Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. ~ James 1:27
Many Churches sponsor and/or operate orphans homes, hospitals, and homeless shelters, but rarely do Church members do more than put money in the collection plate. What if every member adopted one non-handicapped person in their city and helped them become self-sufficient.
I try to practice what I "preach." In 1973 my friend, Jerry, was building a deck for his neighbor. I was sitting on the tailgate of his truck when his electric saw hit a knot and jerked sideways cutting off all four fingers and thumb of his right hand. I rushed him to the ER. The doctor was able to save his fingers, but not his thumb. At the time of this accident, he had three small children and one on the way.
I went to every Church in town asking them to help this family with rent and groceries until Jerry was able to return to work. Not a one would left a finger. Excuse Number 1: They said they could not help because Jerry was not a member of their Church. Excuse Number 2: That's what the welfare is for they said.
So, the people in the trailer park where Jerry lived supported him. They did not care what Church Jerry attended, or didn't attend. Jerry's family would have starved to death waiting on the welfare check to kick in. I made sure they had plenty of groceries. From that experience, I learned that what the Bible calls "pure and undefiled religion" is often not found in Churches.
I decided if I see someone in need, I would help. I have given people cars (used, but in good condition) to help them over a rough spot. I have given my credit card to single Moms and told them to buy all the groceries they needed. The most any of them ever charged was $134. I have paid rent for people for months. I have bought furniture and appliances for people whose house burned down. There are millions of people who need a hand up that Christians could offer to help.
My current "visit" is a homeless man who is disabled and was denied Social Security disability twice. Although he worked and paid into the SS system for 24 years, he is too young to apply for regular SS benefits. He lives in an old school bus with a wood burning stove and little else. I don't have the funds to put him in an apartment, he says he likes living simple.
