03/02/2026
Deuteronomy 15:11
For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’
We are grateful to all of you who have hearts for those less fortunate, the broken, the poor. Our confession of hope in having compassion for the needy is in Psalm 41 "1) Happy are those who are concerned for the poor; the Lord will help them when they are in trouble. 2) The Lord will protect them and preserve their lives; he will make them happy in the land; he will not abandon them to the power of their enemies.
As most have heard, Marion County has now made it illegal to not have a home. We have read through the bill and simply don't understand. Many of the people we visit, many that this will affect, have been failed for years whether by family or the system, from DHS to healthcare to mental health and drug abuse. We realize our decisions have direct results on our well being but what many don't understand is that once your drawn in and pulled down, it's nearly impossible to get out, especially without necessary services.
They are offering housing. Many of our friends are where they are to keep themselves safe or away from temptations. If you’ve never been to a housing complex you may not be able to understand how this will not work, how it will make things worse. On top of many detrimental issues, these complexes offer minimal services with consistency, regardless of their claims. Staffing with people who have understanding, compassion and commitment is nearly impossible.
Most making these decisions visit a camp or two, have a 20 minute conversation with a homeless person, or talk with leaders of funded organizations and act like they understand. This bill is proof that they don't.
We are to live by the word of God. This is our manual for life. How we treat the poor is a topic that God covers in depth. Let's pray for our leaders. Let's ask for humility and compassion to spread amidst the political houses in our state and in our country. Let's pray for all those that this will affect.
Psalm 82:3
Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Proverbs 19:17
He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.
Proverbs 28:27
He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
Proverbs 14:31
He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.