Severe Weather Shelter Network is a Christian ministry. We have not hidden that fact from any that would ask. Our passion and purpose are best served when we intentionally partner with other organizations that serve the same community we serve.
What does “unified in passion and purpose” look like from this perspective?
I celebrate that more than eight different denominations are represented in the churches with whom we partner. The Church is unified around serving people experiencing homelessness. This taps our key Bible verse: “And the King will say, I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!” Matthew 25:40 NLT The whole passage is a good read if you have a chance. We all fall into the “least of these” category in some way.
I celebrate the partnerships with service providers, cities and counties. These growing relationships continue to unify us as together we seek to create a pathway out of homelessness. We all bring our best gifts, our visions and our passions. All of us want to see our brothers and sisters living housed, healthy and whole. We are unified in our purpose.
It is a beautiful picture of Kingdom come, when all facets of a community can come together for a common purpose. All of us want to pour life into those who are struggling. All of us want to meet immediate needs that empower dreams to allow each person to become all they are intended and gifted to be.
Celebrate with me! Unity is not conformity. Unity does bring about changes in communities that benefit “the least of these” our brothers and sisters. Unity benefits us all.
Leaning into His Kingdom come,
Lynn Ann Huizingh