Several nights this winter, Burlington temps have fallen below zero.  For many in Burlington this extreme cold creates an inconvenience, but for the growing homeless population it’s a matter of life and death.  The shelters are out of space.  Community organizations went to every Burlington church and religious institution asking if they’d open their space as an overflow shelter.  Only one said yes- ONLY ONE.
http://WCAX.images.worldnow.com/interface/js/WNVideo.js?rnd=987201;hostDomain=www.wcax.com;playerWidth=630;playerHeight=355;isShowIcon=true;clipId=8131076;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=News;advertisingZone=;enableAds=true;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=overlayWCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

Pastor Jim Stewart and North Ave. Alliance church are seeking to be part of the solution as they move forward with opening the church’s gym as an evening overflow shelter.  As they are putting their faith into action, they’re facing both red-tape and opposition.

You can read more about this at the following links from the Burlington Free Press:

Burlington says church approved as homeless shelter

Parents concerned about Burlington shelter proposal

Jim is a close friend and a great pastor.  Please take time to pray for him and their church as they seek to live out the mission of Jesus to Burlington.  Pray for all of us who follow Jesus that we’ll lead our city when it comes to serving the least of our brothers and sisters.