In the valley, we take care of our neigbors

by Donnamae Grannemann (8/11/07)
Reprinted with permission from the Lewiston Tribune

There is one word to describe the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley: generous.

Many wonderful people and groups are led to help meet ongoing concerns and others which arise from time to time.

Jesus said, "... I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me ... ." (Matthew 25:31-46-NRSV)

Jesus is referring not only to the time of judgment but to our spiritual and social responsibility to care for those beyond our biological families. The family is as large as the world we live, in and everyone is called to be generous.

If that were to come to fruition, there would be no hungry, unclothed and homeless people because the churches and the community would work together to take care of neighbors. The Good Samaritan would include each of us. No one would walk by on the other side of the road but bind up the wounds of those who are hurt.

We may throw our hands up and say, "This is impossible! What can I do?" But the power of one is still significant, and when one recruits more, great things can be accomplished.

We are blessed with ministries such as the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, the YWCA and others that are generously making life better for individuals and families. But each group originally began with an individual or small group of people dreaming how to make a difference.

A ministry new to the valley is Family Promise, a group addressing homelessness. All of the homeless cannot be served, but some can. Family Promise can provide an opportunity for a select number of families who are having a difficult time affording a decent place to live, some loving and caring assistance, encouragement and resources during their time of transition.

Several churches have already joined to provide shelter and hospitality, but others are needed.

A social worker will be hired to assist these families, and other agencies will help. Of course, additional volunteers, physical and financial resources are needed.

The dream of expanded services will become a reality because the valley has proved to be so generous over the years and will continue to be caring.

God has called all of us to "love our neighbor," be "sister, brother, mother," and to "walk on the side of the wounded." Let us expand our calling.

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Grannemann is interim/transitional pastor at Clarkston First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).