Angels in our Midst - Part 2

[George]

"He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash
heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For
the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and on them he has set the
world." - 1Samuel 2:8 ESV

It is amazing how the Lord continues to meet the needs of needy people
all around us. With the economy getting worse day by day, more
individuals and families (even kids) are becoming homeless. There is
nobody immuned from poverty and even homelessness. The average
American family is two paychecks away from becoming homeless. The sad
truth is in the greatest country on earth, we have a serious homeless
problem that is typical of a third world nation.

But this is where the Lord meets people. In the brokenness of an
individual God is the one who raises the poor from the dust and lifts
the needy from the ash heap. This picture is so vivid, as to depict
destruction much like the destruction that is left behind after a war.
There are typically people that are left homeless and destitute,
lonely, hungry, and incredibly depressed. Yet God lifts them up and
makes them sit with princes, and inherit the seat of honor.

I spent this evening with a new friend named Ralph. I met Ralph
tonight through my friend Andi (from St. John’s). Ralph is one of
those people that could be also viewed as an angel. Ralph is the
program director of a ministry known as American Family Living. It is
a ministry that takes in homeless people, gives them a place to stay,
feeds them, helps them find a job, and save some money for a place to
live.
I had an opportunity to visit with Ralph along with his guests (9 men
and 1 woman) that are part of this 120 day program. This meeting took
place at the First Presbyterian Church in Orange. The guests gathered
at the dinner table while members of the church cooked and served
them. The guests then went to their sleeping quarter in some of the
classrooms at the church.

I watched the guests interact, as they rejoiced together because one
of them just got a job. Ralph was very proud of the man who just got a
job, and the church members were also very excited about the great
news. The church members ministered to the needs of the guests who
are homeless. They set a beautiful table with table cloth and real
silverware. The meal was prepared with love and looked great.

After dinner I visited with Ralph for a while as he shared with me his
story and why he feels God called him to this ministry. His passion is
to give homeless people a hand up, building them up, and giving them a
place of honor. The biblical mandate is for every Christian to
minister to the needs of needy people in our communities. Ralphs and
these church member are doing exactly what is needed. Our creeds,
traditions, our ceremonies are insignificant if we don't apply
ourselves toward meeting the requirements our Lord has placed upon us.
Only then our theology becomes practical and alive.

I was extremely blessed. Once again God is showing me these
exceptional people that serve other with total devotion and humility.
Loving people as Christ loves us. To God alone be the glory. Amen.