Dear Friends,
From time to time, we get asked the question why: “Why do you serve that population?” “Why do you do what you do?” Why do you serve people the way you do?” I believe answering the why questions are the most important questions any organization can answer. Why do we do what we do, for those we do it for?
Our why at Denver Rescue Mission is simple to explain and difficult to live out. Our why is simply because we are followers of Jesus and believe we should do what He said to do, try to live the way He lived on earth and follow scripture.
Scripture is full of verses that communicate God’s heart for the poor and his requirements for those of us who are Christians. Some of the literally hundreds of Bible verses are found in Matthew 25. Jesus is speaking and He says that in some very mysterious way when we feed the hungry, give the thirsty something to drink, invite the stranger in, give clothes to those in need, care for the sick, and visit those in prison, we are doing that for Him, for Jesus.
I find it interesting that Jesus did not qualify or put conditions on which hungry we feed. He simply says someone or even anyone who is hungry, anyone who is a stranger, anyone who is sick. One way I have found to challenge myself is to consider these questions:
- “I was hungry and you ______”
- “I was a stranger and you ______”
- “I was sick and you ______”
- “I needed clothes and you ______”
In Matthew 25 Jesus is clear we have a choice. We can choose to find a reason not to help someone or we can help them. Whichever choice we make, we are in some way choosing how we serve Jesus.
So this is our why, our answer to all the questions. We serve whom we serve and do what we do for Jesus. I cannot think of a better reason for Denver Rescue Mission to exist.
Because of you our work is possible. We could not do this without you. Thank you for partnering with us as we serve Jesus and those He loves.
Grace and peace,
Dennis Van Kampen
President/CEO
This post is part of February’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we’re sharing James’ story of unwavering faith amidst many challenges in: Vision of Faith.
