministry as the poor will always be among us (Matt 26:11) and because the work is challenging and often time intensive. Contact mercy@sojournchurch.com for additional information.
Seed Leadership
Consider becoming a Seed Leader. Seed Leaders influence their groups to live more externally focused lives. Their primary responsibility is to encourage their group members to embrace God’s call for every individual to live a life of service and mission towards others. Seed Leaders organize, plan and mobilize their group to service and mission in the city. There are literally dozens of ways to mobilize a community group to serve the lost, poor, hurting, and needy. Contact mercy@sojournchurch.com for more information and read the Seed Leader Ministry Description here.
Mercy Monday
On Monday nights, we gather in groups to visit many families in need. We enter into their homes, listen to their stories, encourage them with the hope of Jesus Christ, and minister to their physical needs. If you have never been on mission in the city before, join up with those who have gone before you. There are testimonies on this blog about how God uses us and blesses us as we seek to minister to the poor in his name. Contact Jesse Moss for additional information at jmoss@sojournchurch.com
The Humble Coffee Cup
Finally, it has been said that most of the world’s problems could be addressed by the humble coffee mug. Sound strange? Nothing can beat a redemptive relationship with someone who is in need (physical or spiritual). Befriending someone who is in need – sharing a cup of coffee, hearing their stories, heartbreaks, hopes and fears – can lead to lots of opportunities. You may find that you are well connected and can assist a person or family in need in ways you never imagined. It takes a willingness to get to know a new friend, come alongside them, carry a burden, pray for them and encourage them as you yourself have been encouraged by your Christian brothers and sisters.
To speak to a deacon who can assist you in addressing the needs of the poor and needy, email mercy@sojournchurch.com. We would love for you to embrace God’s call to care for the poor and needy (1 John 3:17-18). You can also join us next Sunday when all Seed Leaders will gather for a meal, encouragement, and equipping. REGISTER HERE.
