The Poor Through God’s Eyes

This book will change the way you think about the poor. Click to buy on Amazon (I don't get anything except satisfaction if you do)

Earlier this week, I volunteered at Manna House (more about Manna House here, here and here) as I often do. There is never a time that I leave there without some new insight, but on this day I left with a book in hand as well. The book, Radical Compassion, Finding Christ in the Heart [...]

Memphis Connect: Beyond the Four Walls

Joe Carson talks with a friend in downtown Memphis

I just posted this on Memphis Connect: If you were asked to write your eulogy, how would it read? For Kelli and Dr. Joe Carson, members of The Life Church of Memphis, that question launched a journey that led them from a comfortable suburban life to ministry in neighborhoods that people who look like them [...]

I Was Wrong

A downtown Atlanta overpass: someone's only shelter

What are homeless people like? Though it’s not easy to admit, I harbored some preconceived notions: Dangerous. Violent. Unintelligent. Uncaring. Lazy. Scary. Until a few weeks ago. Until Manna House. My first experience humbled and overwhelmed me. With regret for the assumptions I have made. Shame for my complacency. Anger at my own indifference while [...]

Is it a Donut or is it Manna?

donut

Today someone offered me a piece of a chocolate donut … and it made me cry. I spent this morning at Manna House in midtown Memphis, which offers hospitality, showers, change of clothes, coffee and rest to area homeless persons. After we served coffee, provided showers and dispensed basic toiletries, socks and clean clothes, we [...]

Would You Give Up a Pizza for a Child?

geremy

This is Geremy. He’ll be eight years old on August 1. He lives in Nicaragua with his stepfather and mother. He makes beds and runs errands for his family, which includes three other children. He likes to play with cars, enjoys ball games and bicycling. For some time we’ve been hearing about Compassion International, a [...]