“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17
It is apparent throughout Scripture that the widow, the orphan, and the oppressed are near to God’s heart. He loves abundantly for the vulnerable and He calls us to stand up for them, seek justice for and defend them. What if we looked up foster care group homes or crisis maternity homes in our areas and found ways to pour our lives into those right in our neighborhood? Or what if we volunteered our time or gave financially to those organizations working towards ending sex trafficking and homelessness? ~Emily George
Homelessness, missing children, and trafficking are subjects that should make you feel uncomfortable. Talking about these issues may be difficult but in order to make a difference, Christians need to step outside their comfort zone and confront these controversies that are plaguing our world. The world needs healing and that healing and repair will only happen when Jesus comes back. But, until that day comes, we are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ and do something for those who are most in need and vulnerable.
The statistics are staggering. Here stands the sad truth, we encounter a reported 582,462 homeless people living in the United States as of 2022. A recent 2022 study shows 380,000 Christian churches in America. Illinois ranks number 10 in terms of states with the highest homeless populations with a reported 12,453 people lacking adequate housing. If each religious congregation helped just two people they would eradicate homelessness in America. Wouldn’t that be an amazing problem to have? Ruminate on this for a while. But, let’s look further! 358,059 missing persons under the age of 21 live among us in the United States. How about the number of children in foster care or waiting to be adopted? 206,812 children entered foster care in the U.S. in 2021. If a little over 50% of the churches in America helped one child, foster care could be dissolved! Mind Blowing, right? Religious entities should put their tax exemption statuses to more purposes in aiding their communities. I for one truly believe to make a difference every church should be required to help in some capacity these desperate groups needing support.
O’Fallon First is one of those thousands of congregations who can say we are part of the fight in eradicating these growing issues! But, we are only one and are helping four at most through Journey of Hope. These issues are more prevalent than anyone truly cares to acknowledge because it feels like we live helpless among this sea of people in need of saving. We can do more! Doing more requires a lot more money, zeal for these causes, and people to step up and help. Some of us are blessed with finances, time, or special skills in prophesying, teaching, encouraging, or serving. If you are not able to provide financially, talk to others and share with them about our unique ministry at O’Fallon First. You never know who you come into contact with who wants to help, but they don’t know where to start or how. Share our website journeyofhopehome.org or the church’s website https://offumc.org/in-the-community, share my number, or my email address. I have a lot of passion in seeing these issues not be tragic topics anymore, but it will require a whole lot more of us to join together, find the resources, and do something more than talk about these issues. Join the movement, don’t sit still or be silent any longer.
Peace and Hope,
Emily George
Executive Director, Journey of Hope Home
618-365-5804
journeyofhopehome@gmail.com
If you are interested in finding out more ways to help, please visit our website at journeyofhopehome.org, and make a donation online or become a monthly donor.
You can also fill out our volunteer form https://ofallonfirst.breezechms.com/form/e71a35
All statistics reported where found on statistica.com
It is apparent throughout Scripture that the widow, the orphan, and the oppressed are near to God’s heart. He loves abundantly for the vulnerable and He calls us to stand up for them, seek justice for and defend them. What if we looked up foster care group homes or crisis maternity homes in our areas and found ways to pour our lives into those right in our neighborhood? Or what if we volunteered our time or gave financially to those organizations working towards ending sex trafficking and homelessness? ~Emily George
Homelessness, missing children, and trafficking are subjects that should make you feel uncomfortable. Talking about these issues may be difficult but in order to make a difference, Christians need to step outside their comfort zone and confront these controversies that are plaguing our world. The world needs healing and that healing and repair will only happen when Jesus comes back. But, until that day comes, we are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ and do something for those who are most in need and vulnerable.
The statistics are staggering. Here stands the sad truth, we encounter a reported 582,462 homeless people living in the United States as of 2022. A recent 2022 study shows 380,000 Christian churches in America. Illinois ranks number 10 in terms of states with the highest homeless populations with a reported 12,453 people lacking adequate housing. If each religious congregation helped just two people they would eradicate homelessness in America. Wouldn’t that be an amazing problem to have? Ruminate on this for a while. But, let’s look further! 358,059 missing persons under the age of 21 live among us in the United States. How about the number of children in foster care or waiting to be adopted? 206,812 children entered foster care in the U.S. in 2021. If a little over 50% of the churches in America helped one child, foster care could be dissolved! Mind Blowing, right? Religious entities should put their tax exemption statuses to more purposes in aiding their communities. I for one truly believe to make a difference every church should be required to help in some capacity these desperate groups needing support.
O’Fallon First is one of those thousands of congregations who can say we are part of the fight in eradicating these growing issues! But, we are only one and are helping four at most through Journey of Hope. These issues are more prevalent than anyone truly cares to acknowledge because it feels like we live helpless among this sea of people in need of saving. We can do more! Doing more requires a lot more money, zeal for these causes, and people to step up and help. Some of us are blessed with finances, time, or special skills in prophesying, teaching, encouraging, or serving. If you are not able to provide financially, talk to others and share with them about our unique ministry at O’Fallon First. You never know who you come into contact with who wants to help, but they don’t know where to start or how. Share our website journeyofhopehome.org or the church’s website https://offumc.org/in-the-community, share my number, or my email address. I have a lot of passion in seeing these issues not be tragic topics anymore, but it will require a whole lot more of us to join together, find the resources, and do something more than talk about these issues. Join the movement, don’t sit still or be silent any longer.
Peace and Hope,
Emily George
Executive Director, Journey of Hope Home
618-365-5804
journeyofhopehome@gmail.com
If you are interested in finding out more ways to help, please visit our website at journeyofhopehome.org, and make a donation online or become a monthly donor.
You can also fill out our volunteer form https://ofallonfirst.breezechms.com/form/e71a35
All statistics reported where found on statistica.com
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