Recently I’ve received two phone calls at church from strangers wanting us to pay their rent to keep them from being evicted. First of all, I’m not the man that makes that decision, so I don’t have to worry much, but I have had to relay messages. When we don’t immediately tell them, “sure, we’ll pay your rent, and give you all the money you want for as long as you want”, they tend to get made at us. Why? I think we all know why; because many people are looking for anything free, with no intentions to pay back. After a woman yesterday was told we don’t do that, she said “which church does pay rent?” I expect that she went down the phone book to the next church.
Our church has a very well defined and inspired welfare program that I don’t claim to know well, but I know the basics. We expect people to work for their money and oftentimes our church provides opportunities for people to earn their wages. This doesn’t seem like rocket science, but it’s different than the governments form of welfare. Church welfare should not be the first option. But, it’s available to those who really need it.
So, if you’re thumbing thru the phone book wondering which church will give you the most money, ours is not the one. We will help anyone in need, if they are willing to do some work and have a plan to get back on their feet. I hope I’m never in need of financial help from other people, but I realized it could happen at some point. I can’t tell you how many times strangers have approached me (or actually knocked on my door in college) and asked for money. I will not do it any more.
Why are they calling you? I fielded many calls for “Pastor Parker” (when my dad was a bishop) when the family history center would gladly give out his name & number despite the fact he works 3rd shift and was in bed at the time.
Anyway, the basic difference between our church’s welfare system and the government’s is that the church gives a hand up and the government gives a hand out.
Aubrey has gotten some crazy (and frustrating) requests. As for door-to-door begging, the Yellow House really attracted some vagabonds. One lady asked us for money to buy milk. What college kid has cash? We actually offered her an un-opened gallon of milk and she turned us down with some kind of excuse. Hmmm…what was that money really for?
Sorry about the call Thad…times are tough and I was a little short on child support money. Now that I know you Morms are not as giving as the Jehovahs Witnesses I will stick to calling them. Also when ever missionaries, or misshes, as I call them hit the house I will be answering in tighty whiteys and chasing them off my lawn in them screaming profanities and placing curses on them and their unborn children.