There will always be those that say, “What good can come out of this?” Then there are those that see adversity as a means of opportunity. In the early years of the automobile some harness makers began to close their businesses while others saw opportunities for leather components in a new car industry. Shared circumstances did not produce shared outcomes.
Currently the world is faced with a great adversary in Covid-19 and much of society is understandably anxious, while others look for a path forward. OIM has focused on what can be done, choosing to survive in adversity, and out of this approach the “Door Outreach” service was birthed.
Romans 8:28 (NIV) says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
OIM responds on a daily basis to Micah 6:8, showing Love and Mercy to a hurting community. God’s response in the midst of the uncertainty has allowed OIM to be considered an essential service ensuring that it continues to provide much-needed help to a vulnerable part of the community.
Psalm 72:12-14 (NIV) expresses God’s love and care for those who are in need.
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 1-3pm, OIM’s “Door Outreach” offers groceries, a bagged lunch, light clothing, and toiletries to anyone in need. Through this ministry, I have been able to respond to Psalm 72:12-14 through comforting conversation, being a caring listener to “Alex” (not his real name), for example, and prayer; providing necessary dental care to “Susie” and even physical healing for back and leg issues to “Ronald.” As well, I have been able to show many others that they have a friend and resource in OIM.
Proverbs 19:17 (NLT) reads, “If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD - and he will repay you!” The Hebrew for this is in the sense that when we are in alignment with God’s care for those in need He will continue to restore our supply.
I have experienced God’s response to the those seeking care through the “Door Outreach” service which has expanded OIM’s exposure, resulting in many passersby asking what we were doing and still others if they could help financially and with item donations.
I have been blessed to be part of the “Door Outreach” initiative as I am invited into the very personal aspects of peoples’ lives and minister to their needs every Tuesday afternoon.
~Lloyd, Volunteer
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