During these tough economic times, we tend to worry about our own misfortunes. We worry about whether we will have enough money to cover daily expenses or whether we can continue to enjoy our favorite pastimes. Unfortunately, we often forget about others whose misfortunes are much greater than our own, such as the homeless man you see on the street everyday on your way to work pleading for money and food. Or the neighbor who lost his job and is about to lose his home.

We see over and over again throughout the Bible — from the books of Genesis to Revelations — that those who extend themselves for the foreigner and those who forgive are blessed by God. The need to wholeheartedly follow this way of life is based on the fact that each person in this world was made by God Himself. Each person has such immense value to Him that He gave his life in the ultimate sense for each and every one of us. That is the value He tells us to place on every person in the world. It may be difficult to comprehend, but the longer we live the more we are able to see that we live in a world where we are all affected by and responsible for each other’s welfare.

At the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), we witness miracles everyday. We see all walks of life coming together — clients, staff, volunteers, donors, civic leaders and community members. Their lives are greatly enhanced through the people they come to know at the Mission. They may meet a young man from the hills of Kentucky who was lost in the big city or an Asian man who was addicted to drugs in his native country. They may venture out to areas they never traveled before in order to volunteer for those less fortunate. Or they may experience racial diversity for the first time. They may lack a common culture or basis of connection, but all of them unite in a common purpose: a commitment to a compassionate God who loves them personally. And the rewards are abundant — countless blessings, cherished friendships and memorable experiences.