“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:37-40
“Trinity Homeless Shelter is completely staffed by the homeless. WHAT? You read correctly! Many of the folks who have walked through the doors of this shelter with nothing, are actually running the place! Many have lost jobs and homes, but have found a new lease on life by entering into the shelter, finding purpose and wholeness and giving themselves to the mission and vision of the organization.
This shelter, located in Skowhegan, Maine, could be a template for other churches to follow. That somewhat unorthodox method of having the residents run the facility, feeding, clothing, and helping others find gainful employment is nothing short of miraculous…and it works! The staff (residents) get room and board for their positions. They work in the office, the food pantry, the laundry, kitchen, firing up the wood boiler, and various other chores–all requirements for an on-going operation, so that when the next needy soul shows up at the door, there is shelter from the storm.”
Richard Berry in Sheltered by Jesus: A Voice for the Homeless (Minneapolis: NextStep Resources, 2015) 115.
This is a leap year, and today is an extra day for us to live, give, serve, and love others in a way that reflects the love of Jesus Christ. Why celebrate the new book that I had the privilege of endorsing for my friend, Richard Berry, on 29 February 2016? I pray every pastor and congregation will take the “leap of faith” that Pastor Berry took to open the doors of the church to the homeless and hurting.
What happened? Read the book to find out. You will be intrigued and inspired, then convicted and convinced that Trinity EFC is not an anomaly, but an example: teaching the rest of us how to be the church. Join us in supporting the Shelter by Jesus, or Pastor Berry would say: start a shelter by Jesus at your church and see miracles happen that will change your life and transform your congregation.