Helping the sick and poor

[Godschild22]

I have been going through one of the most challenging physical and financial  times in my life. So much so that at times it's  made me question my faith in God. I have reached out to over 70 churches for help and have been sorely disappointed with  the responses I recieved.  They ranged from indifference to flat out shaming me for asking for help, even though I know that Jesus would gladly help me if he was here. He is helping me now to stay alive. Many churches that I spoke to said they had no money or were close to bankruptcy.  They ones that said they could help, refused to help because I was not a member of their congregation.  So far I  have been able to find a small amount of help from 3 churches and $25 worth of grocery cards from another. This is out of over 70 plus churches that I contacted. I find this absolutely shocking and a disgrace to the Christian faith. I contacted 2 very famous mega churches that I have tithed with and was turned away. I keep wondering what is going on . Are the churches not there to help the sick and poor as Jesus instructed so many times? I don't remember  him telling anyone that he wouldn't  help them because they were not members of his clique. It is literally by the Grace of God that I am still alive. I tried contacting government and city services  that are set up to help the poor and those without housing and was not able to get help. I called several  non profits but because  I have no children,  I didn't  qualify. I filed for disability since I  have had to have 8 major medical procedures to stay alive and was denied. Others said to apply again , that you are alwats denied the first time you apply, but the process takes almost a year to go through again. I  have had to walk completely by faith, hour by hour and I am happy to say that God has been faithful. The thing I keep thinking about is how with the government cutting funding for food,housing and healthcare for the poor, is that more and more people will be turning to the churches for help. What is going on with the church? Through this experience  I see that many have become more social centers, concerned with putting on concert like music productions and opening new "campuses" rather than following Jesus' mandate to help the poor and sick. Even though this experience has been humiliating and challenging  to the point where at times I wanted to just give up on living, I am  grateful for the experience. God has shown me that He is here, even if "the church " is not. I pray that for those still reading, that if you attend a church whose focus is not on helping others, then please consider trying to set something up. Remember,  that whatever you do to and for those that need help, you have done to Jesus. If you judge the poor, you will be judged. If you say horrible things to those asking for help , your words are heard by Jesus. It seems that many Christians have forgoten this. 

https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-helping-others/

[Willa]

There are great numbers of professional beggars who go from church to church asking for a hand out.  Most keep a list of them that they share with other churches.  They will try to verify your story.  Some give to utilities or places you owe money to help out.  Some give first to their own members.  Most don't give cash if they suspect you might spend it on drugs or alcohol.  They are more apt to give you a free meal.  Some will offer you work or chores by which you can earn money.

The local mission usually helps, as does the Salvation Army.

Most towns have food banks that distribute free food.

Once Jesus found that people were only following him to get a free meal he stopped giving out loaves and fishes.