This past week I was reintroduced to an area pastor & spiritual leader named Dr. Fred Moffat. Fred is young @ heart with a vibrant spirit and mind who has seen many, many seasons of life and ministry to others & his family. Incredibly, Fred was encouraged by a good friend to come visit with me...I sat in awe listening to his wisdom, humility, transparency and his growing concern for the poor. Immediately, Fred became a hero and mentor of mine.
Walking to the front of his church service this morning he apologized for his scratchy throat and in an unassuming way began to share his heart. Stating "God has lots to say about the poor," he continuously gave examples and poured through scriptures regarding the Have's & Have Not's. Fred said, "God is on the side of the poor."
He spoke of the love for this downtown church which feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, and provides an environment to see the gospel of Jesus spread. After all of his years in ministry, he holds this smaller gathering of believers up as the closest he has seen to the New Testament church...I agree.
Towards the end of the service which included open time for praises and concerns, sharing of stories, and worship, it was if he singled me out the crowd and said, "Must only the poor feed the poor?"
After seeing the mercy & courage shown in the movie The Blind Side this weekend & taking in the authenticity of this church, I am changed & encouraged to lean harder into the journey we are on to be a part of loving God, people, and this community much deeper.
The righteous care about justice for the poor,
but the wicked have no such concern.
Proverbs 29:7