The Church's Opportunity in a Bad Economy

I have been interested in the health care reform debate as most of us tax paying citizens are these days. I am very thankful for the health care coverage that I have. In considering the need for helping people it makes me consider a few things. There was a time when the churches were the place people went for help. There was a time when people don't depend on the government for help because the church was there to help their needs. We use to be front-line workers in helping the "orphans and widows in their distress". When did the shift take place where the church has lost its position as a place people turn to help? I have been wondering why the people of God are no longer the place where people turn in times of distress. I believe that we have a tremendous opportunity to be of assistance in this time when the economy is bad and people are desperate and hurting. I believe the people of older days were willing to sacrifice to make sure that they were able to help meet the needs of others. We start with financial assistance or food, but ultimately we give them something that will change their lives-- the message that Jesus loves them and wants to give them the gift of life. Maybe in these days of hardship we should stop criticizing the government's social programs so much and begin to be Christians who reach out to the poor in needy because Jesus loves them. The church in America is statistically on a decline, but we have before us now an opportunity to show people that we are not a social club who only care about our group. We have an opportunity to show that the church cares about the community. It can start with physical food, but it will ultimately lead to physical food for those who had a need and saw it met because Jesus loved them. When people see love exhibited they will wonder what the source of that love is and the only answer to that question for us is Jesus first loved us. The church has developed a bad reputation over time and how we respond to this tough time that many people are going through can do a tremendous job in turning that perception around. What do you think?