We here in Sumner sometimes refer to our town as “Mayberry” after the old TV show. We say it with pride because we like the peaceful, friendly, small-town atmosphere. We enjoy living in this pleasant little town. We like our quaint Main Street, our parks and sidewalks, our churches, our interesting shops, good schools and comfortable homes. We enjoy our history which goes back well before our incorporation in 1891 to those earliest settlers who came over the Oregon Trail into our area in 1853.

There is another side of our town which is not as well known and much harder to see. We also have a homeless community living here in our midst. These people largely stay out of sight. They live their lives of quiet desperation largely unnoticed by the rest of the community. They know and often help each other. Although their stories are different, they have their difficult lifestyle in common. Their focus is on the most basic elements of life – food, shelter, basic clothing and companionship.

Certainly, there are governmental agencies trying to help these people. Many of our local churches are involved as well. There are food banks and feeding programs and a program to provide warm, dry, safe shelter when the weather is especially bad.

Although much is being done already by agencies, churches, and individuals, I wonder how our Lord Jesus would view our concern for these people? Is there a way in which we could be more involved personally? What would Jesus do if he had the resources most of us have, to help meet the needs of these struggling people?

Here is what God said through the prophet Isaiah (Isa 58:6-9)

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.”