In recent years, a certain number of churches have begun to serve the homeless, such as providing the homeless with food, clothes, bedding, talks, and spiritual care; helping these lost ones to connect with their family. Some even rent houses for them to stay in and also help them to look for jobs.
Lately, I have been connecting with two Christians who are serving the homeless for a long time. They have shared several tips on how to serve the homeless.
1. For safety, one should not act alone; we should serve in a group with at least two to three persons together. To be homeless, they should have been experienced severe emotional pain, and some are even having distorted thinking, or having criminal records. As a result, we should protect ourselves properly as we give.
2. When we provide care for the homeless, we should protect our mobile phones and wallets from theft or loss. We should trust the homeless but we have to set boundaries so that we can protect ourselves from theft and also prevent others’ involvement in crimes.
3. It is necessary to avoid giving the homeless money directly since they may be using the money inappropriate ways such as gambling, buying cigarettes, and alcohol. It is better to provide them with daily necessities.
4. Don’t take care of the homeless who are of the opposite sex. In particular, brothers should not take care of homeless women.
Following the above tips, the two Christians are sharing more positive points of view from their service.
1. Start with the basics, which is to give the homeless food and clothes.
2. Learn simple hair cutting techniques, to help give the homeless haircuts.
3. Provide them with a place to shower.
4. If the homeless person gets lost on their way home, try to ask for their name or home address. Try to look for the available search notices online, or to contact the police station in town to help the homeless return home.
5. Send the homeless remedies for fast cold and flu relief. If you have medical knowledge, you can consult them in person.
6. Provide the homeless with jobs according to their abilities; help them to get hired.
7. Share gospel with the homeless. When you are providing care with actions, it will be easy for the homeless to accept the gospel.
- Translated by Jessie Cheong
近几年来，国内不少教会做起了流浪人关怀服侍：给他们送食物、衣物、被褥，跟他们交谈并给予心灵上的关怀，帮走失的人联系家人，还有人租房屋接待他们住宿并帮助部分人就业……
笔者近期接触了两位长期从事流浪人关怀服侍的基督徒，他们分享了服侍这一群体时的几点注意事项：
1. 为了安全起见，不要单独行动，要多人一起，至少也要有两三个人。人生沦落到流浪的地步，他们心中受过不少伤害，有的甚至是人格扭曲，还有人有犯罪前科。因此，在献出爱心的同时，请保护好自己。
2. 在关怀流浪的人时，要保护好自己的手机、钱包，以防丢失。我们要信任他们，但也要划定界限，不要让自己损失了财物，还增加了对方的罪恶。
3. 尽量不要直接给流浪的人钱财，因为他们很可能用来做不好的事情，比如赌博、买烟、酒，最好是送他们需用的物品。
4. 不要去照顾异性流浪的人，尤其是弟兄不要去照顾流浪的女人。
谈完上面几点注意事项，这两位有服侍经验的基督徒又从正面分享了服侍的切入点：
1. 可以从最基本的做起，就是给他们送食物以及衣物。
2. 简单学习一下理发技术，帮他们理发。
3. 给他们提供洗澡的地方。
4. 如果对方是走失的，尝试询问对方姓名或者老家的信息，上网查是否有寻人启事，或者联系当地的派出所，帮对方返回老家。
5. 准备一些像感冒药之类的常规药物，送给相应的病患，如果有能力，可以帮他们就医。
6. 给他们提供力所能及的工作，帮对方走上工作岗位。
7. 跟对方分享福音，当有了实际的关怀行动，对方往往会乐意接受福音。
服侍流浪人的几点注意事项
In recent years, a certain number of churches have begun to serve the homeless, such as providing the homeless with food, clothes, bedding, talks, and spiritual care; helping these lost ones to connect with their family. Some even rent houses for them to stay in and also help them to look for jobs.
Lately, I have been connecting with two Christians who are serving the homeless for a long time. They have shared several tips on how to serve the homeless.
1. For safety, one should not act alone; we should serve in a group with at least two to three persons together. To be homeless, they should have been experienced severe emotional pain, and some are even having distorted thinking, or having criminal records. As a result, we should protect ourselves properly as we give.
2. When we provide care for the homeless, we should protect our mobile phones and wallets from theft or loss. We should trust the homeless but we have to set boundaries so that we can protect ourselves from theft and also prevent others’ involvement in crimes.
3. It is necessary to avoid giving the homeless money directly since they may be using the money inappropriate ways such as gambling, buying cigarettes, and alcohol. It is better to provide them with daily necessities.
4. Don’t take care of the homeless who are of the opposite sex. In particular, brothers should not take care of homeless women.
Following the above tips, the two Christians are sharing more positive points of view from their service.
1. Start with the basics, which is to give the homeless food and clothes.
2. Learn simple hair cutting techniques, to help give the homeless haircuts.
3. Provide them with a place to shower.
4. If the homeless person gets lost on their way home, try to ask for their name or home address. Try to look for the available search notices online, or to contact the police station in town to help the homeless return home.
5. Send the homeless remedies for fast cold and flu relief. If you have medical knowledge, you can consult them in person.
6. Provide the homeless with jobs according to their abilities; help them to get hired.
7. Share gospel with the homeless. When you are providing care with actions, it will be easy for the homeless to accept the gospel.
- Translated by Jessie Cheong
Tips to Serve the Homeless
