Inviting Strangers In

For 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, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. ~ Matthew 25:35-36

We are incredibly thankful to serve alongside those who are living out these verses – not only giving food and drink and clothing to those who need it but also inviting strangers into their homes! The reasons a parent may need hosting are as diverse as the children we serve. Whether it’s because they are having a baby, searching for housing, leaving an abusive relationship, entering rehab, or numerous other reasons, we are so thankful for our many families who invite strangers in and show them the love of Christ!

This past month, we were blessed with the opportunity to come alongside a mom who was having a baby and is Muslim. She called because she had no other options but was nervous about utilizing the ministry. Initially, her son told her that he would not go with a Host Family. To help make mom feel more comfortable, the Host Family and Family Coach kindly agreed to meet with her and her son. By the end of the meeting, she felt comfortable with the Host Family, and the son even asked if he could go to their house right away! In addition to asking to meet before making the decision, mom asked if she could send all her son’s meals with him. The Host Family graciously accommodated this request as well. And so, the day came when mom was scheduled to be induced and the hosting started!

Mom was able to give birth to a healthy baby boy, knowing that her other son was being well taken care of. The Host Family said the little boy was joyful, full of energy and that he listened very well. They felt that the hosting went smoothly and said that they would host him again if they were available! Mom was eager to have her son back, and the hosting ended even earlier than expected. What an opportunity to come alongside a family in this specific moment of need!

Every hosting, and every child comes with unique needs and requests. In this case, it was a meeting beforehand, and the mom providing specific meals. We are so thankful for our flexible and gracious volunteers who were willing to meet this wonderful mom where she was and be Jesus’ hands and feet, showing this family the love of Christ.

Please join us in praying for discernment and abounding love as we serve those from different faiths, ethnicities, languages, orientations, and backgrounds, meeting people where they are and inviting them to come to see and know Jesus!