YES, YES, YES THEY CAN
NOW I GOT YOUR ATTENTION
A couple of days ago Anita suggested something to me that I thought was interesting, and I want to share this with you.
As we were leaving Branson and enjoying our ride to Springfield,
ANITA STATED: Dallas, I know what would help the homeless each week, at least “TWO” days a week.
I SAID: Whachu talkin bout.
ANITA SAID: What if each “WEDNESDAY” and “SUNDAY” the homeless people go “VISIT” and participate in their local community church services. I’m not talking about the criminals of course, but those who are just down on their luck and found themselves without housing.
I SAID: What the hell! (OF COURSE I DIDN’T SAY “HELL” I SAID THE OTHER WORD). You mean to congregate, like flock together with the church members?
ANITA SAID: Most of the churches have food banks, and clothing drives. So at least they can get “FOOD”, “CLOTHES”, and be in a comfortably “WARM” building for a few hours “2-DAYS” a week, and maybe someone will offer “HOUSING.”
***I LAUGHED FOR A MINUTE AND HAD A THOUGHT. HOW “BRILLIANT” IS THAT.***
I SAID: Anita, that’s smart. If churches are who “THEY” say they are, then it should be “NO” problem assisting those who enter their house of worship, especially on “SUNDAY”. You damn right, smart idea.
ANITA CONTINUED BY SAYING: Since there are several city officials who feel shelters are not necessary, maybe churches can shed that light, especially when the weather really becomes bad ON A “SUNDAY” and church is open.
I STATED BACK TO ANITA: Churches don’t take “ROLL” call, do they? So, PO folks like me, should be able to receive assistance on “THE LORD DAYS” without question. They shouldn’t have to put pen-to-pad indicating they “VISITED” the church, right?
ANITA SAID: IT’S “WEDNESDAY” AND “SUNDAY” CHURCH SERVICES. Why would they want to turn anyone away on those days, they hold “POTLUCKS” and share thoughts, why not add a couple more locals to the table. Especially if they are homeless, cold, and hungry.
ANITA WENT ON TO SAY: My only concern is, what if people talk about the way they dress or look. I hope church people treat them right, and “NOT” call the police.
I STATED TO ANITA: If the church calls the police and asks them to leave, then they “SHOULD” leave that damn church and “NEVER” “LOOK” back, or like “LOT’S” wife, they may become a pillar of salt. That church is “NOT” for them or the “GOOD” of the community. To turn any “NON-CRIMINAL” away begging for warmth and food is totally insane, especially from a church on God’s day “SUNDAY.”
WHAT DO I THINK?
I believe “EVERY” Sunday warming “PLACES” are open throughout Branson, West Branson, and close proximity cities. They want us “PO” folks to believe these entities do not exist. THEY ARE KNOWN AS COMMUNITY FAITH BASED CHURCHES.
I do know that in most cases “ALL” churches in Branson operate on “SUNDAY.” It’s been “MANY” years since I’ve gone to church, but what I do remember is they never require anyone to put pen-to-pad telling who they are. That would always be left up to that person. IT’S CALLED A GUEST LIST.
However, I do recall somewhere while attending services that several plates would be passed around. While doing so the “PREACHER” would always ask that question. “WILL A MAN ROB GOD? BUT YET YE HAVE ROBBED ME.” That one always stuck with me cause they always had the biggest house. –AND– being a little child that was significant to me.
Once the plates fill up and everyone “SILENTLY QUESTIONING IN THEIR OWN MINDS,” whether or not they did the right thing.
Then they break off into groups. Have their meeting and the minister closes the day.
***AFTER THAT***
The “POTLUCK” was on. Everybody was eating. Some remained at church to break bread while others went out to local eateries.
***BRANSON YOUR “PO” WORKING CLASS PEOPLE ARE HOMELESS***
So, if you are freezing, sleeping in your car, or storage unit, cold, and hungry,
Each “SUNDAY” visit your local “COMMUNITY” church AND peacefully congregate with them. They operate usually from 9-ish a.m., – 2-ish p.m.,
1) Go there, sit in the back and be respectful.
2) If you are hungry, let someone know.
3) If someone asks you to leave, then do so without incident.
Keep in mind this will give you, “THE HOMELESS” a few hours of warmth and possibly be offered a meal.
I believe that if “JESUS” can feed a multitude with little or nothing, Branson churches should be able to assist a small group of homeless people on “SUNDAYS” without requiring “BOOKKEEPING.”
SO WHAT ABOUT IT BRANSON CHURCHES?
Will you feed a homeless person and/or family who comes knocking at your church doorstep on a freezing cold “SUNDAY”?
Dallas & Anita Williams,
Hotel/Apartment Renters
PLEASE BE SAFE EVERYONE!