The Heart of Matthew 25

Staff and volunteers have a big, generous heart for helping our street friends, constantly showing them the love of Jesus. Over the last few weeks, Matthew 25:40 has repeatedly come to my attention. It reads, “‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”

As I have been preparing to speak about OIM at a school next week, this verse again came to mind. I took time to reflect and thought about the different ways staff and volunteers exemplify this verse. But one thought stood out above the rest. It was how we offer our street friends hot chocolate during our Street and Door Outreach when it's cold and freezies to enjoy when it’s hot.

Why did this thought stand out? Because giving them hot and cold treats might seem small and something you and I might take for granted, but to our street friends, it’s a welcomed snack. It’s something that they otherwise might not have been able to enjoy because they focus on the essentials to survive. They don't have the luxury of enjoying some of these treats like you and I. And as we give them out, we are building relationships and opening doors to share the gospel, either now or later. So, it's a small gesture that has a big impact.

I also reflect on how, every day, we meet people with different stories about how they became homeless. But regardless of their story, OIM staff and volunteers lend a helping hand, supporting them through tough times and showing them the love of Jesus.

~Andrew Murphy, Strategic Communications and Public Relations Manager