I read this passage in the book of James the other day and, naturally, it scared the hell out of me: “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will … Continue reading Five Simple Ways to Help the Poor in 2018
Values
Loving the Poor – “How Do I Get Started?”
A handful of people have recently asked me how they should approach ministry to the poor. Specifically, they want to know how to get started. I used to tell people, "Pray and do what Jesus tells you." While this is still the best approach, I’ve realized it’s not the most helpful advice. Ministry to the … Continue reading Loving the Poor – “How Do I Get Started?”
How to Become Fabulously Rich
Last week, I shared that mine and Rachel's bikes and tools were stolen from our garage. A couple hours after posting that blog, a brother and sister in Christ generously gave us their very nice bikes. As Rachel road her new bike around the block she said, “This is the best bike I’ve ever ridden.” On … Continue reading How to Become Fabulously Rich
A Personal Update
This feels like a good week to give a personal update to those who are interested. First, a quick summary of the adventure that started six months ago. God revealed to Rachel and me that it was time to think about starting a family. The way he wants us to start a family is by adopting children. So … Continue reading A Personal Update
When They Don’t Come Back
I met Derek years ago when he came to Midtown Cafe with his older brother, Tim. When I learned he was Tim’s brother, I expected the worst. Tim is an unapologetic drug addict who will lie and steal with no remorse. The last thing I wanted in my life was another Tim to have to … Continue reading When They Don’t Come Back
How We Love With Prayer
I first met Gene when he wandered into the Midtown Cafe asking for spiritual guidance. With some help from volunteers and local pastors, Gene learned the gospel, placed his faith in Jesus, and got baptized. He was on fire for Jesus and wanted everyone to know his story. Sometimes he stood up in the middle … Continue reading How We Love With Prayer
How Will You Start the New Year?
Everyone knows it – on a global scale, 2016 was a trying year. At the personal level: same. I left my job of over five years, began the process of adopting children, helped my wife manage a growing small business, and started a new ministry. And really, that’s just the visible stuff. Leaving jobs and … Continue reading How Will You Start the New Year?
Why Minister to the Poor?
Simon Sinek says that, in order to motivate people to act, we have to start with the why. We can tirelessly explain exactly what we want a person to do, and that might work temporarily. But if we really want to call someone to action, that person must be motivated by deep rooted belief rather … Continue reading Why Minister to the Poor?
Drawing On Jesus
I’m currently unemployed. The last time I was unemployed, I decided to work on my art skills. I borrowed a book called Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and got to work. I used to be a pretty good artist, but had lost some skill over the years and couldn’t figure out why. … Continue reading Drawing On Jesus
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
Preston Searcy 