I was sitting at my desk recently and looked up to see a lady standing in my office door. After working as Minister for Benevolence and also in Weekday Ministry for most of my life, I could recognize pretty quickly that she was in some type of need even without any words being exchanged. I asked her, “How can I help you?”
Hesitantly she asked if she could talk to me for a minute and I quickly answered in the affirmative. She came into my office and sat down and began her story.
She told me her name (I will call her Stacy to protect her), and she told me how hungry she and her son were. She had some disabilities, as did her son, and couldn’t drive or work. They were out of food and desperate. As we sat and talked, her stomach was growling non-stop and my heart was alternating between breaking for her and feeling blessed for what God has given me. I told her that we had no resources to help, but I could call a couple County resources to see if they could assist. So, I called both the “In His Name” food pantry and “Connecting Henry,” both of whom were going to call her back when she got home to see what might be available.
About that time, the Lord reminded me that I had a resource for help. I had $40 in my wallet. I needed it, but she needed it more. So, as I quietly prayed, God told me to give her the money for some food for her family. And I did. Gladly. I could go across the street the ATM and get more money, but Stacy could not.
She began to cry and thank me and thank God for helping her out. I reminded her that God was going to take care of her and her family; just trust Him.
The experience made me reflect on my years of experience in God’s service in helping people. I learned from Mrs. Frances West when I worked with her at the Woodland Hills Baptist Church in the inner-city of Atlanta. She was the Weekday Ministry Director and she taught me how to recognize the needs of people and I carried people to doctors, grocery stores, provided clothes, occasionally some money, and most importantly, a listening ear.
I would encourage you to not turn away too quickly when someone approaches you in need. Especially, in these days and times when so many are needing help. God may have given you some resources or ideas on how to help them and He will bless you more than the people you help. Keep a few McDonald or Wendy’s gift cards or a couple grocery store cards in your wallet to hand out. Ask God how you can do it. You. Will. Be. Blessed!
I love and thank Mrs. Frances West for teaching me the joys of a social ministry and how to help people. Now, it is such a part of my life that it has become an integral part of my ministry.
And for today, my friends, this has been the gospel according to Jimmy.
Jimmy Cochran is a resident of McDonough, a musician, a minister and the author of Being God’s and Staying God’s, both available at Amazon.com. Being God’s is also available at Moye’s Pharmacy in McDonough.
