YES!

“For in him every one of God’s promises is a ‘Yes.’ For this reason it is through him that we say
the ‘Amen,’ to the glory of God.”  2 Corinthians 1:20

     With this writing, we are preparing to launch the new network of Family Promise of Greater Brandon.
This has been an effort several years in the making, and with this beginning, we are adding another
much needed mission to our Brandon community. The first informational meeting of this ministry took place many years ago, and initial efforts to create a similar network of churches in Brandon (Interfaith Hospitality Network) was received with much interest but little action. Choosing where and how to put our energy is not an easy task — as individuals or as a congregation. Many opportunities come our way that may or may not be consistent with who we are and how we are called to serve. But occasionally, we are presented with ideas that are congruent with our own identity.

     Family Promise has been one of those opportunities which just made sense to so many here. But it has
not been easy preparation, and it has not been popular at times. In fact, some have been offended that
we would consider helping those in need in this way. I do not understand this perspective, but I suppose, like many other hesitations and affronts to our lives, it has to do with fear of the unknown. Additionally, we have not been very good at removing stigmas and stereotypes regarding our homeless population. Some of our labels become political and eventually impersonal and so it becomes easier to detach from the very real circumstances so many are facing each day. One of the reasons Family Promise makes sense is that it involves parents and children. Another reason is that it has a proven record of success. Those who desire to get back on their feet again, find work and/or transitional housing, reclaim their lives no matter the situation that led them to such a place of need — these are the people Family Promise seeks to serve.

     Family Promise offers some amazing stewardship of our resources:
As we continue to see the trends of church membership declining and large church buildings often becoming vacant, space becomes available to give families a place to lay their heads at night — places

that are hospitable, warm, safe, and clean — if not comfortable.  As churches seek to serve but may not have the resources or the space to be a host to those in need, they can provide volunteers to help in other churches that do have space.
     The downward spiral of homelessness is often something we neglect to see. When one loses shelter, food or security, they quickly become incapable of reclaiming any of these things and the pace of falling out of the societal system accelerates. Most churches don’t do much to help these folks. Most of our society doesn’t do much either. We give them a meal, a bag of food, or some items to help them clean up a bit. It doesn’t address the true needs that lie beneath. Family Promise has a process in place that addresses the bigger issues and it includes min- istering to those who have children in the picture.
     Many congregations in Brandon do not have the best history of working together. While each has their mission and their calling through their unique identity, the common foundation of representing the kingdom of heaven to the world has not been an his- torical strength for this community. The last few years have shown more hope through Feed the Bay, the I AM Hope Café, and a handful of other com- munity-wide gestures. Family Promise will strength- en this network and this community as well. Where our county and other non-profit services are limited, our communities of faith have so much potential. I believe this will tap into that more than we can even imagine today. Pray for this way forward, for this important community ministry of dignity and service to those who may be stuck. When we tend to say, “No,” God seems to have a way of saying “Yes.”