Christmas Is Coming!

Hello, my name is Charity Blumer, and I am Paul's wife. It has been a long time since I have written for the blog. I am excited to write this entry in order to share what we will be doing this Christmas for the homeless people that we serve at Food for Life. We invite those interested in reaching out to those in need to partner with us in our effort to give much needed items as a special gift to those to whom we are reaching out this Christmas. Let me tell you what we will be doing and how you can help.

This Christmas we would like to give a backpack to every person in need at Food for Life. In the backpack will be a variety of needed items. The estimated cost of each backpack will be $30. The following is the list of items needed, separated into two categories.

First, we will be needing some used but clean items (used because they are things that homeless people often lose, so it is not necessary that they be new). The items are as follows: backpacks, blankets, towels, and wash clothes.

Second, we will be needing the following new items: pocket Bibles, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, combs, socks, knit hats, gloves, boxed nonperishable food items, a candy bar, and a $5 gift card to a restaurant (like McDonalds).

We need volunteers to either sponsor a backpack or donate the needed items to make this special gift possible for each person at Food for Life. Those interested in donating financially are welcome to send a check to Paul. As mentioned earlier, the estimated cost of each bag is $30, and we will be needing 75 bags. If donations would be of interest to anyone, we will be collecting 75 of each item mentioned above.

We will begin by asking that during the next two weeks, from now until December 4, used backpacks (clean with no tears) ,pocket Bibles (New Testaments are great too), towels, wash clothes, and blankets be donated. The donated items can be dropped off at Streetside Catering.
We will be collecting the rest of the items during the following weeks.

We are excited about reaching out to those with great spiritual, emotional, and physical needs this Christmas. We appreciate everyone who will be partnering with us at this special time of year!
~Charity

Guest Blogger

Hey guys, my name is Brittany Dail. I’m a student at North Greenville University and Marc asked me to be do the blog this week for FFL. The funny thing is, it was this very blog, that I stumbled across on accident, which informed me about this ministry at Triune. Ever since then I’ve been trying to come every week that I can. It has been really cool to tell my church, Northpointe, about it as well. When Paul first e-mailed me about this ministry, one of the things he pointed out is that he wanted for the volunteers to break out beyond the kitchen. This was big challenge to me at first, but I am seeing more and more each week where he is coming from. The opportunity to provide a meal for someone is incredible, but the chance to share with them the Good news? I think that far out weighs any physical way of providing for someone’s needs.

It has been really cool to sit down and talk to the many people that come from week to week. God has really been breaking down walls in my life as I get to know and continue serving the people that come through. Also, by building relationships, I am able to see what some of the need is among these people in my own community and as God leads, find other possible ways to reach out. Since some of my church family at Northpointe has been coming to serve lately, I am even more excited! My heart is that we will continue to build relationships and be as intentional as possible with our conversations. I also pray that we would look for opportunities to love on those that don’t always receive much love, and share what Christ has done in our lives.
~Brittany

Cold and Wet

Last Tuesday night was miserable. It was cold and raining “cats and dogs” which means the homeless and volunteers were all soaked after hauling the food from the parking lot to the kitchen. Although it was uncomfortable, the volunteers could not complain because they can go home later and take a hot shower and get into dry clothes. No such luck for the homeless. Fortunately, Truine Mercy Center has a clothes dryer and many homeless put on a change of clothes while their wet clothes were in the dryer. This place can be a real oasis for not only for food and shelter, but also where they can meet simple needs like drying their wet clothes.

On a night like this many needed coats and blankets. Volunteers from North Greenville University came through again by providing these items for the homeless. Also, students from the Evangelical Institute came in force to assist. Lincoln, who is one of the students, led the Bible study that night for Paul. With their assistance, we served 65 hot meals.
~Marc

Tuesday Ministry

Homeless William always takes a snooze before dinner. During the night he sleeps on a side walk next to a building ( I have seen his spot) close to Truine and during the day he just walks around Greenville. He usually has a golf club or some type of walking stick which may be used for his protection. When we open the doors each Tuesday night, he heads for the most comfortable seat in the house. When Paul arrived, he commented that he hoped his message would wake him up. Unfortunately, he continued to sleep until the food was served. Last Tuesday, William and 68 other downtown friends received a hot meal with the assistance of 24 volunteers.

Tonight Paul continued to teach from the book of James. In chapter 3, he focused on the power of the tongue. He emphasized that the tongue may be used in a negative or positive way. Our tendency is to use the tongue in a sinful way to inflict pain on others. However, the tongue can be used in a positive manner to provide a word of encouragement that will help others in need. Humility is necessary to use it wisely.

Usually after the meal, we minister to many of the homeless that have specific needs. Paul and others spend their time talking and praying with them. This is certainly a positive use of our tongue emphasized in the message tonight. Also, this week we provided a good supply of winter clothes for distribution. Every year as winter approaches there is a definite need for warmer clothes and blankets. One individual just asked for a piece of cardboard to sleep on. The only thing I could find was cake boxes which seemed to make him happy. When we received those types of requests, it is very clear how difficult it is to live on the street. Many get tired of the street life and request bus transportation out of town. We were happy last Tuesday to provide one individual with transportation to Florida where there are friends to help him. We try to help if we determine there is a genuine desire to get off the street. Sometimes this requires traveling to another city.

~Marc

Mercy

Last Tuesday I saw many of the homeless licking their lips after eating wedding cake and drinking punch left over from a wedding function. Oh sure, we had plenty of good food but dessert was the highlight. Actually they attended a wedding reception in an indirect way. For most, this will be about as close as they will ever get to attending a fine function where family and friends get together to celebrate. Their family, in most cases, never had many happy occasions to celebrate. But tonight, we were all enjoying each other and celebrating a bride and groom we did not know.

Dan Peterson filled in for Paul tonight. His theme was God's Mercy. Of course, God's mercy primarily is His Son who died for our sins. We all recognize that is the most important mercy extended by God to a lost world. But he reminded everyone that God's mercy extends to every day circumstances. The building we occupy each Tuesday is Triune "Mercy" Center. A person on the street may be given a couple of dollars that allows them to buy a hamburger at McDonalds and rest in a cool or warm environment. That is mercy. Someone may get a room for the night at the Salvation Army or the Mission instead of sleeping on the street. That is mercy. Some may receive clothes or a blanket from many of the organizations that minister to the homeless. That is mercy too. We all receive mercy when we have received food, shelter, or clothes. If a homeless get a day job with Labor Finders, that again is God's mercy. Dan read from many Psalms that speak to God's mercy extended during trials and tribulations. In addition, he reminded us that in Matthew 5:7 that Jesus said "Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy". Even a homeless person can extend mercy by helping each other on the street and so doing they will receive mercy.

The numbers were up last Tuesday. We served 70 hot meals with the assistance of 24 volunteers.

~Marc

Homeless Ups and Downs

There was a big crowd of homeless loitering outside Triune when we arrived. There is no way to predict how many people will show up each week. Some say at the end of the month there are more because their monthly disability checks will be long gone for food. Others make their predictions on the weather or time of the year. But I have found that over the last 6 years that the numbers are totally unpredictable. So prayer is our preparation each week.

The final count of meals served this week was 75 with the assistance of 14 volunteers. Fortunately, we had enough help in the kitchen which included our regulars, students from North Greenville University and the Evangelical Institute, and employees from General Electric.

Whenever you get this many people together there can be problems and tonight was no different. When we opened the door after arriving, the homeless always flood in through the door looking for immediate refreshment and comfort from the weather. But one gentleman was so weak he could not move. He said he was released from the hospital for cardiac arrest and had not eaten for two days. He just did not have the strength to move. Of course he had no insurance so he said the hospital released him quickly. However, we called EMS and he was headed back to the hospital. They might as well have kept him until he had fully recuperated. Another incident later in the evening resulted from one individual who was very angry and rude to the volunteers. This is very unusual but from experience we knew this individual was on his way to some type of confrontation. He refused to calm down so we had to call 911 for some assistance. We don't do this lightly but it can be necessary to maintain order.

Later in the evening I had an opportunity to talk with CJ. I had seen him before but never had an opportunity to talk with him. He is homeless but he has a different attitude than most. Many spent most of any conversation either complaining or asking for something. But CJ and I just had a good conversation outside leaning against the iron railing watching the cars go by. We laughed about different things and just talked about life in general as if we were old friends. Ultimately, I shared God's love for CJ and how he could have a personal relationship with Him. I did this not out of obligation but as a friend concerned about another friend. I thought that it seemed the natural thing to do when you care about someone.
~Marc

How to Avoid the Flu

Last night I received a real education on how to avoid the flu on the street. I always thought that tapping your knuckles was just a cool way of greeting each other, but a homeless told me last night that many do this to prevent getting the flu. It can be very difficult to keep clean on the street so many do what they can to prevent spreading any type of viruses among themselves. We all know that the worst thing you can do is shake hands with someone and then rubbing your eyes or eating with your fingers. So shaking hands is out and tapping your knocks is in. At least this is one way to prevent spreading germs and the potential of getting the flu. Now if I could just convince my pastor at church to request everyone use this method when greeting each other in church. We could not only prevent the spread of viruses but also look pretty cool.

Paul continued to teach in the book of James on faith without works. He has taught on this subject for the past three weeks because he feels that this is so important. Many say they are a Christian but they do not display any fruit. There is no evidence in their life to support their convictions. In James 2:22, it talks about how Abraham provided evidence for his faith by obeying God and offering up his son on the altar. His actions provided evidence of his faith in God. He was justified by what he did and not by faith alone.

We served 60 meals last Tuesday with the assistance of 12 volunteers. We were a little short in the kitchen but they pulled it together. We appreciate all who come to help each Tuesday night and are really blessed by them in so many ways.
~Marc

Homeless Have Needs Too

Faith without works is dead. What kind of works does faith produce? It produces works from a heart of gratitude. Grateful that God has changed a life and produces a desire to share the love of God and the Gospel to all. It is, as Paul taught last Tuesday night, a prayer every morning to ask God to allow us an opportunity that day to share God's love and Good News . The book of James is very convicting to all of us.

Last Tuesday, there were many spiritual and physical needs. One homeless individual had luggage that was falling apart. He asks for some tape to repair it. Doug, a volunteer, found some tape in the kitchen and made the repair for him. This individual especially likes this type of pack or luggage to carry his clothes and possessions because it has rollers. It is much easier to transport on the street. I see more and more homeless using these types of bags instead of the typical backpack. Another had a physical problem and was in lots of pain. Paul took him to get some medicine but he declined when he realized that it would cost $22.00. He said he was not worth that much. He returned to the bridge after accepting a bottle of water. Very sad. Homeless Paul came in at the end of the night. I have seen him off and on for about 6 years. This night he was a little tipsy but to my surprise he started speaking in French. One of the volunteers near by started responding to him in French. I thought that was amazing that someone would be standing right next to him who could respond in the same language. During the clean up, I noticed a number of homeless individuals working diligently to clean up. Homeless Eric informed me that they were homeless volunteers that normally worked during the day at the church. It seems that they had some prestige by being designated a volunteer. We were grateful for their help and they did a great job. Many others needed spiritual counseling. Every week we have volunteers that come specifically to pray and counsel the homeless. Many times the pray with two or three individuals at a time. This is the heart of Food for Life.

We served 65 hot meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. Two of the volunteers surprised everyone by providing a banana pudding and ice cream for everyone. They decided to volunteer and did not come with empty hands. Everyone was grateful.

Love is the Answer

Our numbers were off a little last night. We served 55 plates of spaghetti primavera with cheese bread, bananas, and topped that off with chocolate cake with chocolate sauce. It looked very yummy. It is amazing to see different volunteers in the kitchen each week who can throw it together and the food is not only good but looks good. All of our volunteers are appreciated from the kitchen to the servers and to the many who minister and encourage the homeless. Thanks.

This week, Paul continued to preach on faith without works. The previous Tuesday he quoted many scriptures that clearly state that we are justified by faith along, apart from works. However, as James points out, if we truly have faith then we will show it by loving others whether they love us or not. Paul referred to I John 3:17 ( which is our ministry verse ) that states "whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him". So if we truly have faith, we will have works of love. There will be an outward expression of our inward change.

Our friend, homeless Eric, did get another bike. However, it was a boy's bike which made it difficult for him to ride because he so tall. So we gave him and his bike a ride after Food for Life.

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We always have very interesting conversations with him although he does most of the talking, but we love him.
~Marc

What is the Command? Love or Law?

James 2: 8-14 The Royal Law

Let’s face it; we love ourselves more than anything. We are always drawn towards anything that will build us up and make us look better than others. People truly care about them selves more than anyone. This is contrary to: THE ROYAL LAW. Jesus said this is the second greatest law, the first being to “Love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind. ( Matt 22:39 )
Jesus instructed us in Matthew 19: 19 to “love your neighbor as yourself”
For the last two weeks we have been looking at the issue of showing partiality. It is incredible that this type of behavior has slipped in unnoticed by the Church. The enemy will do anything he can to distract us from what is truly important. The call of God is very different than putting yourself first, and if we plan to fulfill the call of God we must think of others before ourselves.

James 2:8-14
8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; 9 but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder, ”Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Obeying the Law was at the top of the Jewish community. People would go to every extent to try and be a doer of the law, because they thought their relationship with God depended on it. Our culture is a little different. We don’t necessarily think that doing is important at all, unless the doing is doing for ourselves. When we obey the Royal law, God says we DO WELL.

- Anytime we put others first we are fulfilling God’s greatest commandment

- Anytime we show partiality we commit sin

God shows us that if we strive to perform any other task we will always fail because the law has many parts.

10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

- The law brings judgment because we are guilty ( Gal 3:10 )

12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.

God has ensured us that through the Gospel we are given freedom. We are now, because of Christ work on the cross, given the right to live and speak freedom. It is for freedom that we have been set free. Before Jesus came to save mankind there was only the expectation of judgment because everyone knew that living out Gods law was impossible.


Now, God has given us the Royal law and said that if we really want to fulfill the Royal law “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”, we understand how this applies in our daily lives and how we treat others, but what about judgment?

- We want mercy

- Others receive judgment

13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.


So God shows us that with the law there is judgment, but with the Law of liberty of life there is freedom to live and love others. With this law comes Mercy! This is the Gospel!

Tuesday Conversations

I really enjoy the variety of people I meet every Tuesday night. Some are volunteers who are alert to any opportunity to share the Gospel to hurting folks whether they are homeless or other volunteers. Their eyes light up when they are given the opportuntity to share their lives with others. Some of them are very talented like Sam who sang a gospel song acappella. He said he used to sing gospel music. I think he still does. What a blessing.

Another interesting conversation revolved around prophesy. This individual told me that he was one of the end time prophets predicted in the Bible. He based this revelation on the fact he had attended Briarwood Elementary School (briar of thorns on Jesus's head) and Hillcrest High School (Jesus was cruxified on a hill). He said this was all part of the puzzle for him and it just could not be a coincidence.

I always enjoy talking with Eric. He is so resourseful. He is homeless but he does not sleep on the street or at the mission. He always finds some place to spend the night . Last Tuesday he got a room for the night for two cigarettes. Not a bad deal considering a room runs about $45. But most of the time a night's stay is free because he such a likeable guy. He just had his latest bike stolen but I expect he will get another one before next Tuesday. Anyone with a bike for Eric. let us know. By the way he also gave his take on prophesy, he told us he was a post milleniallist.

Last Tuesday we served 65 hot meals with the assistance of 14 volunteers. We continue to see new faces every week.
~Marc

The joys of ministry

Many times people have said to me, "Do you ever feel like people are taking advantage of you at Food for life"? I always answer "Yes", but I am taking advantage also. I love to take advantage for the sake of the Gospel. It is why I do what I do. Its why a Christian lives.

Every once in a while I get the opportunity to see God work in a very tangible way. A couple of months ago God introduced me to a couple at F.F.L.M. Chris and Beverly were living at the Mission in the family apartment. They met in a homeless shelter, fell in love, and soon after got married. This family has been through allot in their short time together, and are still experiencing hard times. One Tuesday night Chris was surrounded by a couple of guys that come to F.F.L.M. faithfully. They gathered around him and began to pray that God would provide him a job quickly. You see, Chris has two children. One of the children is an infant, and the other a toddler that lives with a family friend. So, he really needed a job, and he needed fast! Well, they began to pray believing that God would provide a job and he did! I walked up to Chris moments after that prayer and felt led to go ahead and give Chris a job even though I didn't really need anyone. The next week one of the guys that prayed with him told me about the prayer and how God had used me to answer that prayer. It was so cool to be a part of this. We just need to be available, and God will do the rest. So, Chris came to work at Streetside the next day. He is a hard worker and has a great attitude. Last week he got his drivers licence and is now being trained to deliver food. I am very proud of Chris. Yesterday an employee decided to lay out of work and not call to let me know were he was. Obviously, he lost his job. Bad for him, great for Chris! He will now be able to get more hours.

Chris and Beverly have also moved out of the Mission and are on the fast track to getting their own house. They have joined the G.A.H.I.N. program. http://www.gahin.org/ Through G.A.H.I.N they are receiving help with many other needs such as child daycare vouchers, food, and diapers. Last week a man that comes to F.F.L.M walked up to me and handed me a check for $650.00 to help Chris and Beverly with what ever they needed. Well, they had some dept that was associated with a title loan that had a high interest rate on their car. They owed $670.00, and this money was able to get them out from under that payment so they could make a fresh start. Oh, the joy of seeing God work! I am so grateful for this ministry, and I am also grateful for all of those that believe in the work that God is doing at F.F.L.M. We are the body of Christ! Being taken advantage of isn't so bad!

Thank you to the 18 volunteers that helped us prepare 82 plates of food this week. It takes everyone doing their part to make it work.

Paul