We already know that our economy is going through a really tough time. Many people are struggling with paying bills and purchasing food for their families. Some have mentioned the struggle of using "food monies" to pay for gasoline. Food Pantries in cities are already emptying their shelves and trying to make the community aware that a crisis is on the horizon. Although this dilemma is beginning to shake our economy, it offers a tremendous opportunity for the church to minister to the community with the love of Jesus Christ. When winter rolls around in a few months many people will find themselves in need of extra help. A church plant can be ready to meet this challenge by developing a "food bank" within their church, or gathering food to take to local Food Banks within their communities. They can gather together clothes from their congregation and they can collect financial resources to help people (inside and outside the church) when a crisis arises in their lives. One of the faults of the church is that we do not think ahead on how we can proactive in meeting the needs of people. Can you imagine the opportunities for witnessing and ministry as people look for someone to help them through the challenges this economy is placing upon families. So, why not act now? Ask your people to bring in canned food, clothes they don't use, and take up some special offerings during the summer months to be ready to meet these needs when they're presented to the church. Here are some websites that might help you to begin this process:My heart in writing this entry was to promote awareness. Awareness should then launch us to action. Action will create opportunities. And, opportunities may lead to new souls being "born again" into the Kingdom of God. Tough times are challenging, but tough times give the church great opportunities for evangelism and ministry.
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