A True Homeless Minister

(Originally written October 16, 2007)
The weather has finally turned cold, and while many who have read my letters may expect me to dive into an apocalyptical global warming rant, I want you, instead, to imagine how your life would be different if, instead of coming home from a hard work-day to a hot shower under a firm, guttered roof, you nestled in a sleeping bag under a pine tree.

What if your next meal arrived with the predictability of a squirrel running across the Parkway? What if you knew that the person pumping your gas, or mowing your lawn, or giving you change at A&P would spend the next cold, rainy night protected by black contractor garbage bags? What if you knew that he or she had two children that would be attempting their homework by candlelight while dodging the raindrops? What if this was your reality?

This letter is not a solicitation, a poor attempt at a guilt trip, or an imposition of my faith. This is an invitation.

So here goes. This Sunday, October 21, at 7 pm (refreshments at 6:30) at the First Presbyterian Church of Manasquan, Rev. Steve Brigham of Lakewood Outreach Ministry Church will speak during the 70x7 alternative worship. Rev. Brigham works intimately with the homeless population of the Jersey Shore. He knows the people by name and can tell you what's needed, when it's needed most, and how to get it there quickly. His big blue bus provides bathing and cleaning facilities to homeless people who would otherwise be without them. Many of the people that volunteer their own time to support and maintain his outreach are themselves, homeless. The tents he acquires are their homes.

Immigration will continue to be a seemingly endless debate and, meanwhile, some of the people that help fuel our system and make our daily lives more productive and efficient are doing so under less-than-desirable conditions. They're not all illegals and they don't all work "menial" jobs. They're working people with cares, and hopes, and dreams, and wants, and families … just like me.

And while many people take time to support local charities, it's not always clear where this support is going. Where do the cans and coats go that students in our schools collect? Who does the money go to from the checks we write? What services are provided by these charitable organizations? This is your chance to put a name with a face and to learn more about our neighbors in need.

These are the holidays, and tensions tend to run high. Some people find themselves fighting like kindergarteners over food they'll use for decoration; others find themselves fighting for food they'll use for sustenance. Ask yourself: what if my candlelight dinner was staring from the porch behind a pair of circle eyes, a triangle nose, and Chiclet-toothed smile?

Please call the church office or write me with any questions. Remember: not guilt. Hope. Hope to see you Sunday night.