We Are the Champions of the Marginalized

Happy Son-Day!!!

Autumn Colors in Full Bloom

You will always find Good News here. 

Alebrijes - Mexican Folk Art

We Are the Champions of the Marginalized

Marginalized: People who are pushed to the edge of society and don’t have the same access to opportunities, resources, or power as others.

Last week, I shared that SNAP benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps or EBT) were at risk of ending by the end of this month. Unfortunately, that risk is now becoming reality. 

WIC benefits (Women, Infants & Children) are also expected to end sometime in November. WIC is a federal nutrition program that provides healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services for eligible families.

And next on the chopping block? TANF cash assistance (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) or in Minnesota, MFIP – Minnesota Family Investment Program.

To put this into perspective, here’s what families in Minnesota currently receive:

• A family of one parent and two children on TANF (MFIP) receives an average of $585/month (including SNAP).
• That same family on WIC receives about $94/month in nutritional support.

These are not luxuries. These are lifelines for food, diapers, baby formula, and basic dignity.

The loss of these benefits will have a devastating impact on families who are already doing everything they can to survive. Many are working parents, caregivers, and community members who simply need a little help to get by.

Food shelves across the country are already struggling to keep their shelves stocked—and now, they’re being overwhelmed by families in urgent need due to benefit cuts.

My call to you is this: support your local food shelf, not just once, but consistently.
With no clear end in sight for the suspension of these critical benefits, families will continue to rely on community and faith-based organization support to meet their most basic needs. Your ongoing generosity can help fill the gap and bring relief to those facing food insecurity.

We must carry one another’s burdens

Galatians 6:2 - Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

God’s people must act justly and care for the marginalized:

Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.

Here is the charge: please go to one of the following grocery stores: Cubs, Hy-Vee, Publix, Kroger, Ingles, Food Depot, Smith’s Food & Drug, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Mariana’s, or Pete’s Fresh Market.  Pick up a first fruit food for those in need.  Whether it’s fresh produce, baby formula, or pantry staples, and donate it to a food shelf or family. Your gift can be a lifeline for a family facing food insecurity.
And remember these passages:

Isaiah 58:10 - If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness.

 Hebrews 13:16 - And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Let’s be the hands and feet of compassion in our communities. Your generosity matters now more than ever!

Song of the Week - 

Hallelujah! Sing a New Song to GOD. Sing HIS praise in the assembly of godly people. Psalm 149:1.

"Just Like God" 2020, Evvie McKinney

And a bonus song, "I Believe in Jesus", 2025, Evvie McKinney, ft DOE

Her soprano voice hits the rafters, but with great control.

Just Like God Lyrics:

Just Like God

Here we go, another day
Got work to do, ends to make
But I'm just thankful for what I've got
I've been down to dollar one
But I know where my help comes from
Right on time, ain't that just like God?

I see blessings, falling out of nowhere
And I'm thinking, ain't that just like God?
Ain't that just like God?
The world is changing, but Your love holds me steady
And I'm thinking, ain't that just like God?
Whoa, ain't that just like God?

I've had sunny days when
People try, throwing shade
And I've had to hide the tears I cry
They say sticks and stones may break your bones and
Words don't hurt your soul
And even though the scars arе deep
I pray the Lord, my soul to keep

Blessings, falling out of nowherе
And I'm thinking, ain't that just like God?
Ain't that just like God?
The world is changing, but Your love holds me steady
And I'm thinking, ain't that just like God?
Whoa, ain't that just like God?
Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, oh

Miracle after miracle somehow
So many falling, I just can't keep count

I see blessings, falling out of nowhere
I'm thinking (ain't that just like God?)
Oh, I'm thinking (ain't that just like God?)
The world is changing, but Your love holds me steady
And I'm thinking, ain't that just like God?
Whoa, ain't that just like, ain't that just like God?

I Believe in Jesus Lyrics

Song by

Evvie McKinney, DOE

Ooh
Ooh-eh

Some people believe in the finer things
That money's gonna set them free
Some people believe in kings and queens
Thinking that they can fix everything
As for me and where I stand
I put all my faith above
All my hope is in the One
Who's worthy of all my trust

I believe in Jesus
I believe every word He said
I believe He's with me
He's the reason for every breath
Even if I stand alone
I'll let the whole world know
I believe in Jesus, whoa

Some people believe they're too far gone
And grace could never bring them home
Some people believe they're all alone
And that God is not in control
As for me and where I stand
I put all my faith above
All my hope is in the One
Who's worthy of all my trust

I believe in Jesus
I believe every word He said
I believe He's with me
He's the reason for every breath
Even if I stand alone
I'll let the whole world know
I believe in Jesus

Oh-oh
(I believe he loves me)
With all of my flaws, I know it deep in my soul
(I believe He chose me)
He set me apart, He's with me wherever I go
(I believe He healed me)
He lifted me up and took all my pain away
(I believe He saved me)
Because of His grace, I'm never gonna be the same

I believe in Jesus
I believe every word He said
I believe He's with me (I know that He's with me)
He's the reason for every breath (I know that He's with me)
Even if I stand alone (ooh)
I'll let the whole world know
I believe in Jesus (I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe)
I believe in Jesus, yeah