Hello Ministry of Mercy readers,
If your anything like me you will realize that finding the time to read is impossible with work, family, church groups, renewal meetings and everything else that just eats up the schedule. Seconds wind down and minutes turn into hours and then days and next thing you know you have to cram in two whole chapters by tomorrow. Keep in mind tomorrow here is just a figure of speech, you have the grace of a whole nutter week. ( yes I just said nutter, look it up it is how children often say another, give it up for the kids!!!)
Well having said all that I want to encourage those of you that may read this, that there are some things to be looking for as you read the
Prologue & Introduction: Who Is My Neighbor?
You will find these questions on page 27
For Discussion
1. The statistics on poverty may have been new to you. What aspect(s) was/were the most surprising? How has your view of poverty in the U.S changed after reading the facts?
2. The seminarian’s experience with Angela, the homeless woman, speaks of some of the complexities of dealing with the poor . Identify some of these complexities based on that example.
3. Can you identify a “pocket” of poverty in your community that you or your church may be able to help? Explain
We are planning to have two discussion groups, we will announce those times this Sunday in church.
I was particularly struck by the poverty of the working poor. Ifelt a sense of despair as I thought of how hard people I know work and there simply is not enough to pay for basic necessities. Then I realized that we were the working poor for years and that it was only by the kindness of our parents who helped give us a chance to buy our own place, that we were eventually able to pull out of that category. We were taught a strong work ethic and frugality by examples lived out in our homes. It still wasn’t easy, but well worth the effort. Thanks God, for your blessings.
I would have to say that I am truly blessed, growing up in poverty I have learned what it means to “just get by” I was shocked to read of the homeless who work, how hard that would be.