Creative Giving to Preserve Dignity and Build Relationship, The Sequel

Back in June I wrote a post about hiring a homeless man to clean my air conditioning unit. His name was Tony. A couple of weeks ago I was serving dinner in a homeless shelter and encountered Tony again. I told him to stop by when he had a chance. A few days later he dropped in the office. We visited and caught up with each other.
 
A couple of days ago, Tony came in again. He was looking for some possible work to make money to get a prescription filled. A recent electrical accident left him with a skin issue that needed treatment. We had some service work at the church that was long overdue and within Tony’s capabilities, but was outside the norm of what our custodian could do. We hired Tony to work for about 3 hours it was once again a win/win. He provided us needed service at a price that saved us a good deal and we were able to pay him significantly more than we would have given him for the prescription.
 
As he got ready to go, he came into my office and was curious about what Presbyterians believe. I gave him a little booklet that explained the basic beliefs of Presbyterians and a few distinctions. He was curious. Tony is now out of the homeless shelter and has managed to get a room in an apartment a few blocks from the church. He is rather seriously considering coming to church next Sunday. I hope to see him. I would love to worship with Tony as a new brother in Christ.
 
I am going to close this post with the exact same lessons I posted back in June because, frankly, I am still learning them. God seems to think I need some repetition and as usual God is right. So here they are…

THE LESSONS LEARNED

1. I don’t have 60k to loan, but God puts people on my step that I can help with what I do have.
2. It takes some time and creativity to figure out solutions that help everyone. You can’t be in a hurry and figure out a solution like Tony and I did. You have to work at it.
3. When there is an exchange for assistance it helps preserve someone’s dignity. I don’t have any problem giving without any strings attached. We do it all of the time. Sometimes though someone needs the gift of work as much as they need the money.
4. Entering into partnerships to help someone yields a very different relationship. Tony and I have a different connection from the people that I have given gas to in the past. I haven’t found words to describe it.
5. I still have a lot to learn about giving.

 
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