A homeless man found his way to the door of a large downtown church in a certain major city. It was Sunday morning, biting cold gripped his poorly clad body. He wrapped his aging threadbare jacket about him and waited on tile curbing for the end of the service when the parishioners would emerge and help him, or so he thought. When the worshipers emerged, the service ended, they moved down the steps from the beautiful auditorium. Now was his chance. He approached the nearest worshiper and was going to offer his services at the man’s home in exchange for a warm meal. The man quickly turned aside and hurried away. To his right and to his left the well-dressed parishioners glance his way and moved quickly on or tried to pretend they did not see him. Finally, the man stood alone and glanced up just in time to see the minister disappear into the foyer. He heard the door being firmly locked.
Jesus said, “…the poor you have with you always.” (Mark 14:7). Would you help a poor person who came to your door? Sunday, near the close of our service, a man entered the back of the church, headed for the restroom and then sat down to await an opportunity to talk with me at the close of the service. He was from a distant town. He was trying to get to Indianapolis to see his father in the hospital there. Would I help him with gasoline to get there? Would you? I gave him a modest amount of help, all I could afford at the time. That is nothing great on my part. Nor was it an act of foolishness. I am fairly sure it was a legitimate request. I probably would have helped him even if it looked less than upright. Why?
A “judgment of nations” is mentioned in Matthew chapter 25. Then there follows an examination of the subjects of a given nation as to what they would do when approached by the needy. One person was thirsty, one was hungry, another was in prison, still another lacked proper clothing. At the end of the chapter it is revealed that those who truly helped the needy were in reality helping Jesus. And, sadly, those who refused to help were seen by God as refusing to help Jesus.
Our church would love to help you if you have a need. You do need to understand that we are a simple people, working class people with limited means. However, to the extent of our ability, we try to help everyone in need who comes to us. We meet for a simple service of singing, preaching and special music every Sunday morning at 11:00. No tricks, no pressure, just good decent fellowship with humble people who are meeting to worship Christ. Won’t you join us this Sunday. You’d love our people.
Sincerely, Kenneth F. Pierpont, Pastor
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431 Adrian Road (N. Adams Road) Jonesville, MI 49250
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