Be a part of the solution. Consider making room for those who are having a difficult time. Reaching out with a helping hand and pulling together will not only relieve physical needs but also those needs of the heart ...theirs and yours.

Thinking of becoming a host church? Listen to what our Coordinators have to say about IHN:

Driving south on route 58, Sarah heads back into Oberlin one evening and see the lights glowing in Fellowship Hall. “Someone’s at home there,” she thinks.
I come into the church about 5:30 in the evening, smell a warm main dish and spy a teen putting silverware around the table. “Everyone’s here for dinner,” I think.
Indeed, for four weeks every year First Church is “home” for families – whether it be a pregnant mom, a dad and his toddlers, a couple with their several children, or a mother and her teenagers. Here they enjoy a hot dinner together, pack lunches for the next day, watch their children play in a safe environment, and just “chill” from the pressures of their lives. The fellowship hall is transformed into bedrooms, dining room, and play area -- the JFO room becomes their den.

What’s interesting is that when we have allowed our church to be home to “the stranger” we have allowed it to feel more like home to us. I’m sure all those who have spent the night here, whether sleeping or awake, now have a much different relationship with this building. Along with our IHN guests, we clean up spills and shake our head at the general chaos of the supper hour. We hang out, stand around in the kitchen and “kibitz” together, play games and watch TV. The overnighters get up and make coffee! Does it sound a lot like home?

And, just like home, this might not be the place where you hear a lot of thank yous or compliments (although you might). And, just like in a family, you overlook flaws and exercise lots of acceptance. Sometimes you refrain from saying something that is hurtful or use your best skills to moderate a squabble.
In my family, I sometimes say, “It’s your turn to cook the chicken soup tonight,” when I need a break, or when I’m feeling sick, tired or down.” Well, with IHN, it’s our turn to cook the chicken soup. Just like family – God’s family

Linda Slocum and Sarah Colson

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