Today my kids and I went shopping. We filled our cart with crackers, peanut butter, peanuts, tuna, cookies, shampoo, deoderant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, socks and water bottles. Were these things for our own pantry shelves? No! We were filling bags to keep in the back of our van for those times we may run into a homeless person on the side of the road who may be holding up a sign that says, “will work for food.” When we come across one of these people, we can pull over and share a bag of goodies with them that will hopefully bless them. I also hope to get a little paper back Bible to put in the bags.
This idea goes along with our unit we’re doing right now, our World Tour. We are using A Child’s Geography by Ann Voskamp, and the first chapter talks about Earth as our home. We learned that the Earth is the shape of a sphere, we discussed how big the earth is, how many people live here, and how God created it.
At the end of each chapter in A Child’s Geography, there is a “Reaching Out” section, which is my favorite part of this book! On this Reaching Out section for chapter one, we learn about what it means to be homeless. We are encouraged to pray for the homeless and help in any way we can, to show the love of God to these people.
I don’t remember where I read this idea, so I can’t take credit for it, I might have even heard it on the radio a few years ago, but it is perfect for this chapter, so we’re doing it!
*If I can’t find small Bibles to put in, I may look for some tracks or print off some verses to put in that I come up with on my own.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me… The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'” Matthew 25:35-40
This is such a neat idea! I love it! Thanks for posting…
What a wonderful way to minister to those in need!
I’ve given you an award. Stop by when you get a chance. 🙂
What a great idea and learning experience for the kids…I might have to do something like this as well. We usually pass 1 or 2 people on the side of the road on the exit where my parent’s live. Thanks for sharing!
OH what a great idea. Your children are learning so many different things in school, and I am constantly amazed. You are all truly blessed for being a homeschooling family.
Love you, Mom
That is such a good idea. We might try that as well.
I love this idea and am definitely going to get a copy of A Child’s Geography!
Hi,
I just found you by following your link on the Yahoo group for ACG.
We are also just getting ready to start with Vol 1. I am as excited as you have written you are.
I really like your idea here that you are doing. I will think about if we might could do this also.
Thank you for sharing it with everyone.
Pat
Okay- I feel like my IQ just went up 3 points just by reading your blog! You are amazing! Wish I could muster up the courage to do the “no coke”- ahh maybe one day. I love this idea for the homeless people!!! The Daily Bread in town does this for times they don’t provide meals. They give brown bags with these same items. It’s a great ministry!!!! I never thought of carrying them in the car for all the people we see with the signs!!! Awesome idea!