by Patricia R. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Nyack College-DC campus.

For 125 years Central Union Mission has been bringing the healing balm of Christ's love to society's forgotten and needy. Through its holistic approach to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those who pass through its doors, the Mission has sought to apply the words of Jesus,

"...For I was hungered and you gave me meat; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in...in as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me" (Matthew 25:35-36, 40).

It is fitting that the Mission's work over the past 125 years--to put the compassion of Jesus into action--is celebrated and expanded in what is aptly called the Campaign for Compassion. Compassion is defined as the deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it. Since its inception in 1884, Central Union Mission has practiced compassion in the heart of the city of Washington, D.C.

Beginning as a ministry to wayward men on the streets of Washington, D.C., financial philanthropic support has ebbed and flowed depending on the economic climate of the day. Yet one thing for the Mission has remained a constant: the commitment of its dedicated donors and volunteers to the furtherance of its important work.

These foot soldiers have come from the ranks of men and women of a variety of stations in life. Some graced the beds of the Mission themselves, others were blessed with economic privilege and an attitude--there but for the grace of God go I, and still others represent the average man or woman simply touched by the needs of those routinely passed on the street. Yet, whether contributing their time, talent, or even finances, one thing all no doubt have in common: an understanding of these words from the book of Proverbs:

"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (11:25).

Over 400 verses throughout the Old and New Testaments speak of the importance of assisting the poor and the needy. These verses include:

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy" (Proverbs 31: 8-9).

"If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhearted toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land" (Deuteronomy 15:7, 11).

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to lose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood..." (Isaiah 58: 6-7; 10).

The commands are unequivocal: men and women, and particularly Christian men and women, have a responsibility to care for the poor and the needy. The needs are ever present even in 2009 as evidence recently by spikes in global food prices resulting in increased hunger and poverty in the U.S. and throughout the world.

On its face the biblical mandate to help those in need is rooted in the obvious: God uses people to do His work on earth. The needs of others are met by those with the ability to meet specific needs.

And yet, the other, less obvious reason to assist others in need is that as we give of ourselves, we find our personal connection with God strengthened as His love flows through us to others. "...if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday" (Isaiah 58:10).

How does this happen? As containers of God's love and mercy, the more we allow Him to pour in, and we in turn pour out to others, the more we will be filled with all of who God is. His light will be our light, shining light into the darkness of all who are in need, including ourselves.

Join us as we embark on this exciting Campaign! I encourage you to give of your time, make a monetary donation, participate in a Campaign event, and join in this conversation. Remember that whatever you do, seek to cultivate a compassionate heart!