I originally wrote a post about my personal goals for 2015 and how those goals were met or at least put into motion by the year’s end. But that was really boring. The better story would be how the Holy Spirit used my wife to connect dozens of poor and homeless people to Midtown Ministries. … Continue reading An Unpredictable Catalyst
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Dignity Pt. 2 – Conversation
Midtown Ministries has a food pantry. I know that many modern urban ministers would advise us to shut it down, because it disempowers people and steals dignity. In fact, I used to think the same thing and hated the idea of offering a food pantry to the community. But, we did it anyway, and I … Continue reading Dignity Pt. 2 – Conversation
Dignity Pt. 1 – Showers
We have two showers at Midtown Commons. For the first three years I worked here, no one showered in them. In fact, we just used the showers for storage space. Then, one day, Linda (who I mentioned last month) came into the Commons and asked if she could take a shower. She was a mess … Continue reading Dignity Pt. 1 – Showers
The Missing Phrase
Christians are people who believe Jesus. This simple identity goes beyond believing facts about Jesus. That he is the Son of God, that he died for the sins of humanity, that he conquered death. Believing Jesus means that when Jesus opens his mouth to teach us, we listen and obey. The most succinct way to … Continue reading The Missing Phrase
Good News to the Poor – No Condemnation
After years of working with the poor, one of the things that has infuriated me the most is the untruth being propagated by people claiming the authority of God. Bad news proclaimed to the poor. John is a man I have known since Rachel and I moved to New Albany. He is 87 years old … Continue reading Good News to the Poor – No Condemnation
Good News to the Poor – Usefulness for All
Linda is off the hook crazy. I first met her when my pastor friend Brian responded to a call FROM THE POLICE to assist in a domestic situation. Brian and I drove down an ally to find a woman ranting and raving in front of what looked like a yard sale. It wasn’t a yard … Continue reading Good News to the Poor – Usefulness for All
Good News to the Poor – A Different Strategy
Every Thursday morning at Midtown Commons, we set up a folding table and top it with bagels, cereal, and fresh fruit. We brew numerous pots of coffee and click on the open sign. Just before 8:00 am, we open the doors and our beloved neighbors, many of whom are homeless, join us for breakfast and … Continue reading Good News to the Poor – A Different Strategy
What’s Wrong With Us?
My friend Jeff is the director of a Louisville area non-profit called Clean Socks Hope. Clean Socks (as we refer to it) began with the simple idea of giving clean socks to homeless people. The organization has now adopted a 10 year plan to invest in New Albany’s Midtown neighborhood. Jeff has office space at the … Continue reading What’s Wrong With Us?
Simplicity
I am called to live a simple life. This is my most difficult value to live out. I could take the easy way out and blame our consumeristic culture for my personal failures at pursuing a truly simple life. But I know that the root of my greed and desire to accumulate more stuff comes … Continue reading Simplicity
Bearing With
I am to bear with the failings of the weak. Paul, the Apostle, writes, “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” (Romans 15:1-2, ESV) People are weak. But … Continue reading Bearing With
Preston Searcy 