While I Was NOT in Church Today...

[Ellethidhren]

My husband and I have 24 cats and 5 dogs. It is not always easy for us to get up and out for church at the regular service times. Our church is 45 minutes away and starts at 10am. God instead sometimes chooses to bring situations into our lives that allow us to minister in our own ways.

This morning, a small neighborhood boy, five years old, followed my husband home from walking our dogs in the park. He was hungry and had not been fed dinner last night, or breakfast this morning. This was not the first time it happened. We have fed him before when he was hungry.

This child roams our neighborhood at night at all hours on his scooter or bicycle. We've found him out alone after 10pm a few times, and escort him home after feeding him. I know he has a two parent home and has a teen aged sister. Once when I walked him home, she seemed rather annoyed that I did. Not even a thank you.

Our neighborhood is very mixed. We have many races, and a mixture of people in different financial positions. This boy's family is on State aid, at least housing wise. The landlord rents the house out to the State, and needy families get 1/2 the rent paid by the State. I don't think in this day and age (with welfare and food stamps) there is any reason for this little boy not to be getting meals.

I'm wondering if I should call CPS. I don't think taking a small child away from a two parent family is a wise thing, but if this family is abusing this boy, and not feeding him, not caring about where he is at all hours of the night, :cry: somebody should be alerted to correct the situation.

If we do call CPS they will know it was us who called. This kid's family is not friendly and they may retaliate. They have lots of "kin" who are not very nice and we do not want to be "victims". At the same time, we don't want this boy ending up kidnapped or worse.

WWJD?

[Bevlina]

What an awkward situation! I think I'd be having a little talk to his parents and telling them that this may have to be reported if it doesn't stop.
Better to go that way nicely than barge in and upset the parents.

[Ellethidhren]

Thanks Bevlina!!!

[halifaxhoney]

What an awkward situation! I think I'd be having a little talk to his parents and telling them that this may have to be reported if it doesn't stop.
Better to go that way nicely than barge in and upset the parents.

Definately the best way to go. I know that you can call and ask to keep your name out of it but maybe the parents will stop and think. Keep us posted.

[Hisrosebud]

Hey,
I am a social worker who used to license foster homes for children with special needs.

I don't know if talking to them directly is the way to go, they could get confrontational.
In our state if two parents are on assistance, there is a reason; medical or mental health. You just can't get state without a reason anymore.

The child may have wandered without the parents knowing; some children are prone to that. If the parents suffer from mental health issues, the child might too.

The child may be hungary because he doesn't like what he is being offered. A lot of parents don't offer other choices. Some kids are just hungary all the time, even skinny ones.

I am just saying all these things because sometimes things don't look the way they appear. Foster care systems are not necessarily any better than a home with some issues. Have you seen signs of physical or sexual abuse? If yes, then I would call.

If no, how about trying to get to know that family? Honestly welfare does not give a lot of money for food, you may think so but they don't. I worked at social services before I came home to raise my son. A family of 3 gets about $434.00 a month cash and $125. a month for food. It is barely enough. OFten the landlords get a good portion of that money and don't take care of the property.

Anyway, maybe a surprise basket of food anomously might be a blessing. Or a batch of cookies... listen after a while, they will soften up. If you see abuse, call.

The scriptures tell us to "clothe the naked, feed the hungary" doesn't say anything about calling authorities when it appears that someone is hungary, poor and tired. I encourage you to be a good samaritan first..... Love attracts more healing than accusing without knowing the entire story.

I mean to sound supportive, hope that I am.

Jane

[sitebuilder]

Those are excellent words and I fully support what Hisrosebud said. We look to the authorities of this world too much. You have an opportunity to feed and minister to this family. It may take months, but you are not there by coincidence. God is doing a work through you! Embrace it!

If there is physical or sexual abuse ... do make the call though. You are protecting the child in this case.

[discernomatic]

I would use the opportunity to minister to him. Give him Jesus along with his food as long as the family does not object. I find it strange, though, that his "kin" does not feed him.