Pic and a Prayer – DAY 10 The Bridge Ministry Service Project

My prayer focus today is for The Bridge Ministry in Nashville, TN. To learn more about this ministry you can visit http://www.bridgeministry.org/  This ministry reaches the homeless of Nashville, meeting each week under the Jefferson Street Bridge, rain or shine.

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My favorite peanut butter. I had just bought this jar because I was out… but I’m giving it today to someone who needs it more than me.

Today, the members of Christ Church are bringing donations that will be distributed this Tuesday at the Bridge Ministry. People are donating new tents, sleeping bags, blankets, bikes, new underwear, travel sized toiletries and yes…. PEANUT BUTTER.
I love that the church as a community is doing this service project and hopefully people will continue to participate in this ministry in some kind of regular basis.  http://www.christchurchnashville.org/2013/02/05/the-bridge-ministry-service-project/

Bridge give away
A bike, A cart, A sleeping bag… all to be given away at The Bridge Ministry

“The best way I know to pray is to pray the Word of God, so that’s what I’m going to do today. Father God, In Leviticus 19:10 you (God) commanded the Jews that they not “gather every grape of thy vineyard”, but instead : “LEAVE (a portion of) THEM FOR THE POOR AND STRANGER”. Help me to see those less fortunate around me so that I can leave a portion of what you’ve given me to help someone else.  

under the bridge
The Christ Church Choir sang for The Bridge Ministry in September 2012 and have continued this relationship.

In Matthew 25 you said that if we give to the LEAST of these, we’ve given to you.  I don’t want to be found withholding good from someone when all that I have is yours.  I will give to others as if I am giving it to you.  When the woman with the alabaster box came and poured out all of the expensive oil on your feet, the religious people complained about the cost of her sacrifice… as if it has been wasted on you.   You said “the poor will always be with you and you can help them anytime you want but you won’t always have me.”  You wanted us to know that it was never a waste of resources to GIVE lavishly in thanks and worship to God.  (Mark 14)  Help me see that when I give LAVISHLY to others, leaving a portion of what you have given to me for the poor among us, I am pleasing your heart and you receive those gifts as worship to you.  

food under the bridge
Christ Church Choir members helping unload the food donations

I want to be a living example of Proverbs 3:27 “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.”  *one version says “do not abstain to do well to the needy;”

clothes under the bridge
Members of the Christ Church choir handing out clothes at The Bridge Ministry

*some photos shown courtesy of Sam Mayercik, Christ Church Choir member and faithful volunteer at The Bridge Ministry