When Money Gets Tight

“What’s left in the kitchen?”

Jodi came to pick up a check before shopping on Thursday. Knowing that the account was nearly empty, for the second time this summer I had to ask her: “What’s left in the kitchen?”

The day before I’d been going through food inventory with Pastor Aldo at Siempre and now, here in RIverside, trying to figure out how we could make it through the weekend on whatever we might have. Looking at Jodi I shook my head and said teasingly: “You need to start cooking a few bad meals. The crowds are just HUGE!”

Everybody loves Jodi’s cooking. She’s been faithfully preparing to serve a couple hundred meals each week for nearly 20 years. Incredible. But good as her food is – the crowds always get big in the summer. Heat forces folks out into the cool evenings and by 10pm, when we arrive, folks, many who haven’t eaten all day – are anxiously waiting.

It’s the plight of those living in urban poverty. It should do so much more than break our hearts – it should drive us to lovingly open our wallets and give, so that others can enjoy a home cooked meal together. We take so much for granted.

Adopt one meal this month – $200-
Claim the week of your birthday and make a donation.
Write a check for this year’s Christmas Party on the streets and the thousands of backpacks we need to buy.
Send $20- bucks to help us through this tough time.
Send $35,000- to buy us a new van – the old one needs to go.

You may never have the opportunity to serve even one night on the streets with us. Missing so very much… You may have worked with us in the past or supported the work in a way that changed lives – Thanks so very much. Not everyone will cook the meals, drive the van, serve on the streets… but all of us know how to give.

Serving the heart of our city since January 1, 1989. Faithfully taking jackets and meals from Central Community in Riverside to skidrow – every Sunday night for decades – you can count on us. We’re so confidant that you’d be pleased where every penny went that we gladly invite you to help us cook, pack and serve and see just how economically we get by – it’s nothing short of miraculous – totally loaves and fish. Not bragging – just completely amazed – even still, after all these years.

A Voice for the Poor

People ask me: “What are the homeless like?” and “How did they get that way?”

They’re just like you and me. Good days and bad. Each has their own unique story. When things went right for you – not so much for them… “there but for The Grace of God go you or I.”

Most of all they’re ignored. Even while we serve them on Sunday nights – cars stop at the light, stare, than turn away when they’re greeted with friendly waves. Ignored to the point of feeling invisible, isolated, abandoned.

Your gift, your part in Jackets for Jesus acknowledges their existence and in one small way we have the opportunity to show that we care. That they matter. That our fortune isn’t just the fruit of their misfortune. Our gifts honor our Creator Who invites us to share in the plight of the poor. They need us. We need you. Your support this week will be more encouragement than you can ever imagine.

Tomorrow night Jodi’s cooking whatever she can find in the kitchen. She’ll make something amazing – but it kills me. We can do so much better. Give, share, serve… why not come out this Sunday night? It’d be wonderful to see you. as always, You’re Invited!

for changing lives,

Eric M. Denton, pastor
Central Community