The Mission

The Challenge: Poverty and Homelessness Are Increasing

Some Reasons:

  • Lack of affordable housing.
  • Underemployed or unemployed.
  • Health emergencies.
  • Domestic violence and Sexual abuse.
  • Addiction struggles.
  • Mental health issues.
  • Inadequate social safety nets.
  • Trauma-especially from childhood.
  • Laziness.
  • Modern day slavery.
  • Disabilities and chronic health conditions.
  • Racism and discrimination.
  • Food insecurity.
  • Lack of education or job training.
  • High cost of living—Inflation.
  • Generational poverty mindset.
  • Criminal record.
  • Natural disasters.
  • Loss of spouse or primary breadwinner.
  • Divorce or abandonment.
  • Teenagers who leave home or are thrown out.
  • COVID 19.

Some Conclusions:

In January 2024 more than 770,000 people in the United States experienced homeless when counted by Point-In-Time under the direction of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. But others argue that the real number of folks in the United States who are without a home is closer to 3.5 million according to a study done by the University of Chicago. Whatever the real number, no can argue that homeless is increasing and we have a problem.

Confronting the Challenge

How Jesus Tells Us to Confront This Issue:

I propose the solution is not with the government but with the church of Jesus Christ in America. “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the Lord, and He will give a reward to the lender.” (Proverbs 19:17, CSB).
Jesus emphasized the importance of this proverb in Matthew 25:31-46 (The story of the Sheep and the Goats.) when He said,

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will then put the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. Then the King will say to those on His right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” For I was hungry and you gave me something to ear; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer Him, Lord when, did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or without clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick, or in prison, and visit you? “And the King will answer them, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the lest of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

If you continue reading, the goats (representing the unsaved) are condemned to Hell. Their lack of good works is often a symbol of a person who cares only about his own needs, not the needs of others, or what God has commanded us: how to live a Godly life.

Jesus commands us to help those we can, who are in need. By doing so, we are ministering to Jesus. There are about 2,000 verses in the bible which tell us to help the poor, widows, those that are sick, in prison, orphans, aliens, the impoverished, those that are rejected, cast out by society and those that the world has disowned. James in his book tells us that true faith will result in good works, not that works save us but in essence if you claim to be a believer and follower of Jesus Christ you ought to act like one by helping the poor and homeless of our world when you see a need that you can meet.

Our Goals (and how you can get involved)

  • To present the good news of Jesus Christ in a clear and understandable way. Fifteen homeless have made profession of faith and been baptized. Over 400 bibles and New Testaments have been distributed to these folks. A New Testament costs us $1.00. Can you meet this need?
  • To get the homeless involved in a Bible Believing Church. First Baptist Church of Killeen has been generous to loan us their church van to transport folks to church and church activities. Over 30 homeless have been taken to church over the last three months. We could bring more if we had a small bus. Can you fill this need?
  • To meet felt needs. This includes furnishing clothes such as shoes, socks, underwear, bras, jeans, sweatpants, sweatshirts, shirts, jackets, coats, winter hats, and facemasks. Also, we give walkers, wheelchairs, blankets and most importantly Bibles and New Testaments. We also furnish three meals a week. Some of these meals are donated but others cost us between $60.00 and $150.00. for meals for the group. Our Blessings Bags cost us between $1.00 and $4.00 a bag. Will you help with these needs? We need a box van or a large pickup truck to pull our 7×16 cargo trailer which transports food and clothing to the poor and homeless. Can you fill this need?
  • We also do counseling and teach life skills along with helping folks get jobs, housing, and reuniting with relatives.