LYNN GOSPEL CRUSADE - JUNE 25TH, 2022

It’s often at a point of crisis that people can begin to respond to the very real issues going on their lives. Addiction, mental health issues, family breakdown, debt, depression, loneliness, unemployment, abuse—the list goes on. Homelessness is almost always a symptom of something far deeper. Every person has a story, and our goal has been to walk alongside someone, hear their story, and offer hope and compassion. 

Ultimately, we look at these as gospel opportunities, telling the people we come across that their greatest need is reconciliation with God and imploring them to find their rest through faith in Jesus. We hope to never be ashamed or ambiguous in setting forth that message as our goal.

As we have opportunity to walk alongside someone in a moment of crisis, there’s often potential for an ongoing friendship. We must be ready for this. Hence we are equiping our team to disciple someone out of an addiction or with a mental health issue. 

 OUR FUTURE PLANS TO RESPOND TO THE HOMELESS

1. Crisis Intervention.

We will seek partnership with churches and other organizations in various cities, to provide emergency shelter. We will purchase cots, pillows, blankets and other winter necessities. Our team members will volunteer to serve and take the time to counsel, encourage and to hear their story. We will keep a closet stocked with non-perishable foods so that these guests can leave with some groceries to help them get through the day.

2. Develop Relationships.

We want to hear their stories and share ours. We will also invite them to join us for dinner or activities at our Community events.

3. Discipleship Opportunities.

We are developing ministry tools and team that will seek to disciple the homeless in various cities.

Discipleship programs will include following areas: 

> Know the gospel Bible studies 

> Life skills and job training  

> Resource and counseling 

4. Celebrate Perseverance.

Working among the poor and needy in our city can be emotionally and spiritually exhausting, not to mention time-consuming and costly. Because of this, it’s important to take time to pray as a team—both with each other and with those we come across who are in need. The more we commit to this, the more likely we are to be able to celebrate perseverance and even victory in others’ lives.

CONCLUSION

We are all broken, and we all have a common need. So, we minister from a place of brokenness, knowing it is the gospel of Jesus Christ that leads to a lasting hope for restoration and recovery.

The world’s greatest problem is people’s sin. Its greatest need is Jesus. We have therefore a responsibility to extend the hand of grace and mercy to the needy on our own doorsteps.