Author's Note: Readers can find all previous volumes of this series here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." Part Two, featuring volumes 57-113, will be published later this year.
Thanks for joining us. Today’s study differs slightly from our standard template, with an inspirational call to action.
Over the course of writing 128 studies, occasionally, I have mentioned my husband, David — most notably in Vol. 42. Then that study was miraculously linked to “Evidence That God is Watching Us” in Vol. 44. Now, with his permission, I thought readers would be interested in knowing about an innovative Bible ministry that David has been engaged in since early 2021.
Around where we live, it is impossible to drive anywhere without seeing people in need, either begging for money on street corners or walking between cars stopped at red lights. I have been in the car numerous times when David rolled down the window to give a donation. However, he said, “I was always concerned about them spending the money on drugs or booze, but still believe that the Lord calls on me to help.”
Now, some background on what sparked David into taking some unique action that couples charity with faith.
My husband is an executive with Cross Catholic Outreach. His ministry is active in 40 countries around the world, transforming the poor and their communities materially and spiritually for the glory of Jesus Christ. Recently, Ukraine was added to the list.
Every day at Cross’s office, all employees (in person or virtually ) begin with morning devotion, that at least once week also includes a Bible study. During that time, the street beggars issue was raised — a significant, increasing problem since the advent of Covid.
When I “interviewed” David for this study, he told me, “Cross Catholic Outreach does a wonderful job helping the poor around the world, but sometimes I ask myself, “What about the people down on their luck I pass on the way to and from work?” Shouldn’t I help them too, if only in a small way?”
He continued, “It was during one of these discussions my Bible study co-leader, an Evangelical, shared this “testimony” with us. From his car, he occasionally will hand out inexpensive Bibles/New Testaments with a $5.00 bill to folks begging at intersections, engaging them briefly before forced to drive on.”
David said, “Hearing about that type of ‘ministry’ which involves a Bible with a small cash donation, appealed to me, so instead of just handing out money, I gave it a try.”
Hence, for about two years, David has faithfully bought Bibles at the Dollar Store, inserted a $5.00 bill, and kept them in his front seat. Given the number of folks in need, sometimes, he must be selective when stopped at a red light. Also, as a practical matter, he said, “During peak Covid time, I always wore a mask and preferred that those with whom I engaged also wore one.”
So, here are some highlights from “David’s Bible Ministry to Folks on the Street” as he calls his mini-ministry:
“Virtually every one of those to whom I have given a Bible/New Testament and a donation have been grateful for the book as well as the money and most have told me so clearly. One man who, after thanking me, said that he loves reading the Bible, also asked me to name my favorite verse. Luckily, I was ready with Matthew 25:35-40. Many folks have expressed to me how much it means to receive both a donation and a Bible.
“I ran into one man twice and gave him the Bible the first time and a donation both times. He told me the second time — after I asked him if he was reading the New Testament — that he was Jewish. The man said that he reads the Torah and attended temple, but still appreciated receiving a New Testament and the money. Previously I’d seen this fellow around town doing odd jobs such as holding signs on the street for local businesses.”
“Then a (relatively) well-dressed, attractive woman told me sadly that she had just been evicted from her apartment and had to leave her Bible behind, so my gift was especially meaningful to her. (I also gave her a larger donation than normal because that was all I had in my wallet!)”
“Another fellow had recently lost his apartment and worldly goods, so he too appreciated receiving the New Testament with a donation.”
“On several occasions as I drove away, I had the opportunity to watch those to whom I had given a Bible and cash donation. Never have I seen anyone throw the Bible in the trash or otherwise put it down. Thus, it is my prayer that the Word of God is making a difference in many of their lives.”
Upon reading David’s experiences perhaps you might be called into action? The power of God’s Word can be transforming.
Below is another verse spoken by Jesus that supports, encourages and validates David’s street ministry:
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you” (Matthew 5:42).
On a similar note, remember earlier when the beggar asked my husband to name his favorite verses, David replied with a chapter reference from Matthew’s gospel. So now let’s read this teaching from Jesus:
“‘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.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Matthew 25:35-40). Amen!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. Her book, "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible,” reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. Myra is also Executive Director of SignFromGod.org, a ministry dedicated to Shroud of Turin education. SignFromGod was a proud sponsor of all the Museum of the Bible’s events for its five-month exhibition about the Shroud of Turin. Contact: MyraAdams01@gmail.com or Twitter @MyraKAdams.