Daily Devotion Focusing on the Missions Supported by First Pres
Deuteronomy 15:7-8

If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted toward your needy neighbor. You should rather open your hand, willingly lending enough to meet the need, whatever it may be.

In Hebrew, Beth-El means house of God. Beth-El Farmworker Ministry believes in providing a place (or shelter) for the farm working community, where they can find refuge from the storms of life. They were established in 1976 and have proven a viable ministry/mission with providing outreach, both physical and spiritual, to the Hispanic farmworkers and their families. They continue to be a resource for those who are working to improve their lives and their families. Beth-El supports farmworkers and their families through education, hunger relief, and spiritual encouragement initiatives.

Each year, Beth-El serves approximately 80,000 people through their food distribution efforts, clothing store, and health and education initiatives. There is also a worshiping community at their campus in Wimauma led by an ordained minister. First Presbyterian Church has a long history of supporting Beth-El Farmworker Ministry through donations of clothing, school supplies, food, and finances.

Prayer

Holy God, we thank You for ministries like Beth-El where we can respond to Your call to love our neighbor. Help us to be grateful for those who help deliver food from our farms to our factories and to our tables. May we be mindful of the challenges these farmworkers face. We pray for Your peace, justice, and love to be present in our world. Amen.