How the PMA serves area travelers

At the risk of stating the obvious, the last couple of years has been incredibly difficult for many reasons. As it relates to this article, this past year was financially hard on families, churches and ministries. Rising inflation, along with the seemingly endless troubles associated with the COVID-19 epidemic, continue to plague our nation and this community. Churches were forced to shut their doors in order to comply with local ordinances or CDC recommendations. This loss of income — both by families and churches — is not without troubling consequences. One result is that various local ministries that rely on the generous monetary support of individuals and area congregations have been forced to scale back their efforts to serve our community.

Among those ministries affected was the Perry Ministerial Association (PMA). Whether you are aware of it or not, there is a constant appeal for financial assistance by those traveling through our town. The PMA is a group of local pastors and church leaders who meet regularly to pray over the needs of our community and to determine how best to serve those in need. While we cannot help every person in every situation, we do try and make wise decisions on how to best spend our limited resources to assist those who truly need help.

Often it is difficult to know what to do or what not to do. It is heart-rending to see the desperate situation some folks find themselves in. Yes, sometimes their plight is of their own making. Nonetheless, these people need shelter and food. Month after month, people who are homeless or transient come to our church doors seeking help. Again, it is often obvious they are battling with some addiction and will doubtlessly take advantage of our kindness. But may I remind you of the words of the old songwriter: “if not for the grace of God, there go I.”

Other times, we are confronted, not with drifters, but with families who have unexpected issues. Due to our close proximity to I-75, we are frequently asked to assist people who have had unexpected car trouble. Broken-down on (or near) the interstate, travelers will often contact the Perry Police Department (PPD) for aid. Working hand in hand with the PMA, the PPD will help meet the needs of these individuals until they can resume their travels.

Whether it is unforeseen breakdowns, families in need of help, or simply drifters passing through, the ministerial association has developed an organized means of addressing these requests. In cooperation with local law enforcement, the PMA provides hot meals, shelter and help with fuel expense for those in need. Part of the PMA’s purpose is to provide a structured system of relief for stranded travelers who require assistance. To do so, we work directly with the PPD by providing food, gas and hotel vouchers.

If you (or your church) is approached by someone from out of town who is asking for your financial assistance, you can direct them to the PPD. There, they will require those asking for assistance to fill out a simple form, so that they have a written record of requests.

It is an honor to serve alongside local law enforcement and other area pastors who are striving to show the love of Christ to folks in need. Having said that, I want to ask for your assistance.

The PMA is fully funded by the charitable giving of local churches and individuals. The food, gas and hotel vouchers are paid for by funds donated to the ministerial association. Historically, during Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter), local churches open their doors and have a mid-day service to honor the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. During that time, an offering is taken up to support the efforts of the PMA. Due to COVID, this annual money-raising event had to be revamped by not allowing the general public to attend. The PMA relies heavily on the funds raised during that week. Needless to say, there is a need for financial aid.

Would you consider personally supporting this good cause or encouraging your church to do so? Not everyone who asks for our help are drifters or vagrants looking for a handout. Sometimes there are families with real and legitimate needs, and it is a tremendous blessing to have a managed method of helping them.

Money may be tight after a very taxing year, but your gift may help provide a hot meal and a bed for a needy family in 2022. Allow me to remind you of the words of our Lord in Matthew 25:40 — ”… inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Help us show the love of Christ to those in need by sending your donation to:

Perry Ministerial

Association

PO Box 1426

Perry, GA 31069

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