Reaching the Lost
NEWARK, NJ - Back on Sunday, January 21st, 2024, a group of devoted, Christian men took to the streets of Newark, NJ to spread the Gospel, hope, comfort, and more to those experiencing homelessness. The effort was not affiliated with any church or non-profit organization, rather, it was organized by the group itself, whose members meet weekly at each others' homes, discipling one another.
The men were able to compile their resources and purchase food, clothing, Bible tracts, and other basic necessities to distribute in bags. They were also able to provide information about local organizations such as City Relief, a Christ-centered non-profit that assists those living in poverty and who are homeless.
For several of the group members, this was their first time, or one of only a handful of times, they have intentionally encountered the homeless population. For Stephen B., the group's facilitator, this was not a new experience. He previously held a delivery job where he would encounter the homeless frequently while out on his route.
He shared, "I have been blessed to listen to, talk with, share of Jesus, pray with, and give to several people who have found themselves homeless."
He went on to state that, "I have learned that the homeless, just like everyone else, are not a homogenous mass of people...therefore, let's give everyone an opportunity to 'know' [Jesus], and let's see what the LORD will do and how they will answer Him."
Another member, Wally B., shared that he was pleasantly surprised with how the people they invested in responded.
He said, "I assumed some of them [the homeless] would not be very willing to listen to the Gospel, which was wrong. Most, if not, all of who we encountered were very eager to listen."
There was no shortage of need reported, and the mission even caught the attention of people within the vicinity. One of the group's members, Tim C., reported a female passerby taking notice of the outreach and providing a blanket for the group to distribute.
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24)
While the group does not frequently visit the homeless population in Newark, it does plan to continue outreaches like this in the future. They feel it is an important part of discipleship to not only talk about and discuss doing good works, but to actually be intentional and take action in bringing the Gospel to those in need.
One of the Bible passages that comes to their mind is Matthew 25:34-40 where Jesus shares how giving to those in need is equivalent to giving to Him.
The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the lease of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' (Matthew 25:40)
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