Homelessness
Homelessness is a growing problem in our society. In our backyard the downand- out are living in tents, lean-tos, plywood and tarp contraptions, and under the always faithful tree. Every one of them wants something that all of us want to: love and understanding. They are hungry and have no place to call home. A large percentage of the homeless are adult men who for various reasons have found themselves living on the streets.
In 1995 Mercy House Homeless Shelter began providing a safe and secure place for homeless men to sleep at night. Members of the Bethesda Christian Life Church had seen homeless men sleeping out of doors, in doorways, alleys and even in dumpsters. They opened their fellowship hall and provided a warm and safe place to sleep. As the homeless population continued to grow
the congregation decided to build a shelter adjacent to the fellowship building. The men are provided a bed and bathing facilities.
There are no meals provided. Funding is provided by a small grant and Bethesda Christian Life Church. Churches in the Wilmington area have stepped up and are providing meals for the men. Cape Fear Christian Church wanting to be obedient have answered the call and are feeding the men of Mercy house on the first and third Saturday of each month. Jesus tells us that we are one body in Christ. Everyone has a legitimate role to play in that body. We may feed these homeless men with the intention of helping someone else, but at the end of the day we will be helping each other grow together into the body of Christ as he has wanted from the beginning of time. Let us all as members of this gifted congregation join together and attack this outreach program with love and understanding being obedient to the word of God. Help us share the love of
Jesus Christ and what a difference He has made in our lives. 1 Peter 4:8-9 Vs. 8 “Most of
all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully.”
Grace does not change God, it changes us. Grace has opened a way to God, a safe passage through the fire. Christ’s work on the Cross opens the way for us to approach and know,
serve and love our Holy God....