My 2014 Challenge To Each Of My Friends

In 2014, I am going to challenge each and every person I know, including on Facebook, to do the following for a homeless person:

1. Provide the person a meal.
2. Provide the person a Bible.
3. Provide the person a piece of warm clothing ... either a winter coat, gloves, or a hat.

For those of us who have a job and have a place to call home, this is a very small request, and something that won't cause ourselves a hardship. But to the person receiving the items, the gifts would be life-changing!

Praying for the homeless is great, but now we need to put those prayers into action. Praying that a person won't go hungry does no good if you aren't able to provide a meal. Praying that a person will stay warm does no good if you won't provide warm clothing. Praying that a person get to know Christ does no good if you don't give them a copy of God's manual, the Bible.

Again, I challenge you to find one homeless person, and do each of the 3 things listed. Don't know anyone who is homeless? Open your eyes. Still can't find one? Ask your Pastor. Look up a homeless shelter in your area and call them.

"Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse." ... Proverbs 28:27

"Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him." ... Proverbs 24:31

"Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’" ... Matthew 25:37-40

Joel Taylor

Joel Taylor was a 14 year old who went to my church back in 1994, in Middletown, Maryland.   I was his Sunday School teacher.  He was definitely one of the kids in the class I got to know well during the brief time I knew him (about 4 years.)  The two of us used to talk sports, and talk Jesus, all the time.

In 1998, I relocated to McDonough, Georgia, and lost touch with him and his family.  I wish more than anything that I had stayed in touch.

In 2007, Joel committed suicide.  Through social media, I have reconnected with 2 of his brothers over the past few years.  It is obvious that Joel went through a bout of depression, but no one really knows what was going on in his mind when he took his life.

For some reason, God has put Joel on my mind a lot today.  Joel was 27 years young when he died.  Once, Joel and I were at the Francis Scott Key Mall in Frederick, Maryland, for a sports memorabilia show.  Out of the blue, he told me, "Mark, if for some reason anything happens to either of us, please know I will be looking for you at the baseball card shop in Heaven one day!"  

Joel, if Heaven has any technology above and you are able to read this, please know just how much you are missed!  Yes, I will be looking for you in that baseball card shop when my number gets called!