August 9 – “G.U.M.”

I was just reading in the newspaper (yes, we still get that antiquated pile of newsprint with yesterday’s old news on it) that a lot of places around the county have collected donated school supplies and are giving them away for free.  Now, don’t get me wrong here.  That is absolutely an admirable sentiment on the part of the donors.  They can be assured that children will have the things they need for the new school year, and they can feel good about themselves for being a part of it.  Nothing wrong with that.  Except that it operates solely from the point of view of the donor.  What about the ones receiving the donation?  Is that really the best thing for them?

I know there are some families that don’t have any money for school supplies.  I get that.  And in many cases those parents really sacrifice and do everything they can to make sure their kiddos are well-stocked for the first day of school.  I also know the other end of the spectrum is true.  There are parents who do everything they can not to do any work at all.  They see the world through tinted glasses that cause them to think they are owed a free pass to life.  “Why should I have to work when “they” should just give me what I need?  I am entitled to a free ride.”  OK, so much for the sociological take on the situation.

Several years ago Seaside joined forces with many other churches in the area to partner with Galveston Urban Ministries (G.U.M.) in a unique approach to this particular ministry.  The churches collect the supplies as usual.  Then G.U.M. opens a school store the week before school starts in the area.  Supplies are sold to families at 20% of the list price.  The genius in this approach is that the parents, grandparents, and other guardians are able to participate in the process of providing for their kids.  The effect is a shot in the arm for the adults’ self-esteem.  Instead of simple being the recipient of charity and feeling like they are trapped, they are a part of buying the supplies and providing for their family.  And the kids get a big kick out of it as well.  Who doesn’t enjoy going to the store and choosing your very own backpack and filling it up with brand new pencils and paper and glue and markers?  It’s almost a yearly rite of passage.  Kudos to Galveston Urban Ministries, then, for giving these folks this chance.  Seaside is proud to be a part of the ministry.

1 Corinthians 3:16 says, “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?”

Father, honor the ministry efforts of all the folks at G.U.M.  Amen.