A practical way to help a young man at church with a bed, bedding, or fridge

We’ve had a young man attending Benoni Baptist Church for the past six months. One of our members picks him up at a robot where he stays on her way to Sunday services. He’s homeless. Orphaned. With no family network or support. While I’m not aware that he’s ever asked anyone for anything, he asked me if he could be baptised and come into membership. So I tasked Sibu and Mpho to disciple him with that in view, and they’ve taken him under their wing.

As our relationship with him has developed, the elders thought of a way to get more involved. Ian and David do handyman tasks around the church property on Tuesdays. They needed help with the more physical jobs, so we asked the young man if he’d work with them. Ian and David have been mentoring him. Over time, he has picked up skills and earned some money, and the church has had some maintenance tasks ticked off.

This morning I was approached by a couple who visited our service on Sunday. They need a South African male to stay on the property and work five days a week. He’d have Sundays off, and they intend to bring him to church with them. They’ve met with him, interviewed him, and are happy that he can do the work. The young man now has a place to stay, off the street, safe, and warm. He is earning his first living wage.

Talking with his new employer, I asked what he needs to get set up in the new accommodation. They said the previous worker had a bed, bedding, and a fridge. So that’s the ask. Nothing needs to be new; previously loved items will work well. Do you have a pillow? A blanket? A mattress? A bed? Or an old fridge? Or do you have a bakkie and could transport the items?

James 1:27 says, Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world. This is a very practical way to live that out. Contact Mark directly if you’re able to assist.