Helping ‘the least of these’

Our community is blessed to have numerous ministries that do their level best to offer help to the hurting in our area. I am hesitant to try and name these organizations, for fear of leaving worthy ones out; but allow me to name a few that are worthy of recognition. 

First, Perry Volunteer Outreach offers aid to Perry and South Houston County residents in need of emergency financial assistance for housing, utilities, or medical needs. 

Let me also mention the godly folks from Thee Lord’s Table. This is a faith-based ministry hosted by volunteers from several local churches that prepares and serves quality meals on the first and third Friday of every month. At noon on those Fridays, they offer a warm nutritious meal to anyone in need, served at the fellowship hall of Memorial Heights Baptist Church, located at 521 General Courtney Hodges Boulevard. 

Loaves and Fishes is another local ministry worthy of support. They are an interfaith food bank that offers free food to the hungry in our community. 

Re-New is an area used thrift store which provides low-cost goods and clothing. The hard-working ladies from WROC (Women Reaching our Community) have built and installed a couple “kindness cupboards” in Perry that offers free goods and supplies to those in need. 

These and several other ministries can and should be applauded for their tireless labors for Christ and this community. Each of these groups strive to help “the least of these” by serving as the hands and feet of Jesus to the less-fortunate. I encourage you to pray and, if possible, financially support any (or all) of these ministries. 

Yet, if you will allow, I would also ask for the prayers and support for a ministry that I also hold in high regard. For the last ten years or so, it has been my great privilege to work alongside pastors from our community through the Perry Ministerial Association. The “PMA” is a group of local church leaders who meet monthly to pray, discuss and determine how best to serve our community and those traveling through the area. 

Rarely a day goes by that someone is not knocking at the doors of our churches asking for help. As a matter of fact, it seems like you can’t even pump gas in town anymore without someone asking for a handout. Often it is difficult to know what to do when we as individuals, ministries, or churches, are approached by someone asking for some kind of assistance. 

Thankfully, the PMA provides a structured system to provide relief for stranded travelers, whatever their situation. In cooperation with local law enforcement, the PMA provides hot meals, shelter and help with fuel expense for transients in need. To do so, we work directly with the Perry Police Department by providing food, gas, and hotel vouchers.

If you (or your church/business) are approached by someone from out of town, who is asking for your financial assistance, you can direct them to the Perry Police Department. There, the PPD requires those asking for assistance to fill out a simple form so that they have a written record of requests. Our local law enforcement officers have been educated how to help these individuals through this voucher program. 

In addition to this program, the PMA has recently been able to do several other good deeds in our community. Thanks to the generosity of a local group of godly ladies, called the “Sweet Peas,” we were able to purchase eye-glasses for children in need at Morningside Elementary School. Dear readers, believe me … there are kids right here in our community who need our help. The last couple of years, the PMA has also provided shoes for our local schools, and socks, t-shirts, and other goods for inmates at the Houston County Detention Center. 

However, the only way the PMA or any of these other ministries can carry out their needed work, is through the charitable donations of residents, businesses, and churches. Hence, would you consider personally supporting these good causes, or encouraging your business or church to do so? 

Not to lather you with too much guilt, but I will ask you to remember the words of Jesus from Matthew 25:40  …”Truly, truly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”

Inarguably, everything has gotten way more expensive the last few years, so money may be tight. Yet, if it is financially viable, please consider donating to one of these fine ministries and support worthy causes in this community. If you cannot give, but you are a Christian, you can pray … and prayer is just as needed. 

Should you choose to support the PMA, please send a check to: 

Perry Ministerial Association

PO Box 1426

Perry, GA 31069