serving the homeless with Barnabus
we can feed and clothe them; we can offer friendship; and indeed we should. However, unless we tell them why we are doing this, unless we tell them about the hope we have in Jesus, then we do not love these people as we should. In fact, would we not just be providing momentary relief in a life headed towards an eternity in hell?
Manchester’s streets, humanly speaking, are a pretty hopeless place. People are sleeping rough, trapped in vicious addictions to drugs and alcohol, while vulnerable women sell themselves for sex. Some experience this horror for a few weeks, others a few months and some for many years.
The only true hope for these marginalised people is our merciful God and Saviour. He enables us truthfully and wholeheartedly to encourage someone battling with alcohol addiction to have hope, that all is not lost. Because we know that God is powerful and good – he is sovereign over all and with him all things are possible. 2
I see and hear of God saving prostitutes, pimps, addicts and the homeless; I am repeatedly reminded of God’s amazing grace. He graciously humbles
nucleus christmas ‘08 take action!
Why not ask your local church about opportunities to serve the homeless? You could even encourage your CMF group to volunteer together! Here are a few websites to get you started:
Crisis -
www.crisis.org.uk Charity for homeless people; it delivers services and campaigns for change.
Shelter -
www.shelter.org.uk Charity providing advice and advocacy for homeless people.
Centrepoint -
www.centrepoint.org.uk Charity supporting homeless young people.
Homeless UK -
www.homelessuk.org Information on services, publications and training to deal with homelessness.
me and convicts me of my sin. For we are all sinners, rebels deserving an eternity in hell, who God graciously enables to turn and trust Jesus with empty hands, to be justified through him. 3,4
Praise be to God!
In truth, the mission of Barnabus is hard work – not a long list of conversions. Many people are not interested in the gospel; it seems foolish, or they are more interested in the free food. They are often aggressive and intimidating; although we are looked after by our friends on the street, there have been hostile and even violent incidents. Evangelising often feels awkward or forced so it is easier just to patch them up and let them go. On some nights,
Barnabus seems so weak and its work like a drop in the ocean. But God continues to work through us to bring glory to his name, and so we echo Paul’s words:
But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 5
Andy Meeson is a clinical student at Manchester medical school
REFERENCES 1.
www.barnabus-manchester.org.uk
2. Lk 1:37 3. Is 53:6 4. Rom 4:22-25 5. 2 Cor 12:9,10
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