Practical Connection to those Living Around You

About a year and a half ago, I moved into a lower income neighborhood in my city.  I was pretty scared at first.  I had never lived in that kind of an area before, and I just did not know how to act.  But then slowly I got into a rhythm of life there.  It turned out to be an incredible experience.  I am still living there and learning, learning, learning.  I have not done as much as I have wanted to, but I am trying to do my best with where I am and what I have.

In my time living closer to those in poverty, I have learned a few things.  First, friendship is key.  It is not about ministry as much as it is just hanging out and caring for your friends.  It is much more friendship than ministry, much more personal than programs.  And it needs to be practical, too.  Theories and academics don’t have a lot of weight when juxtaposed with the realities of everyday life.  Practical friendship.  That is the best way to minister to those in poverty.  Practical, tangible friendship that cares.

And here are six principles that can help people get there (and things that I am trying to work on with my neighbors and friends).

Share daily life.  It needs to be an everyday thing.  Not once a week.

Hear their story.  Listen.  Listen.  Listen.  And when you hear their story, you begin to see the picture of their entire life and reality.  Then you can see where you can fit into that.

Food.  Everyone loves food.  If you want to connect, then plan a BBQ.  Or go grocery shopping.  Or something like that.

Find purpose.  Sometimes people just need something to do.  They need a mission.  They need a purpose.  Even if their capacity is limited, they still need a purpose.  Help those around you find their purpose.

Ask good questions.  It is not all about you.  It is about connecting with new friends.  So ask questions.  Find out about them.  Get them talking and sharing.  Then they can see how much you really care.

Find small victories.  Not everything is going to go perfectly now that you are in their lives.  Life is still going to be hard.  And many times, the big problems and issues will still remain.  But there needs to be room for small victories.  And there needs to be celebration.  You are their biggest fan.

So that is about it.  It isn’t easy, but it isn’t rocket science or Greek, either.  Just remember: It is all about friendship.  This isn’t a once-a-month volunteer job at the shelter.  This is real life.  This is everyday life.  And this is friendship – just caring for your friends.

And we all know how to do that.