God's love that is in our hearts compels us to love our neighbors.

In serving them, we can trust the Holy Spirit to use all that we do to draw others to Christ. It isn't necessary, or appropriate to give, expecting something for our gift. The "rice Christian" syndrome still pervades much of the church's "outreach," even though that missionary effort of giving rice to those who "joined the church" in China years ago was a failure.

OUR CREDIBILITY IS ON THE LINE

With many of the lost who are also poor, our credibility is a factor because of past behavior from misguided religious people. 
So an aggressive, Spirit-led program of ministering to the poor is timely. When the servant/worker is ready to share Christ's promises with his new friend (if they are not already a Christian) an individualized approach may work best. 
Some poor people who are not in a church, for a variety of reasons, initially may not have been comfortable in the unfamiliar settings of a worship service. Especially when they have no friends there. At first, a topical Bible study at their home or at a neutral site, might appeal to them. The dynamics of a small group helps distressed people experience God's love. Dan Trygg in St. Paul, Minnesota developed a ministry where he meets individuals at a restaurant for pie and coffee and personalized bible study. He prepares material suitable for each individual. 

RETURN TO A MINISTRY OF COMPASSION

CHURCH REACHES OUT