Dear Rose Park,
In one of Jesus’ many lessons, He says, “truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Mt. 25:40). This passage of scripture is often quoted and cited as it relates to ministry to the ‘least of these.’ I’ve heard this passage over and over throughout my life, but it came to life two weeks ago.
Lauren Cooper, one of our former high school students at Rose Park, emailed me two weeks ago asking if there was anything we could do to help the homeless population in Holland during these colder months. She said it broke her heart to think about men, women, and children trying to survive in these frigid temperatures. Not only is this a testament to Lauren’s faith, witness, and service to Christ’s Kingdom but it also speaks volumes of how her family and friends at Rose Park discipled her as a young girl (praise be to God!).
In response, I reached out to the Holland Rescue Mission to find out how we could best support the homeless without accidentally or unintentionally hurting and perpetuating a problem. They were very grateful for the call and mentioned that other churches are sensing a similar call to help. So, in order to best unite our efforts the Holland Rescue Mission is asking us to put together ‘care packages.’ One care package will be a gallon-sized ziploc bag filled with basic toiletries, hat, gloves/mittens, and a facemask.
This is all to say, would you be willing to donate a care package or two? If you aren’t able to purchase an entire package, would you be willing to donate a few items? We’ll be collecting these packages in the narthex until Sunday March 21 and then will be bringing them to the Gateway Center on 24th Street to be distributed. Jesus calls us to pray, advocate, care and actively support all the members of His family. In this Lenten season, as we consider Christ’s tremendous sacrifice for us, would you be willing to help some members of God’s family?
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mark
P.S. Thank you so much Lauren for your witness and service in God’s Kingdom!