I grew up in a household where my parents were always helping people. They brought people from all over Jamaica to our home in Kingston to live, work and go to school.

These people are all grown, with lives of their own and none have come back or called to say thanks, but I know my parents would have it no other way. One can give only what they have and nothing else. So, give what you can. It's their conscience. You will always feel good, knowing you helped someone.

A.C.

Dear A.C.,

Your parents are blessed. That blessing will follow you. God has promised to bless those who help the poor. The Bible says, the day will come when the Lord will say to those on his right hand, "Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungered, and ye gave me meat. I was thirsty, and he gave me drink. I was a stranger, and he took me in. Naked and he clothed me. I was sick and he visited me. I was in prison and he came unto me."

"Then shall the righteous answer him saying, Lord when saw we thee an hungered and fed thee? Or thirsty and gave thee drink? And the King shall answer and say unto them, verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

practical ways

Some people fail to realise God expects His children to serve him in practical ways. That means giving lodging and feeding those who are hungry and can hardly help themselves.

May God help us to understand Christianity is more than just shouting 'hallelujah and praise the Lord'. It is giving to others some of what God has given to us.

Pastor