Friday, December 13, 2013

3 Year...And Counting

Wow!  3 years, over 75 visits every other week since Thanksgiving day 2010.  We have been blessed to have support and encouragement from so many individuals and organizations.  If we listed everyone out, this blog post would be way too long…one very special person, Mrs. Lynn Winters, has been especially consistent and faithful to our ministry.  Thank you Lynn!!


When I look back on the 3+ years of planning, praying and putting feet on the street, I think of two words: perspective and reality. 
Perspective because when we see what we see regularly, we are reminded of how blessed we are—even in our own individual struggles and issues—to have the standard of living that isn’t a guarantee.  Perspective to be constantly reminded, and to remind others, that our treasures are stored in heaven;  perspective to appreciate raising children who have clothes, shelter and meals, schools and parental involvement, Godly examples of moms and dads, and the confidence of knowing where home is.  We gain perspective in lots of little things:  when it’s hot or cold, we can simply adjust a thermostat and within a few minutes we are comfortable.  We don’t risk losing all of our worldly possessions if a bad thunderstorm rolls into town.  We don’t carry everything we own in a back pack.  Perspective by understanding and appreciating how much a smile, and encouraging word, or even a new pair of socks can make so much difference in someone’s life.   Perspective to realize how good we have it.

Reality because in our day-in, day-out lives, we take so many things for granted.  We all pass by others struggling—not just homeless—with addiction, abuse, effects of poor decisions every day, and we don’t even give it more than a thought of “glad that isn’t me.”  Reality because most of us are only a few poor decisions away from a life 180 degrees different than the comfortable ones we take for granted today.  Reality because the issues we see aren’t limited to a race, age, or sex.  Also, reality to know that Jesus Christ’s death was for everyone—regardless of race, age, sex, etc…That his ministry wasn’t to the affluent, the rulers, or even the religious elite.  His ministry was others-focused, not self-focused.  He hung out with the poor, outcasts, and even tax collectors!  To me, the ministry of Christ, and the passion of Kingdom Here can best be found in Matthew 25:21-46 in the Parable of the sheep and goats…v40 “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”  Wow, what an indictment!! What a reality check!!

As we journey through the next 3 years, our hope is that you will continue to support this ministry in prayer and by either going downtown with us, or simply buying a pack of socks or underwear.  We can do much with very little.  Thank you for having our backs!


Graham for KH

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