Opinion: Local Organization Exemplifies Christ-like Love and Many of Community of Christ's Enduring Principles

This past winter has been brutal with low temperatures and wind chills dominating much of January.  Such extreme conditions pose a severe risk to those without shelter, and for the unhoused in our city, finding that shelter can mean the difference between life and death.  It was in these dire circumstances that members of a local organization, Southern Ohio People's Union, stepped up, and although only a handful of these individuals are affiliated with Community of Christ, their actions demonstrated the embodiment of Jesus's teachings to love one's neighbor.  

With permission to use the Ascend building as a warming station, volunteers took shifts staying overnight to ensure the unhoused had a warm place to sleep and a hot meal.  Many people in the community brought in food and other supplies such as blankets, cots, hats, gloves, and handwarmers.  Some volunteers made meals to share or even found ways to cook on site.  However, it was a handful of these volunteers, led by Abby Spears, who stayed throughout the storm from Saturday night through the following Tuesday as road conditions deteriorated and temperatures dropped.  Even after the storm was over,temperatures remained frigid, and while other volunteers took some shifts, it was a small group who again stayed multiple shifts when no one else was available, sacrificing sleep and time with their families to help those in need.   Though the group came from different faiths or no faith at all, their actions exemplify what some of our Enduring Principles teach:  the worth of all persons, the sacredness of creation, and grace and generosity among others.  When the need was greatest, they stepped up and showed Christ-like love to those often forgotten. 

 Though this winter will eventually come to an end as we welcome warmer temperatures, it is not over.  If you would like to know more about how you can volunteer to help the unhoused in our community