Christian Living

People Get Together

by Jeff Drinnan
01/30/22
For Sale
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one persons falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." -Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

The community meals for the homeless and needy in Southern Bucks County, PA are more than a meal; they are a ministry. Actually, only one church has been welcoming guests to a sit down meal since early in the pandemic.

Recently, I attended a sit down meal at the lone church that takes its mission seriously and serves wine rather than Kool-aid at communion. Before the meal, the pastor reads Bible verses and does an exegesis on the passages. Following the spirtual food is the physical nurishment, along with clothes and toiletries.

The Biblical message, the warm welcome and selfless service sends a message to the guests and sets a positive tone at the meal. The hosts show God's love. "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as through God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." -2 Corinthians 5:20

It's hardly an eat and run or even a grab and go, which some of the other churches which hosted the sit down meals now do. The scripture reading and gracious service sets the stage for guests to socialize with one another. News about people who haven't been there and how and what they are doing comes up in conversation.

I talked with others about some people we had known for years, who were causing others and themselves problems. As I approached talking about some of them being gossip and just negative talk, a guy at my table said that I should pray for them. I told him he was right and that my attitude should be that, knowing their limitations, not put myself in a situation where they would bring me down and where they won't help themselves. "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night." -Psalm 1:1-2 But I have to still care about them, as they are humans created in the image of God.

"Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens a friend's character." -Proverbs 27:17

The pastor approached a woman who was sitting by herself who had caused problems at the meals and was somewhat of an outcast. As is the case with other guests, he, as well as others, talked with the guests.

The scripture reading at the meal, caring for others, and socialization brings an opportunity to accept God as Lord and savior as well as strengthen believers, who, including myself, still struggle with our sin nature.

Christians can show love and the light but people have to decide to take advice. "Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you. " -Psalm 32:9

Transportation to the meals is one of the main things that are keeping some of the churches from holding the sit down meals. A host at one church said they were planning to reopen the sit down meals but are held up by AHTN, the alleged advocates for the homeless and those in need in Bucks County, who are unwilling to transport people to the meal. Covid has been a gift to tyrants and excuse makers.

The meal ministries have been one of the victims of the government and media fear mongering that has been spewing junk science lies. "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." -John 8:31-32