FROM CRISIS TO CHRIST-CENTERED HOPE AND RESTORATION

 Compassion and Cars

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to share on the topic of Compassion to a Church Planters Class at Bethlehem College and Seminary.  Here are some of the topics that I shared: 

1.  A calling to the city and to those in need
2.  God is a merciful God who has bestowed on us, Unconditional Love.
3.  A Merciful and Compassionate frame of Mind: Key Bible Themes and Verses
4.  Good Samaritan: A Call to be Compassionate
5.  Compassion Defined: Co-Suffering (Latin Etymology)
6.  Godly Compassion
7.  Understanding Poverty
8.  How to work with Neighbors in Need                             

The topic was well received by the Church Planters and it took the entire hour.  It was time well spent.  Church leaders need to teach Biblical Compassion.  The compassionate outpouring of the Saints of God displays vividly to the world the God who suffered and showed the Saints compassion.

Recently Pastor Paul from a Church in Chatfield, MN wanted to bring a youth group up to experience the city.  Like the Church Planters class, I felt compelled to accept the invitation because Pastors and kids in rural Minnesota need the opportunity to learn and do Biblical Compassion.

The two young men (in picture) from the Church Group were cheerfully picking up litter on Lake Street where the Riots had taken place.  In addition, we shared resources and prayer at a homeless encampment.  They wanted to make a difference in the city and they did.

 
A welcome but eerie sight on Lake Street was the return of the National Guard and their big vehicles the week of the court hearings for Derek Chauvin.  I am happy for the proactive step of our Governor, Mayor, the Chief of Police and the service of the National Guard. Their presence was impactful.



A neighbor’s parked-car was inoperable after the impact of a collision.  Many neighbors in need of transportation like this one come to Jericho Road for assistance for car repair, gas for their cars, or bus fare.  It is very gratifying to help these folks literally “get on their feet” as they start/keep their new or old jobs.



Our Jericho Road Van was recently taken off its feet (wheels) after the Catalytic Converter was stolen.  The sound was similar to a Harley Davidson Motorcycle x 20.  An insurance claims specialist with our insurer, Church Mutual, said that during the Pandemic the number of claims for stolen Catalytic Converters was equal to the claims for all other auto claims.  Jericho Road had a $1,000 deductible but it still ended up costing us over $1,200.  Ouch!  But we need the van for food and client transportation so we got it fixed right away. 

 

A special thanks to everyone who has supported Jericho Road for the Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Match during July!  It is not too late - but checks or online giving need to have a July date to be counted toward the match.