Jesus reminds us of our responsibility to serve others: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…I needed clothes and you clothed me.” Matthew 25:35–36

During this Christmas season, the Community Services ministries of Lighthouse, South Brooklyn, and Bethel SDA Churches came together in a powerful collaboration to serve men residing at the Atlantic Men’s Shelter in Brooklyn.

On December 20, 2025, the team fed, clothed, and financially blessed more than 125 men through thoughtfully prepared care packages. Each package included essential winter items such as hats, gloves, scarves, socks, thermals, and toiletries, along with a scripture envelope containing $15.

We are especially grateful to Target for their generous $500 gift card donation, which helped offset the cost of toiletries.

Beyond meeting physical needs, this outreach created meaningful moments of connection. Volunteers prayed with residents who requested prayer and shared words of encouragement, reminding each man that he is seen, loved, and not alone.

One particularly moving moment came from Brother Hugo Pemberton, a member of South Brooklyn’s Community Services team, who shared his personal testimony of once being homeless and housed at that very shelter. Today, he is 25 years drug-free and has spent nearly 20 years serving as a substance abuse counselor. To God be the glory.

Acts of mercy, including feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, offering shelter, quenching thirst, and encouraging one another, do not depend on wealth, ability, or intelligence. They are simple acts, freely given and freely received.

We have no excuse to neglect those with deep needs, nor can we transfer this responsibility to the government. Jesus calls for personal involvement in caring for His children. Love for others is love for God, in action.

Article submitted by Angela Hugee