http://tinyurl.com/czbr6rb

Some months ago I had the opportunity to attend a worship service in a large church located in a major southern city.    The minister was away and I enjoyed hearing from the president of the local university.  In the sermon, the president of this large university was talking about homeless people and the need for the Christian church to become more involved.    He gave an illustration from his own local church that is located in the downtown area across the street from the University.      I was inspired by his illustration relating to the fact that homeless people would come into the doors of his local church and worship on Sunday.   The illustration continued to state that the homeless visitors were comfortable on the back pew of the church.   

This story has haunted me for a long time now.   What haunts me is the fact that these people are recognized by this university president as “homeless.”    Apparently the individuals with whom he identifies as “homeless” are in shabby clothes, and appear to be the stereotypical picture of which we have all become accustomed.    This thought has occurred to me.   Why would a regular attender to a worship service continue to look “homeless?”   Is it that we tolerate the “look” and are happy to see a homeless person in our worship sanctuaries but are not willing to do anything about helping that person get some new clothes?   Further why would we allow a homeless person to sit on the back row of our sanctuary without reaching out to that human being?   Why wouldn’t we assist her in finding a place to live so she would not be homeless? 

Here is my struggle today.   Are our Christian antennas that dull to those around us?   Are we so accustomed to seeing that person and recognize them as just part of the landscape?    Have we lost the compassion for helping the human being who needs a place to stay and clothes to wear?   Why is it that there are visibly homeless people attending our churches?    Once we have identified a person in need, why is it we don’t take the next step and do something?    I reflect upon the story Jesus told about the Good Samaritan.   Before the Samaritan arrived on the scene of the beaten and naked man, there were two “church” people who came before him; people who were unable to see the need or were too busy to stop and help.   Maybe they just didn’t “see” the man.  He was a part of the landscape.   There is a great book by John Ashman entitled Invisible Neighbors.    I love the subtitle:  “If you don’t see them, you’re not looking.”

LaCount Anderson

On November 12, WRTP – His Radio,  will sponsor again this year Blanket Bundles.    You are asked to put 20 grocery items in a blanket, tie it up with cord or string, and bring to the Walmart Superstore located at 251 Premier Blvd.  Roanoke Rapids, NC.   The collection will take place at Walmart from noon until 4:00 PM.    Blanket Bundles has been a great help to the ministry of Union Mission of Roanoke Rapids over the past years.   They are in great need of food in that the demand upon food box distribution has never been greater.   Currently Union Mission is distributing over 1000 boxes per month to those who are in need.    The food is distributed Monday – Friday from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM at 1310 Roanoke Ave.  Roanoke Rapids, NC   

Future Events at Union Mission of Roanoke Rapids, Inc.:

·         Annual Thanksgiving Community Meal November 23, 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM  (volunteer workers needed.   Frozen Turkeys needed)

·         Spring Concert – March 10, 2011   6:00 PM at The Centre.  

Recently I attended a sad event.  It was a funeral of a young man who didn’t have to die.  He died due to his own decision to use alcohol and it was a fatal decision.   At his memorial service I looked around the room and saw more than a hundred of his friends and associates who lived a similar lifestyle.  

 

I work daily with those who have made poor choices. They come to me for help in that their decisions have left them homeless and without money.   Their choice to use self-destructive behavior; using alcohol or drugs is a common thread to their dilemma.  Another common thread is that many of my clients are young men and women.   Just today I turned on the evening news and witnessed the breaking news of yet another senseless crime committed by a young 22 year old who decided to open gun fire on a political gathering killing 6 and injuring another dozen people.  

 

For just a bit my thoughts began to question our society and what we are teaching our youth.   “Is this why I am seeing so many young adults who find themselves in trouble?  Are we failing to teach our children basic truths that we were taught in our younger years?”  I began to ask.  

 

As I continued to reflect upon these events my thoughts began to take a positive turn.  I began thinking about that group of Wake Forest University Students who worked with me at the homeless shelter recently.   The group of Campbell University students who gave up their spring break to travel with me to Atlanta, Ga. to assist refugees in a poverty situation.   The young Chowan University music student who was motivated to play a concert at his church to raise money for that homeless shelter, and the joy I witnessed when he presented to the shelter the large sum of money from his concert.   I am reminded of the many young adult men and women I have been fortunate to work along side as they have begun their career in ministry.  I am thankful to know the new Global Field Personnel we commissioned last summer at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s General Assembly.  Men and women at much sacrifice have taken up residence in places all over our world, raising their own support, to be the presence of Christ.   Men and women who will drive a hundred miles to help serve a meal at our homeless shelter because they want to be a part of helping another human being.   Men and women with no thought of how much they will be paid taking on low wage, full time employment in places that serve “the least of these.”   

 

It is truly sad to witness the waste of a young life, but it gives me joy and comfort in the future knowing there are young men and women who do actually get it.   Men and women who are going to change our society for the better and who are an inspiration to some of us who work along side them.   My young friends, you know who you are, thank you for your commitment and your dedication.   I feel the world is a better place because of you and I am proud to be your friend and colleague.  

 

LaCount Anderson

 

   

Union Mission will be benefitting from sales at Belk Department Store on November 6 from 6 AM until 10 AM .  Below are some frequently asked questions.    Tickets are $5.00 and will be a coupon to receive up to 70% off of merchandise on that day.   You may purchase a ticket by contacting LaCount Anderson at director@umrr.org , see one of our Board of Directors, or drop by the Mission at 1310 Roanoke Ave. in Roanoke Rapids, NC.  

Thanks for purchasing a ticket!!

What is Charity Sale?   It is a private, four hour sale dedicated to supporting local non-profit organizations like Union Mission.   Union Mission will have the opportunity to raise money for our organization while private sale customers receive 20%-70% off Belk purchases storewide.

 

When will this event be held?   November 6 from 6 AM until 10 AM at the Belk Store in Roanoke Rapids.

 

How do we raise funds?   Simple, you will purchase a coupon for $5.00 .  The money goes directly to the Union Mission.

 

Does Belk keep a percentage of the ticket prices?    No

 

Are there any specific rules regarding ticket sales?   Yes, tickets provided by Belk to Union Mission are to be treated as cash and purchased uniformly for $5.00 each.  Tickets cannot be given away, discounted, or reproduced.

 

Can I still shop the private sale if I am unable to attend on Saturday November 6?   Yes, customers are welcome to reserve their desired merchandise for the event beginning on Sunday, October 31.   Simply present your charity sale ticket to a Belk associate and ask them for details on reserving merchandise.

Need is great, but community response greater in Roanoke Valleyby Stephen Hemelt, Managing Editor, The Daily Herald 

There is no doubt that times are tough for those in the Roanoke Valley. Word from those who run Union Mission of Roanoke Rapids shows the people of the Roanoke Valley are even tougher.

The Rev. LaCount Anderson told The Daily Herald the mission helped 700 people with emergency food in the first four weeks of September, a drastic increase because the mission normally serves 200 to 300 people in that time frame.

LaCount described the need as “crazy” in Sunday’s newspaper.

The mission, located in the 1300 block of Roanoke Avenue, serves one meal a day to the public and offers food boxes, which can contain canned food.

“We’re just very pleased with the community for their help,” LaCount said. “I think we are seeing people who normally don’t visit us. Those donations from Scouts, high schools and various church groups are really helpful to what we’re doing. I just want to thank the citizens who have donated, and I want them to know their donations have really helped their fellow citizens in the Roanoke Valley.”

Union Mission operates completely on donations, so it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the community that Union Mission has met its recent needs, which are up as much as 300 percent.

It seems all too many of us are but one cutback away from being the one who can help to the one who needs help.

It’s great to know there are many wonderful people who work with the less fortunate in our very own community.

There is also a larger network of people who help supply those on the front lines. We are grateful for them all.

Anyone interested in helping the mission can call 252-537-3372 or e-mail LaCount at director@umrr.org.

 

  From time to time I am asked if there are items I need for our ministry.   I wanted to share one item that is probably the most important item for our work in poverty.    Bibles.    We have the wonderful opportunity to share the word of God with homeless people as well as families in crisis.   Opportunities avail at local prisons too.   

Our friend Larry Hovis sent this letter to me yesterday.   I pass it on to you and ask you to pray for this minister of the Gospel.     One of our pastors in the Hispanic Network was arrested last Thursday.  Hector Villanueva has a green card, a social security card, legal resident since the 1980s, and has been in the United States since he was three. He and his wife Martha, a US Citizen, have four children, and are in the process of adopting two foster children. 

Hector is warm, engaging, and speaks fluent English.  Recently, Hector applied for US citizenship.  When he did this, a background check found an old conviction for trying to cash a bad check while homeless.  Hector served his sentence and became a Christian 15 years ago, and has dedicated himself to a life of ministry.  He pastors Iglesia Bautista la Roca in Siler City, but previously helped our Hispanic Leader Coach Javier Benitez start Iglesia Bautista la Roca in Raleigh. 

Any non-citizen with a prior conviction faces deportation, regardless if they have served their sentence or not. Because of this, authorities are planning to deport him.  Church members were quoted as saying, "We love him. We need him." His wife Martha shares, "I need my husband home." 

Hector has an immigration lawyer, who is petitioning on his behalf to be released on bond.  Many of us have written character reference letters, but now we need your prayers. Please pray for Hector and his family in their time of need.

 Here is the link to the WRAL story on Hector, with a video interview with his wife Martha.