Brothers of Mine came about as a result of a desire of this church to help meet the specific needs of homeless men in the Tulsa area. It is a growing ministry, which began in December of 2005.
In one year, the Brothers of Mine ministry served a total of 3,335 cups of hot food, over 50 pairs of knit hats and gloves, and dozens of jackets, coats, and blankets at the YMCA!!!
Currently, the Brothers of Mine outreach is providing food every Tuesday to those living at the YMCA. We have now begun providing toiletries, clothing, and outerwear such as hats and gloves, and are striving to increase the amount we are able to give.
| As of October 31, 2007, the Brothers of Mine outreach ministry has provided the following:
|
| Cups of Food: | 3,966 | Bagels: | 1,347 |
| Bags of Cut Bread: | 799 | Pants: | 35 |
| Shirts: | 96 | Sock: | 41 |
| Jackets: | 1 | Suits: | 5 |
| Shoes: | 3 | Belts: | 3 |
| Shampoo: | 657 | Soaps: | 150 |
| Combs: | 24 | Toothbrushes: | 25 |
Long term goals include:
- Providing meals twice a week.
- Providing an abundant supply of toiletries, clothing, shoes, under garments, and outerwear.
It is our belief that Matthew 25:35 - 40 says it all:
"35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.37Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
James 2:16 also states:
"If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?"
About Those We Help
The men we currently tend to are those who are in a state of "transition" in their lives. Many have come from rehab, prison, or catastrophic situations in their life and are now at one step above "rock bottom". We say "one step above rock bottom" because they have already been homeless and have at least moved up to living in a shelter. Some work, some aren't able to.
Some stay in the shelter for a while, some move on. To where? We don't know.
These men do have access to other places who provide food as well. But they usually have to sit and listen to a 30-minute denominational sermon before they can receive their food.
Every one of these men have hopes, feelings, and needs. Everyday they wonder about their future...just like you. But they have the added emotional weight of guilt, shame and condemnation from both themselves and their loved ones. They deal with society's stereotyping of "those kinds of people".
Yet they don't lose hope.
Every week, they provide a genuine smile as we bring in the food. They yell to others "Soup's here!". They even help us set it up. They always tell us "Thank You" and "God Bless You". They are very appreciative and grateful for what they get.