WE SERVE CHRIST WHEN WE SERVE OTHERS.

"It's not inappropriate to ask 'busy church members' to prayerfully revise their agenda so they have time to help desperate strangers."

The St.Vincent de Paul          AN EXCELLENT MODEL FOR CHURCHES CLICK TO READ

A Home Support Group
Many poor people find it difficult, or uncomfortable, to attend the normal church functions. 
Be creative—offer to lead a support group at one of their homes. This is especially appropriate for an elderly person, or a disabled person.

Relieve The Church secretary
Using Your Home Computer
As your church's ministry to the poor grows, a parishioner with a home PC can help. 

• Develop an information intake form. 

• Keep detailed client information on a database. (ask us)  

• Write personal letters to clients. 

• Make labels or

• Print envelopes for the compassion ministry

• Publish a quarterly newsletter to mail to the needy people your church has serving. 

• Personal letters to those who have been served is another personal touch – a way to convince them of CHRIST'S LOVE. Some poor families seldom receive a friendly, first class letter.        

Your Church Can Develop A Ministry To The Poor 

Identifying Needs

Once you have decided to initiate or expand your compassionate ministry, the next step is to locate people in need. A neighborhood canvas in a poor section will quickly identify needs. At the beginning select just a few blocks in which to work. Or select an apartment house. 

No need to make it a massive effort at first. In a small geographic area even six or eight volunteers could meet a few dozen new people. As this group develops it's skill and a deeper compassion, expect other workers to be drawn in. 

Just Love Them

At one church workers went door to door to determine who could use groceries in a needy area. Later they returned with food, and offered to help in other ways. Their intent was to be very friendly, smile a lot and to avoid any confrontational conversation. "We're just here to see if you could use some food. Our church has some, and we'd really like to share it with you."   

PRIMARY NEEDS OF THE POOR

You may be an answered prayer.
Talk To A Utility Company

They may connect you with a special need. Recently the electric utility contacted In His Name Ministries about an elderly lady who was partially blind. Her utility service was stopped due to lack of payment. They could not justify keeping her service on, but a worker in the company's social service department decided to find help for her.

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