Practical Generosity - Jean Valjean, a homeless success story, and the church benevolence fund

A large portion of the offering taken during our Christmas Eve services will go to fill up our Benevolence Fund for 2012.  The Christian church has a grand tradition of being available and hospitable for people's emergency needs.  The origin of the word 'hospital' is 'hospitality' (duh, Mike!), and early historic provision of food and care for travelers and the poor was massively expanded when Christianity began to spread.  My favorite example of how deeply rooted the practice of benevolence is in the church and culture's understanding of the church is literary.  In Victor Hugo's novel "Les Miserables" (and Liam Neeson's movie adaptation), the priests sheltering of vagabond Jean Valjean overnight, and priceless gift of a silver candlestick, changes Valjean's story forever because of the grace of the gift, and the God behind the grace.

So, at Lake Forest we give assitance in people's time of emergency need throughout the year - groceries, power bill, diapers, baby formula, gas cards, etc.  Application must normally be made, then reviewed by our Benevolence Team (facilitated by the ever-able, always compassionate Suzanne Powell).  We give no huge gifts, and satisfy no recurring obligations (like a mortgage).  For ongoing needs we partner with agencies more equipped than us.  Most help is given to LFC folks and friends.  In the name of Jesus, expecting nothing in return (including church attendance), just praying that a practical act of love may open someone's story up wider to the possibility they are loved by Love Himself, Jesus Christ.

Since the offering will be primarily for that on Christmas Eve (if you want to be sure all of your gift goes to this fund, you may designate it), I thought you should hear one story this month from a recipient. Before you read this - know that we cannot meet every need in full and sometimes have to do the hard work of saying 'no' - this is our most recent 'yes'. Here is the original application:

Mike, not sure you remember me.  My name is ______. I was homeless in 07 and your church helped me get on my feet after I stayed in the building. Two of your members helped me find a place to live, and I have had my own place now for almost 2 years (interjection by Mike - way to go, Chris and Gail!!). I have been working at FedEx for almost 4 years. My father passed this year, and I had to go to St.Louis and I ended up in the hospital. I haven't worked since Sept.17 and have gotton behind on my bills. My landlord and Crisis Assistance is helping with rent and power bills, but I can't find anyone that helps with car insurance and car payments and if I lose my car I won't be able to go back to work. I should be able to go back to work Jan.14. My insurance is due now it's 95 dollars and my car is past due two payments but they will take one payment of 325.00 and let me catch up when I'm back at work. I can make payments to pay back when I get back to work if you or if you know anyone that can help.
            Thank You,  ___________

Lake Forest, because of your generosity throughout the year, we were able to meet this person's need - to bridge so he/she could continue to live independtly until getting back to work.  Here's a thank you we received:

Hi Lake Forest Benevolence Team,

Thanks for helping me out! Thank you so much, I'm in tears right now cause you just took some of my worries away. I try not to worry about everything cause I know it's all in God's hands and this blessing just goes to show me God is looking out for me, man I love him. Thanks again, __________

Comments

[Michelle]

amen.