Sucks my internet is on the verge of being shut off so I might not see reply's to this.................Hmmm or will I

Tom

I cannot fault a church for providing for their members before outsiders. The ones who contribute should be the ones to gain. They are not government institutions that must help everyone.

In less trying times Tom, I think you would have been able to find help much more easily.

I am sorry you and your family are having a rough time.

I hope you find a job soon.

Tom, sorry to learn you're having difficulty.

One thing I can suggest if you do lose your Internet access, or want to cut that expense, is -- the library.

As for churches -- to me, the lack of relevant and useful programs to help community residents in need (and I believe there are some in Genesee County, just not many or enough), is that much of the social service activity once performed by churches has been taken over by the government.

As communities, we're no longer as self-reliant as we once were.

At the same time, churches have become largely more inward focused, largely focused on self improvement, rather than service (obviously, this doesn't apply to all churches). Or they're more focused on political issues.

It's also both symptomatic and emblematic of how local communities struggle today as local residents are less engaged/involved with their local community.

Tom,

I am sorry to hear of the troubles you and your family are having.

There are many agencies and organizations that can help in different ways.

It is harder now adays than before as the needs are so great within the community. However:

Care-A-Van has begun to partner with many different agencies and churches to help with the needs of others.

If you would like, email me with your phone number and we will call you and see if we can help you in any way or if any of our partnering agencies can. My email address is rwalters7@rochester.rr.com

Thank you Howard for stating that self improvement does not apply to all churches. I can only personally speak for Assembly of God to say that it reaches out in many ways within the community.

We at Care-A-Van do encourage people to get rooted in a church they feel comfortable and welcomed at. It is true that some churches will take care of their own first. What is great about being rooted in a church, is that one can make great Christian friends and know that their friends will be there during trying times for them as well as the rest of the church family.

Also Tom, Care-A-Van phone number is 343-0328. You can also call us. If you get the voice mail, just leave your name and number and we will get back to you to discuss your situation.

God Bless
Robin Walters
Public Relations Director
Care-A-Van Ministries

Tom you seem like a nice fellow and I just happen to think that good fortune is coming you're way. Idk why, but I just do. I feel for you and you're family, but i think that this will make you all even that much closer. I guess everything happens for a reason right????

As far as the church goes, don't take it personally. It's not that you aren't a member. I just think that religion in general is a bunch of organizations that exploit peoples fears and weaknesses for the advantages of money.

God bless you, and you sir are definitely in my prayers. And like I said, I'm sure it'll work out for you.

The library is great for the internet. I know a number of people who just don’t want to own a computer and use the ones there for their email and searches.

"All your friends they come a calling, slap you on the back and say 'Pleeeeease'..."

Hi Tom, just wondering if you and your family has ever considered actually joining and participating in a church? If so, you'd probably discover that organized religion isn't set up solely to be a mystical ATM for those in need. And to the extent that it _is_, you'd find that in this day and age, most churches are unable to participate in significant external ministries - though of course they'd love to - because they are broke, dwindling in membership, choking for air, just trying to survive... I know at this point you're angry and probably thinking that you needed their help and they let you down, but in truth it's exactly the opposite - THEY need YOU to come on down, get involved, help others in even GREATER need, and oh yeah, maybe even hear a bit of the Word while you're at it.

Good luck overcoming your immediate problems and your greater misgivings,

Martin

It is tough out there right now. Churches do have an obligation (in my opinion) to care for their own in times of trouble. People should seek help from their own church first. When time and finances allow, it may be possible to help others outside their congregation. But, those in need may need to make some reciprocal agreement with the church - such as showing up a couple of Sundays for worship, meeting with the Pastor or board to explain and document the need.

There are a lot of people out there who spend their money on gambling, alcohol and drugs who call the churches when the money runs out and expect automatic financial help. God has not called us to enable sinful behavior.

We get a lot of questionable requests for aid. While we want to help (when we can) those in legitimate need - it would be wrong for us to indiscriminately hand out money to everyone who comes to us.

Tom, I believe that religious and non religious programs are taking a beating in this economy. I hate to mention it but if you fall in the income guidlines for foodstamps u better swallow ur pride and sign up now. No shame in that when its needed. The great people with Care-a-van ministries wouldnt turn you away and you might want to try the ministry of concern on clinton street for a one time help for utility bills or at least apply for HEAP. I wish I could be more help. Peace Bro !

One of the wisest things anyone ever said to me is "Don't judge Christianity by the actions of Christians, judge Christianity by the actions of Christ" If you put your faith in man you will be let down every time. If you put your faith in God, he will meet ALL your needs. Now please take notice that the term is needs, not wants. Martin makes an excellent and often overlooked point that churches need us as much as we need them. It is the simple and yet time tested axiom that in order to reap one must first sow.
Having said that, many of our churches are failing miserably at outreach to those in need and if the tide does not turn, our churches will soon be the members only club houses you speak of. Robin is right to promote Care-A-Van. It is a ministry not associated with any one church and helps regardless of affilation or lack thereof.
Lastly, I have to call you out Howard on a statement you made. In a post from June 27, I said, "When churches became inward focused and put there emphasis more on their differences with other denominations, the poor and disadvantaged became collateral damage." You responded, "To say churches became inward forcused, I'd put it this way: They became more about personal salvation, which grew into more of a self-help revivalism as the 20th Century progressed.
And now you say this, " At the same time, churches have become largely more inward focused, largely focused on self improvement, rather than service." If you want to quote me just say so, I'll be gald to let you, just don't paraphrase and call it your own.(tongue-in-cheek) Keep up the good work Howard, the Batavian is a great addition to our community.

Thanks Jeff for the nice comment about promoting Care-A-Van. I came on board last October and with a love to write, Paul made me the official PR director. Still learning lots in that respect that is for sure.

We do go forth and help anyone that we can. We see the needs in the community increasing more and more. We do go forth and encourage others to get involved. It is amazing as one helps others, how they themselves will be doubly blessed.

We have a busy summer ahead of us with all the picnics and street churches and regular grocery distributions. Plus we also have been invited to present at a church in Clarence this week-end and we were asked to come to Buffalo for a Saturday in August. when they are doing a street outreach over there as well.

Also we have had the honor of New York City relief calling and asking us to come back to volunteer with them in January in Manhattan for the yearly Search and Rescue event! How awesome is that.

For those of you who do read the word.. it states the Harvest is ripe, but the workers are few! Care-A-Van could always use some good faithful volunteers.

Thanks to all of you here who help support us whether it be financially or in prayer or volunteering.

Robin, you are a great representative for CAV in the media. As soon as I recover from back surgery my wife and I will get back to taking the bus to Aldi's each week and filling the food bags. Can't wait to return to duty.

I just want to say I'm sorry and ask for forgiveness in what I said about church's in Batavia, I should know better then to do this and feel bad for it now.

I don't mean to bash church's in Batavia and I have just asked the Lord for forgiveness in this and I want to thank those on The Batavian for your help I just feel lost in this after losing my job after so many years of working and I guess I can in a way know how Job in the bible felt after GOD allowed Satan to take everything away from him to test his love for him (GOD).

Thanks for the posts and comments I will more then likely make some phone calls and just hope I guess and know that I think of it a few years ago I used to go to a church that gave away food every other Saturday or something like that and after awhile we had problems with peeps trying to get free food after they didn't need it or had all ready got it so I know why church's are tough on those that don't go to them I was just blowing off steam and again "Sorry to those church's and the Lord"

Tom

Tom,
Losing a job is tough. You experienced one of the stages one goes through as the reality of the situation hits.
It seems that no matter how much you had saved, it goes fast when there is no income coming in. That, alone, can be frightening.
Take a moment to look at your options while you look for another job.
If you are in need of food, you might apply for emergency food stamps. The process may seem daunting, but it will put food on the table.
Fortunately, this is summer and you don't have to worry about heating bills. That is a savings.
Also, make a list of your skills. Sometimes when one door closes another opens in the most unexpected place.
Good luck and God Bless.
.

Tom,
No one can blame you for venting in a situation like yours. What I admire is that you owned the vent and came back when you cooled down to offer us a glimpse of your true self. You are a good man and I know God is faithful and will meet your needs, have faith and we will keep you in prayer.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 JOHN 1:9

Thanks Jeff for the kind words and prayer and a big thank you from me the wife and kids does out to Dave.

plus thanks to all that have replied to this.

Tom G

Tom,

Best of luck with everything. Just remember if you and the family run short on food, please feel free to call the Care-A-Van number.

Our ministry does benefit from the local Post office food drive so we can go forth and help the folks of the city, plus we do our regular weekly grocery distribution on Saturday mornings.. (we miss ya Jeff!.. Paul just doesn't push the carts quite straight without you.. ( for those of you reading.. Jeff does our weekly grocery shopping at Aldi's which is about 4-5 cart fulls! )he and his wife then pack all the bags for Saturday mornings .. they are a HUGE help to the ministry!

Keep the Faith Tom, he never fails us!

Robin

I have to say I'm about ready to throw in the towel, filled out apps for jobs and NOTHING I guess the next step in welfare besides I'm running out of things to sell but anyways the stuff I have posted for sale is top notch so hurry the birds,router and laptop case is on craigs list also

don't know what else to do anymore.

Now I have my good 8.3 mega pixal camera for sale in the selling section better grab it before someone on craigs list does!!!!!

Sucks being poor and beleave me I tried finding work and no luck

Thanks Robin and the Care-A-Van for the chicken dinners

Thank you Salvation Army for your help

Got my old job back as of this Monday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never thought it would happen but it is a great feeling like starting over, Just hope others that have lost or are losing there job will get theirs back like me.


Thank you JESUS

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