The River Takes Action
In early October, The River learned that emergency shelter beds in our valley were going to be reduced by more thatn 375 by November 1st. Since then, River members have been praying, talking to city and shelter officials, writing to the San Jose Mercury News, and asking God how we can help our homeless friends. We organized a blanket and tent drive and the response from the congregation was tremendous. After the Mercury News ran a front-page story about the EHC shelter reductions, two different families in our valley read the information and each, independent of the other, decided to give $100,000 each to keep the downtown shelter open for the winter. Though a huge victory, the ongoing issue of emergency housing still plagues our community. The shelter will close again in the spring and the situation is still desperate for many.
On October 18, Tony Traback, Pastor of Mission Mobilization, delivered a passionate message about the homeless situation and how God is calling us to be a Jubliee people - people of great generosity and hope. You can listen to his message here . Please also consider the following action steps:
1. Pray. As a Jubilee community, we need intercessors. We need individuals, families, and small groups to intercede for the homeless and the church to respond. You may also be interested in attending Intercession at the ministry center at 7pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month. For questions about Intersession at the ministry center contact
2. Join The Oaks of Righteousness, a brand new Homeless Advocate and Action Team at The River, which will meet regularly (likely twice a month) to plan what we, as a community, should do to address this gap over the next few months. Contact for more information.
3. Partner with a homeless person in the Luke 14 community or EHC bible study. This is an opportunity for small groups or individuals to partner with someone who wants help with basic case management. Training will be available to learn about being a good and useful friend to the homeless. Contact Andy Singleterry at for more information.
4. Respond to whatever God is inviting you to do. It may be involve serving food at a shelter, gathering socks, attending an EHC bible study, or something entirely different. God may want to do something through you that only you can do. Take the risk to follow Him.