Lisa Sheffler, author
This week in our Neighbors and Nations series we’ve considered God’s call to help those in our communities who are in need. Take some time to reflect on the passages we covered, the ministries we highlighted, and pray for wisdom in how you should respond.
Reflect
Connect
As you reflect on what God showed you in his Word this week, read this story from Hugo, who received help from Hope Clinic.
“I really [got] to know through Hope Clinic that there are still people that care about you. Thank the Lord that I have made friendships. I get help and I think I am walking in the right direction.”
Hugo’s life was turned upside down when he was arrested and held for several months in jail. Hugo had broken no laws. He was working and taking care of his responsibilities, so why was this happening? He later discovered that his arrest was due to mistaken identity. When the police discovered the mistake, they released him.
Hugo was eager to return to the life he knew, but quickly realized that the life he knew had fallen apart while he was away. His immigration status had lapsed, his apartment and its contents were confiscated, his truck—his source of livelihood—was towed. Everything was taken. Without a job or money, Hugo became homeless.
To complicate matters, Hugo’s health suffered. “In those days, I was very sick with my [high blood] pressure and I did not have medication.” Hugo needed medical attention badly. Thankfully, he learned about Hope Clinic and was able to receive much-needed medical care.
Hugo acknowledges that he was given more than treatment for his chronic health issues; he felt truly cared for. He appreciates that the volunteer doctors and nurses of Hope Clinic go to great lengths to communicate with him, to get to know him and show him genuine concern. “Other clinics you go [to], they attend to you but that is it. They don’t know your name.” This is not so with Hope Clinic.
Hugo laughs as he recounts walking up to the clinic one day. He talks about two women walking out of the clinic, laughing and talking. “One woman said to the other, ‘You look better already!’ Her friend replied, ‘I feel cured already, the way they treat me in there!’” Hugo agrees saying, “I feel that [too].”
Hugo knows that there are many sick people in McKinney. They need medical attention but cannot access adequate care because they do not have health insurance or money to cover the cost of their care. He wants more people to learn about Hope Clinic and has decided to get the word out however he can.
Hugo’s story is just one of many. Every local ministry that Christ Fellowship partners with could tell you story after story of people whose lives have been changed. God is doing amazing things right here in North Texas, and he is using ordinary people like you and me to do them. But the needs are so great.
Let’s not be like the priest and the Levite in the story of the good Samaritan. Let’s not walk by those in need. Let’s allow Jesus’ priorities to become our own.
Respond
At the end of this series, on November 15 and 22, we’ll be asking our Christ Fellowship family to donate to a missions offering. This offering will fund our partnerships with organizations like the ones highlighted this week, Community Food Pantry, 3e United, Hope Clinic, Breaking Free, and Hope Women’s Center. Begin praying now about how you might participate.
All of the organizations we’ve highlighted need volunteers to run. Are there any you could support with your time or other resources?
Our annual Christmas Care Angels drive is coming up! We’re hoping to bless 600 local children this year by giving parents a gift card to buy presents for their child, and children a gift box filled with goodies from our Christ Fellowship families. Gift boxes will be available for you to pick up and fill on November 1.
For all our Neighbors and Nations resources, visit Christ Fellowship’s special Neighbors and Nations page.
