What began as a single ‘yes’ has become a faithful rhythm for Benedictine College student Anthony Blum ‘28, whose love for homeless ministry deepens with every encounter.
The service ministry team at Benedictine College hosts many opportunities to serve the homeless. One includes traveling to Kansas City to serve with the Friars Poor of Jesus Christ. With the friars, students help make over 100 sandwiches, pack snack bags and deliver them to
the homeless of Kansas City.
This year, the service team has also introduced a new homeless ministry opportunity: ‘Emmaus’, a student-led pop-up soup kitchen for the homeless in St. Joseph, Missouri. Blum’s experience with homeless ministry began through an invitation. Motivated by the need for service hours, he initially had little interest in the ministry itself. This first experience with the homeless was street evangelizing on Massachusetts Street, a notorious place for scandal and homelessness near the heart of the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
Going into it, he had no idea the passion he’d grow or how deeply specific encounters would impact him. Since this first experience, Blum has since been a total of four times—in Lawrence, Denver and twice with the friars in Kansas City—and continues to invite more people each time.
“Being able to witness Christ’s love through the image of those who are less fortunate is very beautiful,” Blum said.
According to Blum, the hardest part of this ministry is having the courage to go up and approach someone. However, Blum continues going back time after time again because of the happiness and joy it gives him to help others who are less fortunate.
“Serving the homeless is one of the most fulfilling things a person can do as a child of God,” Blum said.
Homeless ministry helps individuals see others and the broader world differently, develop virtue and respond to Christ’s invitation to love and serve the poor. Blum, for example, believes this work has emboldened his courage, charity and faith.
A particular encounter Blum had that has stuck with him was with a kind, faithful man named Robert. He had so much joy despite his difficult state, was willing to be prayed with and ended up greatly blessing the individuals who came to serve him.
“He was almost pouring out to me more than I was pouring out to him,” Blum said. “It’s crazy to see faith in a place you wouldn’t normally expect it.”
Blum encourages those who are hesitant about getting involved in homeless ministry to try it at least once. He warns to be safe by going in a group, but encourages all to step outside their comfort zone and give this ministry a shot.
To get involved on campus, at Benedictine College, look out for advertisements in the Ministry FYI emails or contact Ella Biggins ‘27 ([email protected]). Student-led groups frequently go to either St. Joseph or Kansas City to serve the homeless.
