People asking for money

In each of the past few weeks, we have had people attend to ask for money. This is a reality in many churches, and certainly in our small town. We welcome people, talk with them, help them sort out their options and abilities, offer snacks and a place to sit down, but we do not give out money - for rent, utility bills, to replace money claimed to have been stolen, to compensate for people's poor choices, or any other reason. If we did have an emergency aid fund, we would have policies and procedures and check stories and coordinate with other agencies, just as other agencies do. I am glad people see us as source of help. I am sometimes a bit weary of the proportion of people asking for money vs. the proportion of people willing and able to contribute in positive ways. I pray that people in need of help will commit to attend regularly, participate in small groups, and join our circle of care in order to make permanent, positive change.