Sunday, March 01, 2009

10:37


...and Jesus said"Go and do the same."
Luke 10:37
The Message Bible

Recently Steve and I were in downtown Salem.We shop at garage sales and thrift stores often to try and stretch his disability checks.It works well for us and we just love saving money in this way.We came across a newly opened thrift store on Commercial Street called the Project 10:37 thrift shop.It was small.Crowded.But this afforded us the opportunity to speak with the proprietor that day.He had a story to tell.They opened this shop to try and help the local homeless population.There are many homeless in Salem.We were told that proceeds from the store go to help the homeless and pay to rent the movie theater downtown that doubles as a church on Sunday mornings.Turns out that they lost about 75 % of their funds and about 80 members of the congregation when the homeless began to attend this church.The people that left were the ones who had jobs and income.I never cease to be saddened by the behavior of those who call themselves by the name"Christian."But that's another story.They could not handle being around people who had fallen on really hard times and were in need of many things so they left instead of sharing what they had.Sad.Because without God's grace and favor in our lives any one of us could be that homeless person in need.Any one of us could be cold or hungry or dwelling under a bridge night after night.So,to make up for this dramatic loss of income the pastor and some volunteers have opened up this thrift shop.And they based it's name on the passage in Luke 10 about the Good Samaritan.I could not help but notice the parallel between this story and what this church has experienced.It was the religious that passed by on the other side leaving that man alone in his suffering.It was the religious who left this church instead of staying to help and share what they had.How this must grieve the heart of God.For He has much to say in His word about how the poor among us are treated.So we stayed and heard this man's story and were spurred to action.Just when we thought we had nothing left to give ourselves we found some items we could donate to help this store out.And if time and health permits we may go and help organize their shop.:-)It really takes so little to help a ministry like this.They will gladly accept help of just about any kind.Donated items.Volunteers to help organize and sort items.Monetary donations.Please consider helping them out if you are in the Salem area.Or if you come here from time to time check them out.We found some things we could use for a very reasonable price.And if you are in another state or too far away to shop or help here consider your own local community.Perhaps there are similar ministries that could use your help.And you will bless them and bless God by being a modern day Good Samaritan.
Love and Blessings~Sharon


12 comments:

Unknown said...

Love this Sharon... your right, our hearts are of the same Spirit. "Feed My Sheep" comes to mind... Loveing you ... bren

Sharon Goemaere said...

Oh yes Bren!!!Feed my sheep is one scripture God has spoken to me on more than one occasion!Love you~Sharon

Denise said...

We always have something in our hands to give God....... always...... We have a mind set that we have nothing to give but all HE asks us is to look in our hands......We have the heart to give and HE provides the substance...... We need only to offer...... Somehow we have lost that understanding that HE can make much out of little !

Love the post girl!

Sharon Goemaere said...

Amen Denise!Amen!And thank you!Love ya~Sharon

Denise said...

Will be praying for Dave... It has been so crazy here.........

Anonymous said...

What an inspireing story. I heard a song by Israel and New Breed called "the power of one" and it is about what we can individually do to impact our world. Powerful! I am praying for your family member who is in need of prayer. Hugs

Sharon Goemaere said...

Thanks so much Denise.I know Dave and Becky will appreciate it very much.Love~Sharon

Sharon Goemaere said...

Amen Teri!People can do so much more than they realize.I too have been guilty of that...Blessing and thanks for praying for Dave and Becky.Love~Sharon

Grace on the Narrow Path said...

Sharon,
Is there another blogger with my name, Bren? I haven't visited you in awhile and I noticed a new blogger.
Hope you are well. God bless you.
Bren

Sharon Goemaere said...

Yes,it appears I have two of you here!:-)I am doubly blessed!Blessings~Sharon

Suzanne said...

Hi Sharon,
Thanks for commenting on my blog.
This post of yours addresses just what my husband and I were talking about today. So many in need these days...difficult to know just what to do. This story is inspiring. BTW...We might be in your area this summer. Your state is so beautiful!!

Sharon Goemaere said...

Praise the Lord Suzanne!Oh how exciting that you might come to Oregon this summer.It is indeed a lovely state.If you come near enough to Salem we must try and meet in person!Blessings~sharon