Date: Monday, March 16th
Scripture: Psalm 146:7
“Who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free.”
By: Shelby Mancell, Sycamore House Service Corps Member
My time working for CONTACT Helpline/PA 211 as a housing specialist I came to see that everyone’s struggling in different ways. Some people need help with rent because they couldn’t pay because of health reasons, disability, rent going up, getting laid off, etc. Some people have nowhere to go for shelter, they need help finding a place to stay. Some need help with finding food, diapers, formula, clothes, etc. Everyone’s situation is different with every phone call.
But I have also seen the good out of the bad. So many churches and organizations are trying so hard to help these people. Some of food pantries/soup kitchens. Some open their doors to give them a place to stay for the night and/or day. Some help people to stay at a motel/hotel for a night or two. Getting clothes, formula, diapers for those whose family is need. There are those who even help with finding jobs, learning more about landlord/tenant agreements, help with free or cheap legal services. There are many more areas these places try to help with for those in need.
God has shown through my own personal experiences and those that I help that He provides. He provides with love: Love from neighbors and strangers to neighbors and strangers. He loves us and has promised to provide for us. He keeps that promise in many ways, from a stranger helping a stranger to churches and organizations that provide for those in need.
Prayer: Lord, You made a promise to provide for us. Remind us, when times get rough and we can only see the struggling, that You are there providing for us. Show us Your love through the helping stranger or the neighbor that opens their doors. Amen.
Fact: Solitary Confinement started in PA at Eastern State Penitentiary in 1829.
Action: Attend our event Solidarity not Solitary at the Metropolitan Community Church in Harrisburg this evening from 6-8pm. If you can’t attend, share the event with friends who are local and contact Emily Schmid at e.schmid@pachurches.org to schedule an event for your local community. Below is the link to our Facebook Event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/189838229109496/
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