up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former
devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the
devastations of many generations.”
Many expressions of mercy – service projects, food
and gift distribution and building shelters – come out
of goodwill and generosity, build trust and show the
love of Jesus, but are incomplete in serving the poor.
It was challenging, but we learnt that authentic
relationships address the hard truths of addictions,
broken family relationships, the poverty mentality
and broken self-confidence. Justice asks, “What is
keeping you on the streets? Why are you hurting?
Why are you feeling hopeless? What have you gone
through? What is controlling your life?” Walking with
a homeless brother or sister involves the discipline
and commitment to address a deep heart wound
with more than a temporary solution and superficial
band-aid. It’s hard work, messy and not everyone
desires to be involved, but only when we dispense
with quick-fixes, can we start ministering to their
broken spirits and deal with the injustices in their
hearts. This was impressed upon us when we took a
close, homeless friend into our YWAM home.
WHEN WE DO FOR THE NEEDY WHAT
THEY ARE CAPABLE OF DOING FOR
THEMSELVES, WE ROB THEM OF
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND
FAIL TO EMPOWER THEM.
Over the years, we have been encouraged by the
overwhelming love from God’s people. Generous
donors and volunteers gave groceries, toiletries,
sleeping bags and blankets to the poor, and we
assumed that was exactly what the homeless
needed. But they rejected these gifts. They don’t
have the luxury of storage space and carry their
daily lives in a small backpack. Any additional weight
is a hassle, and life goes on with a single bottle of
shower gel for body, hair and laundry. Christmas
candies and chocolates were also rejected as
the homeless elderly have diabetes, bad teeth or
simply don’t have a sweet tooth. Our worldview and
personal experiences differ from theirs, and our well-
meaning solutions clash with their means of survival.
What’s worse; we tried to give them solutions without
consulting them or learning about their worldview
and individual struggles.
He had received Jesus and was even baptised. But
living with the YWAM family surfaced deep tensions
and conflicts. The harsh reality of our differing
attitudes from his; towards his health, finances
and relationships hit home. We could provide a
loving environment for him, but he needed to take
responsibility for his hygiene, communication efforts
and accountability to us. He had never experienced
a healthy family, and we realised that his real need
was Fatherhood. He needed God’s loving discipline
and boundaries, and implementing this into his life
was an uphill battle for our team. Addressing the
deep issues in his life required commitment and it
was tear-filled, but it was worth going the extra mile
to bring correction and truth; to help him live the way
God intended him to.
When our hearts are stirred and sustainable solutions
elude us, it’s easiest to give a handout. It allows us,
as the giver and the poor, to feel good instantly.
In a crisis where immediate relief is necessary, it
is acceptable. But we need to discern between an
emergency situation and chronic behaviours that
require further assessment and change. Months
and years of handouts breeds a dependency on us,
and creates a saviour complex that deems us more
capable, resourceful and powerful than they are. God
has given them personal authority and responsibility
over their resources and abilities. They are called
to steward their own lives and we should come
alongside to empower them. Isaiah 61:4 teaches us,
“…He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to
proclaim liberty to the captives… They shall build
How then, do we start helping? Pray. Set aside time
to let God speak to you. Don’t act on impulse or
pure passion for a cause. Ask God to change you
before you change the world. Take time to think
deeply about the roots of poverty – pain, broken
relationships, injustice etc. And when the situation
calls for it, address the roots instead of putting a
band-aid on the symptoms. Listen, understand and
discern, as you spend quality time with the poor.
[Photo Credit] Huien Leong www.gileadphotography.com
11