What type of assistance should widows, single parents, and orphans receive?
Unlike transients, who typically receive short-term care, widows, single parents, and orphans often need long-term assistance. One notable program designed to help these people is operated by Belmont Church in Nashville, Tennessee. The basis for this program is James 1:27, which says, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you” (NLT). Belmont’s view is that “orphans and widows” in modern-day America encompasses single parents, the majority of whom are women. Single moms may spend as much as half of their income on childcare. And, after housing, food, clothing, and medical costs are deducted, there isn’t much left for emergencies. Psalm 68:5 says that God is “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows” (NIV). The Bible also tells us that while Jesus was on the cross, the two things He was concerned about were the salvation of a sinner and the care of His widowed mother. B
