THE POOR AMONG US
“If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs. You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put 
your hand. 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 your needy, in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:7-8, 10,11
All through scripture God reminds and urges us to pay special attention to extend ourselves on behalf of the poor and needy. The one thing the apostles chose to emphasize to Paul and Barnabas as they set out on their mission to the gentiles was to remember the poor. It was not an extensive list of doctrines to observe rather a very pointed call to welcome and embrace the poor. It was reassuring for Paul to hear this instruction because it was the thing he was already doing and eager to continue (Gal 2:10). We can easily find ways to justify looking the other way, but taking the passive blind eye approach directly opposes God’s heart and Word. 
John 13:35 tells us that the world will only recognize truth and Christ in us by the way we live in the example of love in Christ. When we ignore this truth, our christian niceties fall on deaf ears and God’s purposes through us are hindered. Nothing promotes union in the current divided and distracted church like a deep and common concern for all especially the destitute created in God’s image.
The physical and emotional suffering elderly and widows endure in communities surrounding Hope for the Island is impossible to overlook. Although it can be messy and emotionally draining to enter ones suffering, it is deeply rewarding. Sharing life together allows everyone to find that place of belonging and community. There is incredible impact and fruit that comes as we intentionally engage others in their need. I want to extend a special thank you to all who faithfully give to support the needs of this ministry of mercy!
