Help the needy today

Once again this column seeks to underscore the importance and practice of our obligations to one as human beings. To correctly help the needy person (and we are all needy in different ways) can be very time consuming, and many shy away. Do we ever take the time to engage someone who comes along seeking assistance in cash or kind from us? Our usual response is, "can't help you now" or we may drop a few coins in the "old man's hat" and that's that. Not knocking anyone - we often do our best with the little resources and knowledge that we have.

To correctly give, involves determining what the 'asker' really needs and doing our utmost best to help without discrimination. Of course that takes lots of time and energy. And who would be caring enough to expend all of that? The answer is simple: the neighbour who is aufait with his obligations to his fellowmen and take it seriously. A major reason for the social ills of our world is that humanity is either ignorant of, or has abandoned his responsibility. For a peaceful life, it's our responsibility to be truthful to one another in word and deed. Kindness and friendliness must be shared among all etc.

As persons die around us daily, we can't help acknowledging that life here is very brief and that we take no earthly possession from this world to the next - no land, truck, bus, car, money, food...nutten! (But I hear that those who live a righteous life will end up in a place of eternal bliss. Those who don't will experience the opposite). But hear me now, we must develop a sharing mentality. Not to give away all but to always give. 'Give and it shall be given unto you good measure pressed down shaken together and running over...'. Please bear that in mind. The bottom line is there should be no limit to giving. And yes, I am aware that some person are limited...the man who has no hands cannot give a hand shake, but he can give a smile.

RISK

Now for this little story. A few years ago a guy who had a 'street home' begged me some food because 'hungry was killing' him. Of course, what he received from me stopped a gap, but if no one really helped him, he could have lived under that condition for the rest of his life or until 'hungry kill him'. Our hour long conversation revealed his ambition and his skill set. He was good at buying and selling and wanted a little start a small business. Good! The hallmark of a good giver is the propensity to trust - trust in God and trust that the needy person is not selling you a 'hulluh'. And as successful entrepreneurs say, business success comes to those who take big risks. (But there are times...) Within a few days I gathered and gave him some funds to start his small business. Cutting to chase, he now drives, has been integrated into a family, living a normal, comfortable, independent life and even caring for others. Take the risk, help somebody. You never know whose life you will help to transition from misery to becoming a master builder!

Thanks for helping

1. Althea, Kingston for offer of female clothing;

2. Faith, St Andrew, for offering clothing;

3. Mrs Neil, St Andrew, for offering clothing to neighbours;

4. Dawn, for offering shoes for children and adult females.

Opportunities for helping

- Neighbour, unemployed mother asking for a second-hand settee and school.

- Neighbour, asking neighbours for a mattress, stove, dining table.

- Avis, Clarendon, asking neighbours for assistance to acquire a breathing machine so that she can be discharged from hospital.

- Andrea, St Ann, asking neighbours for a mattress, children's clothing and food.

- Saskia, St Andrew, single mother of two asking for household items.

To help, please call 334-8165, 884-3866, 299-3412 or deposit to acct # 351 044 276

NCB. (Bank routing #: JNCBJMKX) or send donations to Hello Neighbour C/o 53 Half-Way-Tree Road, Kingston 10; e-mail helloneighbour@yahoo.com.