Tag: teens opposing poverty

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The Power of Friendship

The one aspect of TOP’s ministry that has the greatest impact on the poor and on our volunteers can’t be measured or quantified, but it truly changes lives. It’s friendship.

Homeless and poor people spend much of their lives dodging the boulders that the world throws at them. When this happens day after day, they feel tired and beaten.  Often they are ignored or herded like cattle in order to receive the goods and services that keep them alive. It’s dehumanizing to say the least. Just having somebody who will look them in the eye, smile, or give an affirming touch is enough to change their week or their lives.  This encouragement can happen at a first meeting.  But when young people and the poor develop deeper friendships, incredible things can happen.

The benefits of friendship with the poor and homeless go beyond being a bright spot and having warm, fuzzy feelings. For some homeless people, friendships with teens have created a positive accountability. They don’t want to let their young friends down. That sense of obligation has helped several men I know kick a drug or alcohol habit and stay clean.

Another benefit to homeless and poor people is having someone outside their peer group to cheer them on and encourage them when they are down. Here is where teens really shine in their ministry. They don’t judge. They don’t condemn. They listen, try to understand and offer hope. When a homeless man gives up after being knocked down for the fourth or fifth time in a year, that word of encouragement from a teen can be enough to get him to try again.

Through our friendships we earn the right to share the good news of Jesus.  Many nonbelieving homeless and poor people have heard the gospel or read a tract, but they haven’t seen Jesus at work in the people who serve them.  Once they see perfect agape love in action, many are more receptive to hearing about the source of that powerful love.

Never underestimate the power of friendship. It’s the key that opens the door to transformation and hope. 

God’s grace to you,

Steve Jennings, Executive Director

 Teens Opposing Poverty

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The Best Option for the Poor

            What is the best option for the poor when it comes to the help we provide? What is the best, first step to help lift people out of poverty? Is it meeting their physical needs, helping them find jobs, looking for opportunities for them?  The ways in which we can help poor people are limited only by our imagination.  But I think we often miss a key component that, if not addressed, dooms most poor people to failure in their attempts to improve their lives.

             The neglected key component is how people think.  Unless we help them change their attitudes and worldviews,  most will be doomed to their current station in life.  After meeting their basic needs, the best option for the poor in our work with them is to help them see that there is a better way to approach problems.

             Below are just a two of the mental obstacles that keep poor people poor:

 Entitlement Mentality: The attitude that someone else should provide for them and fix their problems.  This, in my opinion, is the strongest link in the chain that enslaves people in a life of poverty.  We must help them realize that, ultimately, they have to take initiative and develop persistence in overcoming their obstacles.

 Hopelessness:  In homeless people, this is a common problem.  Some of my homeless friends have been knocked down so many times, they stop trying, or when they suffer a setback, they medicate themselves with drugs or alcohol or indulge in other destructive behaviors.  Encouragement should be a key element of every ministry with the poor.  Faith in Christ is also a strong deterrent to hopelessness among the homeless.

             So the best option for the poor is to become their friend and help them see that they can make it if they change their thinking.  With the right attitude and lots of persistence they CAN win their personal fight against poverty.

God’s grace to you,

Steve Jennings

Executive Director, Teens Opposing Poverty