“Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Luke 9:58
Jesus dedicated his ministry years to being homeless…he and his disciples travled a lot, relied on connections in towns for places to sleep, and they camped out if necessary. He never had a consistent “home”. Perhaps this is one of many reasons that Jesus related to those who truly had no home…those people that were abandoned by family, judged and ignored due to a particular sin, outcast due to sickness. Jesus made sure these kind of people were noticed, recognized, and loved. Many times He went out of His way to reach this group of people.
It’s happening here in Branson, Missouri. There is a group of people here that have a heart for the less fortunate, the homeless, the working poor, those without food or shelter. Jesus was Homeless is a ministry dedicated to reaching out to those staying in extended stay motel rooms, those living in woods and other various low income housing. Each week they provide over 800 sack lunches that are taken door to door, family to family. Greeted with a smile and food, their clients look forward to the knock on the door each week. Those passing out meals don’t try to have a “gospel conversation” with them, but merely let them know that they are recognized and loved by someone. If the opportunity lends itself, JWH will pray for the person if they request it.
Gateway Branson Video from Jesus Was Homeless on Vimeo.
Along with meals, JWH is trying to help people find a way out of this lifestyle. The people living in these motels are usually stuck in a cycle of little money to no money as Branson is a tourist trap and seasonal jobs are usually the only ones you can get, unless you have higher education. JWH puts on a class each week called Jobs for Life. This class teaches necessary skills in bettering ones chances of obtaining a job.
I’m so thankful that my students were able to spend the last two weeks partnering with a ministry that is truly loving their neighbors. I pray blessings on this ministry and fruitfulness for years to come!