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To the Editor:
This time of the year people usually give more to help the needy. One of the best local Christian organizations to give cash or your time to this time of the year is the warming center at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church in Hampton. For more info, email harmonyfwbsecretary@gmail.com or contact Pastor Brandon Young.
Teddy Roosevelt said, “It is eminently desirable that we should none be hard-hearted, but it is no less desirable that we should be so soft-headed.” We shouldn’t give cash to panhandlers with signs such as “will work for food.” I keep some food in my car to give them. It’s better to direct panhandlers to Assistance Resources Ministry (ARM) behind Ingles, who can separate the needy from the greedy. There was a saying told to those who gave panhandlers cash: “If drink has made a man poor, money will feed not him, but his drunkenness.”
Giving to local Christian causes should be our priority because it does the most good. The Bible says, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Christians). After you give to your church make your other gifts go further by giving locally to Christian people you trust such as ARM (542-0919), Camp Ta-Pa-Win Go-CBM Camp in Watauga (543-8272), Doe River Gorge Ministries-Christian Camp in Hampton (725-4010), local Christian radio, etc. Donate clean clothes to ARM or Lynn Valley Baptist Church.
Our spare change will only help meet people’s needs today but people need real change that only comes from a saving relationship with Jesus. Jesus will help them forever. The Bible says those who tell people about Jesus and win souls are wise and the greatest givers!

D.D. Nave
Elizabethton