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Serving TOGETHER to Reach the Homeless in Houston

When Lynelle and I first moved to Houston, we were astonished at the number of homeless people on each corner. Coming from the Midwest, we had rarely experienced that kind of harsh reality.

We found ourselves eager to help the homeless near the UofH campus; initially investing a lot of time to put together care packets with used clothing, food, drinks, and bibles. As much as I thought that was helpful and appreciated, it was a lot of work. Throwing money at these guys was a lot easier, after all (but not helpful to them - see 2 Thess. 3:10).

So, here we were with a need and willingness to help, but unsure as to the proper way to help. Then a friend from our small group showed me something called a “homeless care packet” - a Ziploc bag that contained some essential food items, some toiletries, a bible, and two important components - a list of phone numbers of local homeless shelters and city bus tokens to get them there.

Consequently, the rest of our group liked the idea and in one night we tackled the objective of making 100 bags... together. We all left that night with 7+ in hand to use throughout the week in our daily commutes.

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. (Ecc. 4:9)

- Colin Rowley

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Missional Community Through Family

Many would say I've had it easy... growing up in a Christian home; a child of parents in full-time ministry; sitting under God's Word daily from an early age. Yep, no wonder I'm SOLD OUT to Jesus, right?

While that assumption is way off (I was born a sinner like you, you know), I think we fail to grasp the inherent power of "family" in terms of living in a missional community. I'll show you what I mean.

When I turned 21, I was aching to get out of the house and out from under my parents eye. You probably remember saying the same thing I did, "I can't wait to be on my own." And that's what I did - except not in the normal course most college students go (i.e. dorm life). Instead, a slightly-older married couple did something incredibly humble and brave - invite me to LIVE with them.

He was a seminary student heading into the pastorate and she was an incredible selfless person who loved to serve and live by example.

In no time, I was drawn into their family as if I was blood-related. I loved each of them as if my own brother and sister. More importantly, he discipled me - spending time together in God's Word and prayer. In those three years as a member of their family, I'd come to grow closer to my heavenly Father more than any other moment I've had since.

While I realize this form of discipleship is not meant for everyone (i.e. can become dangerous without the right precautions), Lynelle and I opened our home two years ago and haven't looked back. While our relationship with Elizabeth has taken a different form than mine with Burk, God is present and working in all of us and she is apart of our family.

- Colin Rowley