The Baggie Ministry

Wow!

2009-12-11T05:52:00.000-08:00

Check this out. http://www.dontwalkby.org/main 'Nuf said!

Wanna Play Catch?

2009-08-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

So, Saturday I'm at the pantry - a different day than I usually work. It was interesting because for the most part I met different people (the clients). One lady had 2 kids with her; one was 2 and the other maybe 5 or 6. Both boys had toys with them - smaller versions of footballs, soccer balls, and a basketball - six in total. All of which they proceeded to lob at me while I was talking with their mom and praying for the family. Just an interesting experience.

Original or Crispy?

2009-07-27T09:22:00.001-07:00

So, yesterday I stopped by KFC for lunch. Standing next to me at the counter was a man who appeared to be homeless. As I was finishing up my order he kept pointing to my tray and was saying something - couldn't understand what. So, I ordered an identical tray for him. He filled up his pop, sat down with his meal, then threw the meal away. Maybe he wanted crispy? Who knows. I tried.

Too Much Fun?

2009-04-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening I got to give away another "baggie." I pulled into the drugstore parking lot and saw a man in a wheelchair in front of the store. I asked if he needed some help; he said, "yeah, I need some money for food." So I gave him the baggie and explained about the list and the card, said "goodbye" and walked away.

These people are expecting to be ignored, or brushed off with pocket change. This seems to really take people by surprise. The reaction I get is so much fun! (shock, surprise, double-takes!) I think that's part of what pumps me up to run out and get another baggie ready!

I really hope someone else picks up on this idea and posts their experiences!

Hoping and Praying!

2009-04-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

Saturday I was speaking with a client at a local food pantry. Throughout the conversation she continually used the phrase, "I'm hoping and praying ..." I lost count of how many times she said those words. At the close of the discussion I asked her if I could pray with her. She thought about it and said, "No, that's okay." :) I told her I might sneak a prayer or two in for her during the day anyway!

Enough About Me!

2009-03-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

I deleted my last post - not that anyone would know - I don't think anyone's reading this. But, anyway, it was too much about me. There's been enough in my life about me. There I go again - me, me, me!

Really Cool Ideas That Make a Difference

2009-03-12T14:08:00.001-07:00

Solar Cookers for Refugee Camps
Mobile shelters for the homeless
Cashman - 1 can feeds 1 person - $1 feeds 20!
Helping families find housing

Next Steps

2009-03-09T09:50:00.001-07:00

Friday evening I was driving home from the grocery store and passed a man pushing a shopping cart full of returnables while searching around him for more discarded cans/bottles. I thought about pulling over and offering assistance - but I passed by without stopping. Would he think I was nuts? Maybe he didn't want any help. Would it be safe?

When I let myself, I get a little "puffed up" thinking about my "baggie solution." Wasn't it a cool idea? When maybe it was just a way to help a little (on my terms) and still stay safe. I'm not sure where God is taking me with this - but it's probably somewhere scary!

The Beginning

2009-02-09T05:55:00.000-08:00

One evening on the way to church, a woman approached me in a parking lot outside a restaurant and asked for financial help. She stated that she and her children were living in their car and “could I help.”

“No” was not an option. “No” would have really been, “I’m sorry I can’t help. But I’m going to go inside this restaurant and enjoy a good meal. Then I’m going to church to worship God. But, be blessed, be warm.”

It was the day before payday, so I didn’t have much cash on me, but I gave her what I had, $10. I spent the rest of the evening and the next few days rethinking how I could have responded better. Ten dollars was better than nothing, but completely inadequate.

My church (Kensington Community Church) was in the middle of a campaign challenging us to transform the way we think; one of the challenges being to “live open-handedly.” I figured to do that I should be purposeful about it and that meant I should have a plan. So, I came up with the “baggies.”

I put together a sheet of paper with a list of local shelters on one side and food pantries on the other. I put that in a small sandwich size zip-top bag along with $1 in change (for a pay phone) and a gift card to a local grocery store.

A couple of months later as I was leaving a drug store I passed a gentleman holding up a sign that read, “Hungry.” Yes – I passed by him! Then I remembered my little baggie and backed up and gave it to him. I went over the contents explaining what they were. First he was confused, then he was surprised. He stated, "You don't know what a blessing this is to me!"

In the past year I've handed out four "baggies." Each time the recipient was confused - surprised - then thankful.

This is just a small way to help that doesn't require a government grant or a board of directors - just people who with a little time (researching local resources) and a little money can help others.

Give it a try!