Hi Christisking...
Yes, this video is disheartening. However, are you sure that this is the result of God's "economic judgment?" We have little "shanty towns" all over southern Texas. They are referred to as "colonias" and have been around for decades. In addition, many major metropolitan areas are experiencing an increase in homeless tent-cities, especially after the homeless realize that the suburbs are where the "kindhearted" money is.
Over the past few years, I have traveled into the colonias of southern Texas in order to help share the Good News of Christ, as well as help in practical ways. These colonias are populated mostly by immigrants (legal and illegal) from Mexico, Central and South America, but there are still some homeless who have chosen to call these places "home." Ironically, they claim that such places are better than the conditions in which they have come (especially for the immigrants).
It might be important to recognize a difference between "economic judgment" -- and just being poor. Jesus told us that we would always have the poor with us (Matthew 26:11). Yet "poor" is such a subjective word. Many Americans would look at people living in the Government housing projects as "poor." I used to feel this way when I first began ministering in the projects. Yet many inhabitants live with two cars, three television sets, two telephones, a cell phone, hot and cold running water, air conditioning, heat, and food (provided by food stamps, no doubt). Is this "poverty?" A shanty town is a terrible condition in which to live, but many in the video seemed to live in mobile homes and RVs.
After watching the video, I am reminded of the conditions in which my wife's family faced shortly after legally immigrating to America. They traveled as migrant workers for years -- with her entire family (her parents and her nine siblings) living in a one-bedroom metallic travel trailer. They took showers behind a tarp hung behind the trailer. Today, all of her brothers and sisters have graduated with at least a bachelor's degree -- with the exception of the two youngest (one 18 year old just beginning Architectual Engineering and the other a senior in high school). They do not look at their experience as "economic judgment" -- but as a stepping stone to a better life.
While it is a shame to witness such poverty (well, poverty in an American sense of the word), I don't know that we could consider such things "economic judgment." Remember, two-thirds of the world's population live in conditions far worse. They don't consider it "judgment." They consider it a way of life.
The video doesn't seem to make a distinction about the 350 inhabitants of this tent city. Do they consist of the perpetual homeless? Are they people who recently lost their homes? Is this a temporary stepping stone? Are these immigrants? Of course, poverty is a terrible thing. But like Paul said, he knew what it was like to hunger. He knew what it was like to thirst. He knew what it was like to be considered the "filth and offscouring of the world" (I Corinthians 4:13). Is this "economic judgment" or simply a condition of being poor?
How are these 350 any different than the 700 homeless who live in tents beneath a set of overpasses in Houston? Most of these in Houston refuse to seek to better themselves for one reason or another. They spend much of their days holding signs that request money or begging. At night, the area reeks of alcohol and drug use. Still, they are loved of the Lord. Many Christian men nearby have spent quite a bit of time and economic resources reaching out. But we have also learned the difference between the various inhabitants. Instead of providing money, we provide "life gear" for those in these conditions. We bring food, water, clothing, shoes and even old tents, rather than risk funding some who desire alcohol or drugs.
But you're right to minister to these. I will be praying that the Lord equip and empower you in your efforts. May the Lord show himself to these loved people.
:-)
