Pawhuska, OK USA - The City that Cares

The words of Jesus in Matthew 26, verse 11: "The poor you will always have with you."

In context, his disciples were upset about a woman pouring oil on his head that could have been sold to help the poor. Jesus was not saying don't take care of the poor. He was telling them he was about to embrace their sins on the cross and she was preparing his body for burial.

My point, this moment, though is that we always have poor with us. Even in Pawhuska. I should know. I have been poor, and I have been less poor. To some, I may always appear poor, because I have never driven a new car or lived in a custom built home. I haven't held any high salary positions. I've held a few positions of high responsibility, but because they were public service the salary wasn't there.

This time of the year last year, my roof had a few leaks. I was working a part time job in town and barely meeting my bills. My church helped me feed my family. Between raising my 4 children and helping my wife (just out of the hospital), my only options were to work locally. My car had given out after 150 miles a day commuting for several years. I certainly didn't have anything to replace my roof, and did it ever need replacing. It had been roofed once since the house was built in the 1950's.

Thanks to the Hearts and Hands Outreach (an event coming up again this weekend) we made it through the summer and fall weather, and through the icy cold winter without a leak, and with a house that looks like a home.

You can't put a price on people showing up to roof, paint and clear off brush. I helped shingle my own roof. That felt good, to be able to do something to make a change. I couldn't have done it without Hearts and Hands.

There are other families in Pawhuska who need our help. Get involved with Hearts and Hands this weekend. If the weather puts it off, get involved when it can get going! Everybody will meet at the Community Center on Main and Lynn Saturday morning bright and early! More info? Call Karen King or leave a message at 918-287-4040.

Remember the words of Jesus: "...whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40b NAB)

Michael

Hearts and Hands Weekend

Date: 4/24/07

To contact us:

Send an email to admin at pawhuska dot com.