Caring for Those in Need

<p>Elvis Summers answered the door to find Smokey, a frail woman who stopped by regularly to ask for empty cans to return for cash. This money was her primary source of income. Elvis got an idea. &ldquo;Could you show me where you sleep?&rdquo; he asked. Smokey led him to a narrow patch of dirt about two feet wide next to a house. Moved, Summers built her a &ldquo;tiny house&rdquo;&mdash;a simple shelter that provided space for her to sleep safely. Summers ran with the idea. He started a GoFundme page and teamed with local churches to provide land to build more shelters for other homeless people.</p> <p>Throughout the Bible, God&rsquo;s people are reminded to care for those in need. When God spoke through Moses to prepare the Israelites to enter the promised land, He encouraged them to &ldquo;be openhearted and freely lend [to the poor] whatever they need&rdquo; (Deuteronomy 15:8). The passage also noted that &ldquo;there will always be poor people in the land&rdquo; (v. 11). We don&rsquo;t have to go far to see this is true. As God compassionately called the Israelites &ldquo;to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites&rdquo; (v. 11), we too can find ways to help those in need.</p> <p>Everyone needs food, shelter, and water. Even if we don&rsquo;t have much, may God guide use to use what we do have to help others. Whether it&rsquo;s sharing a sandwich or a warm winter coat, small things can make a big difference!</p>