do we really have thousands of homeless with no help?

We need the biblical balance.

Yes there are those in need.
There are also those who can but won't work.

There are both OT and NT Scripture supporting the idea of work.

Deuteronomy 5:13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:​

The Law required the landowner to leave some of his crops for the poor.
But they had to work for it (e.g. Ruth). ​

Leviticus 19
9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.
10 And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.​

2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.​

On the other hand there are those who would but can't work who are obviously trapped by circumstance, (whether through their own fault or no) we are clearly admonished to help:​

1 John 3
17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.​

We all know the answer to the question "and who is my brother".
Anyone of the family of our earthly father Adam.​

I have a theory:​

The possible reason for the recent "re-distribution of wealth" by the governments of this world may be God's response to the cold hearts of His children.​

Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.​

Yes, America gives above and beyond any nation.

But is it according to God's measure in proportion to the grace and affluence with which He has blessed us with?​

Is He allowing this "re-distribution" because our hearts have "waxed cold"?​

It's easy to remedy here and abroad without a political agenda:​

Here's a "for instance".
http://www.worldvision.org/#/home/main/help-change-a-childs-life-today-1-1119​

If you are Catholic or want to help Catholics (our "Samaritans"?).​

http://www.svdpseattle.org/WhoWeAre.htm​

We need the balanced view of the Scripture.​

Motivate, educate and/or train those who can work to work (care for and nourish them in the meantime). No sloth!​

Provide for those who are captive to circumstance even if they are at fault and unable to rescue themselves.​

HankD​

 

OH, don't worry, I prolly get taken advantage of more than others.. because I LOVE to help people...

I just wanted to provide an example to balance out this debate...:laugh:

 

Thanks then & bless you for your giving. :thumbsup:

 

Well then, my address is... :laugh:

 

Here's a post concerning one of our own, just came across it on the prayer forum: what can we do?


http://baptistboard.com/showthread.php?t=69293

 

Why not gather some info on what he needs to get back home to florida then raise the funds to get him there?

 

That sounds like a good idea. I'll message the poster and ask the cost, along with an idea that might help him travel for less.

Hubby and I talked and we will be able to contribute by sending out some dry goods for the trip so he's not having to spend so much on food on the drive back.

I'll come back on here and post what he says when he replies.

 

Good point. Hostels, sleeping in the car, all those are options too.

As is selling the car, getting help with the bus ticket, then buying another vehicle after reaching the destination.

And going where the cost of living is lower and staying in a homeless shelter until enough can be saved for a place.

If things have remained the same, California is the poorest state in the USA and there's really no help from any agencies at the moment. A friend of mine took in someone from there last year since costs have gone up, jobs have gone down, and state help was non-existant for her...even with a full time job she couldn't make rent.

Anyhow, still waiting on an answer. Not sure how often the poster checks stuff.

 

Good man salty!:thumbs:

 

Yes. I like the idea of a work program. Unfortunately, we've never had anybody take us up on it. They ALL wanted handouts, but no work. We've offered to pick people up and drive them to church services, but they weren't interested in that, either. We've also had people walk in during church and demand food/money but they refused to wait until the service was over to get such. We'd be happy to offer work in exchange for food, but so far, no takers, not even picking up the trash in the parking lot or flower beds.

In high school when I was a waitress, we'd have homeless men come to the restaurant wanting food. The manager always put them to work sweeping the parking lot. When they were done they could come in and eat a good meal.

 

Yes & I am appalled. For instance, I stood outside of a Walmart today & for about 20 Minutes observed not one person give to the Salvation Army Bell ringer (NOT ONE)...... Has it gotten that bad or are people that greedy? Have our hearts become that hardened?

 

How many times per week do you walk past that Salvation Army pot? Would you think that it should be treated like a toll booth where one has to feed it every time one goes by?

They have been out in my city for a couple weeks now.

Perhaps people have fed that kitty previously?

The again, perhaps those people fed the kitties at church or at work. There is no shortage of kitties waiting for us.

 

Nope, but I did work on a project that donated 15,000 pounds of corn, 400 bushels of greens, (3) 32 ft trailer loads of green beans to the second harvest food bank this summer.

Then truck loads of other misc. food items to the above and other similar places.

Then I do help those in need financially when I can. So yes I do my part. The ones who truly need it are falling through the cracks of the "system".

 

Soooooooo!!!! You wouldn't be able to "Change" my Thousand dollar bill unless I were in your cab??????:laugh::laugh:

 

When I was in Manhattan every day & I put in whatever change & generally a dollar ....I totaled at least 5 Bucks a day. You must be cheep if you cant afford a quarter.