Outside the study of my...
Illustration
Outside the study of my new pastorate was a memorial garden honoring a family rich in the history of the congregation. It was the favorite meeting place of a ladies group within the church. They took special care to make sure the garden was always well kept. They seemed to have that magic touch of the florist. It was a source of pride, and rightly so. They knew the seasons of the year and just what the garden needed. On the day of my arrival, in the midst of the garden and in the midst of the ladies of the church stood Robert. He was using crutches and his right ankle was in a cast. He was talking to the ladies. Some of them were talking to him. I said hello to the ladies and introduced myself to Robert. I invited Robert into my study for a cup of coffee. I listened as he poured out the story of how life had been hard. He was staying at the local Salvation Army, but without a "voucher" he would not be able to do that by tomorrow night. So I contacted the Salvation Army to clarify the policy in our community. Then I made an account for our church to supply "vouchers" for the homeless. Three years later, Robert was still coming by the church. I was still helping Robert and many more. The local police department would say, "Go down to that church, and if the pastor is there you will get help." Others in the church joined me and donated gifts. The memorial garden fund in the church budget was still there when I left. But a new fund was in the budget -- the pastor's discretionary fund -- to help the Roberts who came for help. I reminded those who were tested that Jesus said, "As you did it to one of the least of these, my brethren, you did it unto me."
-- Shearer
-- Shearer
