I learned last week that our local PADS organization is facing some significant funding cuts. This outstanding ministry to homeless men, women and families has experienced a 40 percent reduction in government funding. PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) usually begins operating in mid-September, but this year the season will begin Oct. 1.
Emily Akers, the PADS staff member who works with First United, asked if we might be able to donate the cost of thee coffee that is served to the 50-60 people who spend the night in Centennial Hall on Monday nights once a week. She asked if we could donate the cost of plates, napkins and flatware, too, because the PADS budget has been so sharply reduced.
"Of course," I said. Our operations manager, Fred Henders, will look at the church coffee budget to see if we need to order more to serve for the PADS clients. We will offer PADS the use of our reusable dishes, cups and glasses, and ask our custodians to run the dishwasher every Tuesday morning after the clients have left. These are such small things to ask.
But it troubles me greatly that our most vulnerable neighbors are facing these cuts. Walk-In Ministry executive director Cristy Harris said that their monthly visits have risen dramatically over the summer, and they too are challenged to find more resources to meet the requests for assistance.
Martin Luther King Jr. said the church is called to be the conscience of the nation. The day after I learned about these cuts to PADS, I had a meeting with my Congresswoman Judy Biggert. I told her in no uncertain terms that I cannot accept this shrinking support for the most impoverished members of our society. I hope you will join me in speaking to your state and federal legislators on behalf of those who do not have a voice in our political system.
They deserve much more than just a cup of coffee.
Does the New Testament show believers personally caring for the poor as a community, or does it show them lobbying the Roman government for funding for the poor? Can we build a biblical case for the government being a primary deliverer of relief to the poor? Or should government focus on doing what will provide the arena in which justice can occur--for example, delivering excellent education to all regardless of your school's zip code?
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