Living in Poverty

Here is an excellent portrayal of what it is like to live in poverty...it breaks down all the expenses that you and I have each month and sets it against the poverty level that 27% of people in the Montgomery area live in. Can you live on that amount? I certainly couldn't. Not with a family of four.

Life in Poverty 

There are more struggles than we middle class minded folks know. It is easy to be critical/judgemental of those who struggle in poverty. It is harder to be compassionate and helpful. Which will you choose today?

Pray for all followers of Christ in the Greater Montgomery area to live this verse this week as we go about our days.

 "Those who are gracious to the poor lend to the Lord,and the Lord will fully repay them".   Proverbs 19:17 

Praying for Caregivers

Had several conversations this weekend AND even this morning with others about being a caregiver. It is very hard. And there are a LOT of caregivers for both adults and children here in the River Region.

"Carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ". Galatians 6:2

Here are some things you may not know about care giving:
1. It is 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Very few breaks.
2. Most insurances pay(IF they pay)for minimal services as far as getting help/respite for caregivers. There are not many services around our area that offer FREE or low cost respite.
3. Most people who care-give spend a minimum of 1/4 of their monthly income on the person they are caring for for prescription co-pays, doctors co-pays, special diets, trips to specialists, etc.
4. After initial diagnoses, most family and friends go back to their daily lives and forget that the caregiver is still overwhelmed, financially stretched, tired and worried about their loved one.
5. Most caregivers end up sacrificing their own health because the family member in need takes A LOT of time and energy. 

So, what does this have to do with you and me? OPPORTUNITY.
1. Pray this week for those you know and don't know in the River Region who give care to their special needs children/parents, etc. This is a very lonely journey sometimes for the caregivers and we, as the church, need to be ready and willing to help with tangible acts of kindness.
2. Pray for how you can serve someone you know who needs that extra support. Prayer for that person is awesome and needed, but tangible acts of kindness are very important as well.
3. Pray for your church to be sensitive to those in your congregation and community who are caregivers.

I'd like to share a personal experience with you.
My mother took care of her sister in law for many years(Aunt Jerry had early onset Altzheimer's). That was back in the 70's/80's. My aunt outlived my mother. My mother had a massive heart attack because of being stressed financially, emotionally and physically. Everyone agreed that she should have had more help. That was AFTER she died. 

Why not help those we know now? Reach out to some folks this week. ASK them what they need and then do whatever you can to help meet that need.....

For ways you can minister to caregivers, email  lrose@mgmbaptist.org

It's Not My Problem..............

Matthew 10: 5-8
Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: “Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers...... Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.

According to scripture, it IS our problem. Jesus told the 12 disciples to go out to the neighborhoods.....we are his disciples too. Crime, Racism, Poverty, Schools, Consumer Religion....they are OUR problem(the church)and we have the ANSWER! HEART CHANGE. If you know Jesus, you have a solution and you have the ability to find ways to get involved in the solution.

Pray that the Lord of the Harvest will open our hearts and minds TODAY to bring GOOD NEWS to those in the Greater Montgomery Area who are without Christ....and then pray to have the courage to walk along side them to healing and change.

Watch the skit below...........

It's Not MY Problem......

Praying for those with Mental Health Issues

Should we care for those who are living with mental illnesses? Yes, we should. God does. As followers of Christ, we are to care for what God cares for. 

Pray that the Lord will show you those you know who live with mental illness and pray for the opportunity to encourage them, pray with them or help meet a need.

Jeremiah 30:17 ESV "For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!"