BY KEVIN HOWELL
Sumter United Ministries
A lady in her 60s recently had surgery and missed a few months from her part-time job. Because her Social Security income is below $1,000 a month, she struggles whenever she cannot work.
She enjoys her job and has worked for her entire life. It feels natural to her and makes her feel good about herself, but she is absolutely dependent on that additional income. In a conversation with her during an interview at the Crisis Relief Ministry, we applauded her desire to work. However, we also warned her to prepare for a day when she would no longer be able to work physically.
“Are you prepared to live on Social Security alone?”
Jesus once shared with his followers the merit of thinking through our circumstances. To paraphrase, Jesus asked, “Who would build a tower without first calculating the cost?”
When sharing this story with the client, she responded, “I know what you are saying is true wisdom.”
That statement summarizes the importance of what we do at Sumter United Ministries. In a world lacking wisdom, a culture drowning in the confusion of navigating life, we share truth from God’s perspective and encouragement that all of our obstacles can be overcome in Christ.
This week, a 29-year-old single mom made the statement that she did not believe she would ever have a better job that would eliminate her financial struggle. We responded to her desolate cry that only God knew the limits of her potential.
“Just because struggle is all that you have known does not make it your destiny.”
When an out-of-work truck driver came and asked for help, we showed him that although he has a current crisis, he typically earns well enough to save for emergencies. We encouraged him in a better way because he did not have voices in his life to steer him toward progress.
Because of your gifts to Sumter United Ministries, we are able to assist financially with critical necessities, provide emergency shelter, provide primary care to the working uninsured, repair homes in unsafe conditions, share life-changing resources and encourage educational pursuits that lead to better employment. However, the financial assistance we offer is simply the method that opens the door to conversations about life. Your neighbors in need in Sumter County are encouraged by caring hearts sharing truth and wisdom. Thank you for all of the gifts made to the Summer of Caring campaign and for your continued support!
Kevin Howell is the director of the Crisis Relief Ministry.
New donations as of Aug. 30: None