A layman serves people in poverty -- and offers them shelter from the storm [View all]

A layman serves people in poverty -- and offers them shelter from the storm. by: Yonat Shimron

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Randy Evans at the meal and service he offers to people who are poor on the waterfront in Wilmington, North Carolina. Photos by Alex Maness

When Hurricane Florence pounded the North Carolina coast, Randy Evans opened his home to people living outdoors. That act of hospitality exemplifies his ministry, which offers community and friendship to the poor.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2018
Randy Evans has spent the past three years accompanying people who are homeless.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays and every other Saturday, he cooks them a hot meal. Other days, he visits their encampments and listens to their stories.

As relationships form, he’s there for them. He drove one man to Fort Myers, Florida, to get a driver’s license, and another woman to Philadelphia to get her birth certificate. He’s welcomed people to his home for showers or to do their laundry. He’s found day jobs for some and rooms to rent for others.

But when Hurricane Florence barreled toward the Carolinas in September, Evans, a 35-year-old United Methodist layperson who lives 7 miles from the beach in Wilmington, North Carolina, realized he needed to assist his homeless friends in a bigger way.

After quickly deciding to evacuate his wife and great-nephew, who lives with them, he began collecting food -- cans of tuna, breakfast bars, bottled water. Then he moved most of his furniture into his garage and began to spread the word. If people couldn’t or wouldn’t take cover in one of the city shelters, they were welcome to stay with him.
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Much more at the link.
https://www.faithandleadership.com/layman-serves-people-poverty-and-offers-them-shelter-storm

♡ lmsp