theophiles.org - Williston church housing job seekers

Written by holmegm

Wednesday, 11 July 2012 11:03

From The Jamestown Sun

Each time someone new arrives at Concordia Lutheran Church looking for a place to stay, the Rev. Jay Reinke has the same reaction: “Oh Lord, not another one.”
The small Missouri Synod Lutheran church in Williston has 30 to 40 job-seekers sleeping inside the church on a typical night, with dozens more who stay in their vehicles in the church parking lot.

Comments

PineHall - Taking Risks

|2012-07-12 10:01:38

That is a wonderful ministry. I believe God calls us out of our comfort zone into where he wants us. From the article, you see the stress, concern and uncomfortableness, but the Lord's work is being done.

Quote:

“Nobody stepped up other than Pastor Reinke and our church,” said Guderjohn, adding that community members and other churches have made financial contributions.
...
But for congregation members who haven’t had the opportunity to get to know the men, it can make some in the small church feel uncomfortable to have 10 to 12 unfamiliar men sitting in the back pew on Sunday mornings, Reinke said.
...
Some of Concordia’s neighbors have raised concerns about the overnight guests, who now fill both the front and rear parking lots of the church every night.

It takes courage to step out like this and put the fears that you have and others have behind you. It is easier to sit back and avoid the work, the hassle, and the fears. And some of those fears will likely be not completely unfounded. There will a few men at some time make some of those fears come true. But God calls us to ministry and to trust Him.

Now I don't like risk taking and I worry about safety and what others think. But I think God calls me to step out of my comfort zone and to reach out. It is easy for me to avoid, but many times I force myself to do what God has called me to do at a certain time and place. When I take the risk, it has been good.

whitemice - Impressive

|2012-07-12 13:05:21

A great and impressive demonstration of a useful church; good to see there are still some out there.

So many churches let their most valuable resources (and asset) sit there will an unbelievably low utilization. Maybe not everyone can throw open the doors to nomads; but try finding a place for your small group-about-something to meet... don't both asking a church if the local kite-flyers can use the church's yard / parking lot on Saturday afternoon. The answer will be no.

emperorbma

|2012-07-12 14:10:23

In a lot of ways, this is a good argument. I can also see the other side of the issue because we have an issue with vandals.

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Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 July 2012 11:05

Our valuable member holmegm has been with us since Thursday, 03 April 2008.

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