Family Promise Impact – Trinity Blog

“And one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” (James 2:16).

It was about a year ago when our first Family Promise guests arrived at Trinity Lutheran Church.  At the time many of us were nervous – we didn’t know how well (or how badly) the experience would be for us.  Would the families find comfort and privacy in our classrooms converted to sleeping areas?  Would our restroom facilities be adequate for so many overnight guests?  Would we have enough volunteers?  Looking back, our first year with Family Promise has been filled with many blessings.

Recently, our Family Promise Coordinator, Mary Weeden, and I met with the director of Family Promise of Genesee County to review our past year of ministry of helping the homeless with Family Promise.  Below is a summary of how God’s family of Trinity Lutheran Church helped local families experiencing homelessness during 2014:

• Number of host weeks: 3
• Number of families hosted: 9
• Number of people hosted 34
• Number of night’s sleep provided: 160
• Number of volunteer hours: 1,200
• Amount of in-kind donation: $26,556 (based on $22.13 an hour/volunteer according to the Corporation of National and Community Service).

We have sought to be a blessing to others through Family Promise.  However, through this ministry God has also blessed us.  The Family Promise Network has added several new opportunities for volunteering through Trinity.  Several of these new volunteer opportunities have been filled by members and friends who had previously not been serving through our church.

Our next Family Promise Host Week is scheduled for April 5 – 11.  Once again we will provide hospitality to guests whom God sends through our doors.  Prayerfully consider where you will serve.  Prayerfully consider how you will help us serve Jesus by helping our neighbors without a home (Matthew 25:34-40).