I was not surprised to get some reaction to an editorial in the pages of The Slidell Independent last week calling the area churches to task for not supporting the Community Christian Concern (CCC) in a bigger way.
The CCC was formed over 20 years ago as a way for the Slidell community to have a coordinated effort to serve the homeless and needy here.
The original plan was for local churches to support the CCC in whatever manner they could, since there is a portion of the needy who take advantage of the good will churches put forth, by going to as many churches as possible and claiming the need for help.
Slidell businessman Dudley Smith organized the effort that started the Community Christian Concern, so there would be one location where records could be kept on who was helped, simply to ensure the resources of food, money and clothing could go as far as possible and get to those who truly needed it.
But in that 20-plus year span, the support from most churches in this area has disappeared, and only 10 to 12 churches locally out of nearly 150 churches are still sending in a monthly check to the CCC—something we pointed out in an editorial last week in The Slidell Independent.
I talked this past week with one of those churches that have continued to support the CCC–North Shore Full Gospel, pastored by Bishop Robert Taylor, a man I have interviewed and come to know personally in recent years.
When I first wrote the editorial—and yes, I wrote the editorial—it crossed my mind to name those churches that have been regular supporters. But I did not name the churches and decided to allow the words of this newspaper to speak for them.
I know that any pastor who wanted to address the issue in their own church would certainly be happy to tell any interested members that they do support the CCC, or if they don’t, they could explain why they didn’t feel a need to do that.
And let me be clear on the matter from my own perspective—the editorial is nothing more than my own opinion. While each person has their own opinion of which non-profits or ministries is important to support, I also have my opinion of what I think is important. So with that said, you may agree or disagree with me.
I think it’s fair to point out that every church leader has to seek God about what they should do with their finances. Bishop Taylor said he has one ministry that will not be touched—missions—to reach the lost.
And as a Christian, I wholeheartedly agree that our number one call from God is to help others find the Lord, to receive His grace, His love and forgiveness in a way that helps us live the best life we can.
Hence, my feelings about the CCC were printed last week and I still stand by what I said—I believe the Slidell community churches should support the CCC in whatever means they can—whether big or small, but do whatever they deem appropriate to join with the rest of the churches, businesses and individuals here, to help the needy and lost.
As Bishop Taylor said to me, he is led first by praying to God, but knows that the Scripture in Matthew 25 about taking care of the hungry and lost is our top priority along with reaching the lost, and that is something he has committed to do through his church.
There are other churches in Slidell who have also committed to supporting the CCC, whether in a big or small way, but I still believe there are others, many others, who could assist this important ministry, even in a small way each month.
Just to remind you of what the Community Christian Concern has done for Slidell, in 2013 there were over 2,000 people or families that were assisted with clothing, shoes and other basic emergency needs.
–Over 147,000 pounds of food were distributed to individuals and families and to over 15 feeding ministries.
–The CCC served over 200 homeless people or families.
–They housed over 30 men in the Miramon transitional housing program.
Since beginning The Slidell Independent, we have made it our mission to support every non-profit organization, community group and civic organization that is in our area, all trying to do some form of good.
To me, the CCC stands out as an exemplary organization—with over 50 volunteers making no money—simply trying to help the homeless and needy all around us.
Most of us have a roof over our head and we don’t worry about whether we will eat tomorrow, but surprisingly to many, there are dozens of people walking through the doors of the CCC each week with those concerns. And right now the ministry is trying to decide each week which bills it will pay, since money is so short.
I believe it is the first responsibility of our churches to assist the homeless and needy—as Bishop Taylor and I discussed is so evident in the Bible. But beyond that, can we not all agree that we should help those in our own community with that need?
The Slidell Independent will begin sending $100 a month to the CCC, starting today, and will continue from now on. I hope more businesses, individuals and churches, will join that number.
Kevin Chiri can be reached by e-mail at kevinchiri@gmail.com.