You know, the church is not a building

Three "walk-ins" have come to the church today. (As you recall, "walk-ins" are people who visit the church needing assistance of some kind.) The third and final person was a late thirties man from Nigeria. He had used up his stay at the Salvation Army, was interviewing at OU tomorrow for a custodial position, and came to the church seeking a place to stay. We talked for about 20 minutes together. With a wonderfully thick African accent he told me about his family who were staying in OKC with his wife's sister until he could get on his feet down here, hopefully, through this job at OU. FBC is not set up for any kind of housing, yet.

(That is actually one of the biggest needs in Norman right now, emergency/temporary housing. Their are agencies that are providing this service, there is simply more demand than there is provision.)

I asked if he needed anything that this church was set up to give (food and clothes), and he said "yes, that would be helpful." As we were walking out of the church doors he turned to me and said, "You know, the church is not a building." My eyes got bigger in agreement as he continued, "We are the church. The people of faith. And the purpose of the church is to help the poor like this (he motioned to his food and clothes bag). Thank you." We then prayed together and parted ways. I want to be a life long learner from people I cross paths with.

I know that there are many ways people of faith can "be the church", but I am very humbled to be on the front lines of a church people that give to the poor of the community.