Being 'salt & light' in Downtown Miami

175 days ago by Jenn Collins

Written by Warren Corbin, leader of the T.O.U.C.H. Project

Some people ask, “why do you do what you do?” Aren’t there enough people in the world today that go out and help the homeless or the less fortunate? Couldn’t you do something better with your time, your effors and your finances? To me…when I hear questions, comments or opinions like that, it only makes me smile. Why? To me, there IS no better use of my time, resources and finances than going out into the world and helping those that need it the most. I find no greater joy than loving those that society has forgotten about and caring for ALL of God’s children.

This past weekend, I was blessed to have another amazing team of volunteers go out to help the T.O.U.C.H. Project reach the homeless of South Florida. Normally, I am blown away by the faith and courage of the people on the streets we meet. Friday night was no exception. Through some amazing conversations, we were able to share the love of God with dozens of people and pray with countless more.

However, what truly blew me away was the wide array of people I was taking down with me. The majority of which had never gone out with me to feed. Yet, I saw God use these volunteers in ways that made my heart smile. Some I met for the first time, others had been a few times before. Yet, all came with a singular focus, to take two simple passages of scripture and live them out in an effort to continue being ‘salt and light to the world.’

In the first part of John 13 we see Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. In doing this he modeled, in a tangible manner, the full extent of His love for them. In verses 15 & 17 Jesus says, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you…now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” That was the attitude of the people I saw that came with me this Friday. It was heart-warming. Better yet, they took the verse in James 1:22 and put it into action. The verse says, “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Model Christ by being a servant, and find a way to go and do so. What a simple, yet powerful concept! I am so privileged to be apart of such a body of believers that desires to not only hear the words of Christ, but go forth and do them in some tangible way. God sure is amazing.

For anyone that is interested in coming out with us to minister to the less fortunate of downtown Miami, I welcome you to join. It’s a great time for God’s people to fellowship together, build relationships, put words to action and BE the body of Christ to those that need it the most. I have been honored to have community groups, church groups (from other churches), single, married persons and more come out all in the name of being servants.

As always we still need much help as this is a voluntary ministry that survives on donations and prayers. If you would like to find out how to become more involved or want to contribute in any manner, please contact me at warrenc@visitoasis.org or J_Bacon21@hotmail.com.