Thursday, August 19, 2010

Who is My Neighbor?

Remember the days when a mother could send her son next door to borrow a cup of sugar? Or maybe you remember an elderly lady where you grew up who would give candy to the neighborhood kids. During that day and time being a neighbor and being a part of a neighborhood seemed to mean a lot more to people than it does today.

As I thought about this, one of the narratives in the Gospel of Luke came to my mind where the question was asked, Who is my neighbor? This is an interesting question asked of Jesus in Luke chapter 10 and it is out of His answer the Parable of the Good Samaritan comes.

The man that needed help along the Jericho road was someone the Good Samaritan encountered during his journey down the sometimes dusty and dangerous road of life. When he saw the man in need he stopped what he was doing and went to help him. What this has shown me is that the real question is not who is my neighbor, but who can I be a neighbor too?

This is why working at Haven of Rest is such an amazing opportunity and blessing. Everyday the staff here has the privilege of being a neighbor to all of the men, women and children who are hurting that come to the mission. Through it’s Christ-centered outreach of love and compassion, Haven of Rest is a neighbor to the whole community by responding to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of disadvantaged men, women, and children without regard to their race, color, creed or social standing.

Whether it’s a healthy meal, a warm bed, clothing or encouraging words from the Gospel, Haven of Rest is able to be a neighbor to people who otherwise would not have anyone to turn to.

Daren Brake,
Development Assistant

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Where is God When it Hurts

Yesterday a woman who had stayed at Harvest Home many years ago came to visit me..
This wasn’t her first visit since moving out. Every year or two she stops by to let us know how she is doing. She tells us about her job, updates us concerning her children and lets us know how things are going at her church. Talking with her reminded me of conversations I’ve had with family members.

So often the news from her is good and uplifting. However this time it wasn’t. She is struggling spiritually. She is wondering where God is in all that has happened recently. She hasn’t been able to work due to an injury so she hasn’t paid her rent and is facing an eviction. She came by to ask, if necessary, could she return to Harvest Home. It’s heartbreaking to think she may become homeless and need to return, but it is good to know she views us as a spiritual support system. She needs women around her who can help her sort things out and encourage her in her relationship with the Lord.

However, as sisters in Christ, we are also glad to be of assistance during difficult times. We count it a blessing to pray for a woman in need of comforting and to provide for her when she is unable to provide for herself. This, too, kind of reminds me of family.

Yvette McMillan,
Women’s Division Director

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Our Greatest Impact

The other day I was blown away by the students of Tallmadge Middle School and the level of compassion they have for the people we serve at Haven of Rest. These students are amazing and through their own creative efforts presented Jan Pluck, volunteer coordinator, and myself with a check for over $2100 to Haven of Rest.

When we arrived at the school to pick up the check, you could feel the students’ enthusiasm in the air. Teachers and students from three different classes were proud of their combined efforts and at the same time excited about the difference they were making with their gift-raised from individuals and businesses in the community and through ticket sales from their Student vs. Staff basketball game. The caring hearts of Tallmadge Middle School’s faculty, staff, and parents ignited their passion.

Life is so much more than what we can get. In fact, our greatest impact will come from what we are able to give during our lives. The students of Tallmadge Middle School have demonstrated this important life lesson very early in their lives, and that is what we are recognizing!

Daren Brake,

Development Assistant