Jesus calls us all to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, take in strangers, and cloth the naked. He says, “inasmuch as you did it not to the least of these, you did it not to me.” (Matt 25: 35-40). After all, Jesus provided the opportunity to serve when these things were done for him. Was it not Jesus who asked for water at the well? Was it not Jesus who traveled so much that he depended on the hospitality of others for housing and food? Where did Jesus acquire his clothing? There are countless acts of service to strangers or those in need throughout the bible. There is the widow who gave her last bit of flour and oil to make bread for Elijah, Dorcas who sewed clothing and helped those in need, Rahab who provided shelter to strangers/spies to keep them from being captured, and the woman at the well who gave water. Just to name a few. We are called to serve the least of them just as those in the bible served Jesus and others.
For the seventh year in a row, Sligo opens its doors to help homeless women and children through Winter Haven Emergency Shelter. From December 15th – March 15th House of Divine Guidance (HDG), a nonprofit organization founded and operated by Dr. Donna Robinson, a long time Sligo member, partners with churches such as Sligo, Takoma Park and others in Silver Spring to shelter the homeless from the harsh winter cold. In addition to providing overnight shelter, residents receive three meals, assistance with education, getting a job, health, hygiene and more.
Churches that partner with House of Divine Guidance to provide shelter for the homeless also open the door for members to provide service. How can you serve? You can donate a healthy meal for dinner or needed food supplies, volunteer in the shelter, assist with homework, or share a skill. You can donate clothing, Smartrip, laundry or grocery cards or other financial contribution towards shelter costs. All donations are tax-deductible. Finally, HDG is hosting a 4 week cooking class for residents at the Takoma Park SDA church in January. Assistance is needed for childcare and to purchase s basic cookware set (pot, pan, skillet) for each participant ($20 value for up to 10 participants).
Take heed to the call for service. Give of your service, resources and time. Remember, Jesus says, “When you do it unto the least of these you do it unto me.” For more information, to donate or volunteer, contact Dr. Robinson at donna.robinson@houseofdivineguidance.org or (240) 888-6775. Financial contributions can be made directly through your offering by indicating Winter Haven online or on the offering envelope.