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Helping in Times of Need

Posted by Sally Bland on

By Sally Bland -- 

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON!?! Our lives have drastically changed in the last week due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are adjusting to a new normal, and we don’t know how long this new normal will last. Kids don’t have school, people are isolating themselves in their homes, families are not sure if they will continue to have a source of income, and grocery stores are out of toilet paper! The future is unknown, we do not know how the pandemic will continue to upend our lives and that can be unnerving. As Christians, our connection with God helps us release our fear and look to Him for peace. We find peace knowing God is in control and will never leave us.  

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, for the LORD your 
God is with you wherever you go.” -- Joshua 1:9

It is important that we show the love of Jesus to our community during this time of unrest. As we look around our community, we can offer comfort to those around us who are struggling. God is giving us opportunities to impact the lives of people at GPBC, in the community around GPBC, and in the communities where we live.

Right now, there are several families near GPBC in need of help. The Neighborhood House has offered to coordinate efforts between churches and other community groups in support of SW Portland families. The goal is to support families in need by: 

  • Providing lunches for low income students Mon-Fri while school is out.
  • Distributing food boxes, diapers, and wipes to low income families.
  • Providing educational activities and supplies for children in need.
  • Caring for senior citizens that may be isolated during this time.


There are several ways you can join us in supporting families in SW Portland. 

  • The Neighborhood House needs diapers (size 4, 5, and 6), baby wipes, baby food, basic food staples (rice, beans, tomato sauce, canned food, and fresh/frozen fruits and veggies), paper plates, paper lunch bags, castile soap, seventh generation dish soap, puzzles for kids 0-6 years old, and games/books/activity books/art supplies for kids. All donations can be dropped off on Mondays and Thursdays 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM at 6650 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219 (Neighborhood House Children’s Center).

 

  • Donate money directly to Neighborhood House by giving online at www.nhpdx.org/donate or mailing a check to Neighborhood House at 7780 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219 (please indicate these funds are for Family and Nutrition Services at Head Start in the memo line).

 

 


I look forward to hearing stories from you about how God used you during this time to impact the world and draw people to Christ!

In fact, two of our members are already working to serve during this crisis and you can help them. The hospitals are currently in urgent need of N95 respiratory masks. This is an immediate, critical, and life-threatening shortage. If you have unused, new-in-box N95 masks in your personal supplies that you would be willing to donate to those on the front lines of this crisis, email or text Stephanie and Angelo Ramella at   or 602-819-0459 with your address. They will arrange pick up and delivery of the masks to our medical professionals.

Let's remember that we can all impact the world through prayer! There are billions of people around the world who are worried about how the COVID-19 pandemic will affect their families. As Jesus followers, let’s join together in prayer asking God to end this pandemic, help scientists find a vaccine, dissipate the public fear, and that through it all God will be glorified turning people to Him. I look forward to seeing you (hopefully soon)!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -- Philippians 3:6-7

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