“For God so Loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life” John 3:16
When people are displaced due to unexpected life events or because they were previously homeless, fled domestic violence or abuse, arrived in the UK as a refugee or perhaps have been discharged from long-term hospital admission they are often placed in empty accommodation and left feeling alone and abandoned.
For those people need to be reminded that “He strengthens those who are weak and tired” Isaiah 40:29
Sometimes we forget just how much God loves us, no matter who we are: our colour, gender, beliefs, or what crimes we may have committed.
The thief on the cross next to Jesus is an example of God’s Love:
“No baptism, no communion, no confirmation, no speaking in tongues, no mission trip, no financial gifts, and no church clothes. He was a thief. Jesus did not take away his pain, heal his body, or smite the scoffers. Yet it was a thief who walked into paradise the same hour as Jesus, and all he had to do was believe.”
God’s grace allows us to provide practical support to those who are weary, lonely, homeless and more. We support our community with God’s strength and not our own and without him none of this would be possible.
“Those who know you, Lord will trust you; you do not abandon anyone who comes to you” Matthew 9:10
And so… Our mission is to love those who don’t feel loved. To listen to those who want to speak. To hold them when everything around them is falling apart and to give them hope.
“I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for” Jeremiah 29:11
Clarie Lewis is the head of operations for Reading-based charity CCA (Christian Community Action), writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading
