Crime and Poverty: God’s Words to the Rich and the Poor

~By Robin Fleming~ In God’s kingdom, extra responsibility is given to those with material surplus and influence to act compassionately, generously, and justly toward those without. God’s people hold their possessions loosely, sharing where there is need rather than accumulating for personal satisfaction. All, regardless of income level, live lives of justice, honesty, and obedience to His ways, and all work as they are able and cultivate contentment. Undergirding it all is a determined trust in God as the faithful, able provider...

Continue ReadingCrime and Poverty: God’s Words to the Rich and the Poor

The Trap: How Poverty and Crime Can Exacerbate Each Other

~By Travis Jones~ I want to start off sharing some song lyrics with you. I still remember the first time I listened to this song and picked up on what was being said. In this song, Derek Minor is describing a family, deeply impacted by poverty, trying to figure out how to survive. The individual who he is speaking for does not have enough food to last them & their family until they get paid next, and so their solution is to turn to crime: Open up the fridge, open up the fridge Ain't nothin' but old milk and rice again Got like 10 more days until my check hit I don't know how I'm about to feed my kids Guess I grab the Sig* or the Draco Run up on whoever till I die or hit my payroll

Continue ReadingThe Trap: How Poverty and Crime Can Exacerbate Each Other

Nobody is a Caricature

~By Travis Jones~ I’m just a lazy bum. I want a handout, a free ride. I’m a stupid drunk, a strung-out junkie. I’m violent, I’m schizo, I’m paranoid. I don’t care about anybody but me. I’m on the street because I want to be. I’m a lost soul… Maybe I’m many of these things, maybe none at all - what do you people know?

Continue ReadingNobody is a Caricature

What the Bible Has to Say About Houselessness

~By Robin Fleming~ People’s life stories often describe the presence or lack of a sense of “home,” of physical and emotional stability, security, and belonging. Research and theories about human development and well-being evidence humanity’s need for security, belonging, and stability...

Continue ReadingWhat the Bible Has to Say About Houselessness

The Power of Being Seen: What I’ve Learned From Walking With People Experiencing Homelessness

~By Lauren Decker~ One of the first times I did outreach with people experiencing homelessness, my whole understanding of who becomes homeless, and why, completely changed. I was at the Clackamas Service Center, a day center that offers food, showers, and other basic needs. I was helping people complete housing assessments when I met an older man, probably in his seventies. I asked if he’d like to talk, and he said yes...

Continue ReadingThe Power of Being Seen: What I’ve Learned From Walking With People Experiencing Homelessness

Economic Love as an Act of Worship

~By Jerry Waggener~ And here’s what gets me: loving your neighbor as yourself didn’t just mean being kind or polite. It meant meeting real needs—even financial ones. And it still does. As followers of Jesus, we are all called to live out that same kind of love today—a love that goes beyond words, a love that shows up in real, tangible ways.

Continue ReadingEconomic Love as an Act of Worship

Practical Suggestions for Loving Your Neighbor Economically

~By Robin Keating~ This month we have been discussing how being part of a community promotes financial stability. As a Christian, I am compelled to share what I have, understanding that placing my faith in Christ means my needs are already met through Christ Jesus...

Continue ReadingPractical Suggestions for Loving Your Neighbor Economically