Homeless and formerly homeless men who attend a Bible study at First Baptist Church downtown are following Jesus' admonition that whoever gives someone a cup of cold water because they are his followers will not lose their reward.
Each Thursday, following a lunch and Bible study at the church's cafe, the homeless hit the streets not to solicit handouts but to hand out bottles of cold water.
The Rev. Eric Costanzo, minister of community ministries at First Baptist, said the Bible study participants came up with the idea of handing out water during last summer's severe heat wave.
"It's a way for them not always to be served but to serve others," he said.
Terry Teague walked out of the Bible study last week with a bagful of water bottles, heading for the area around the John 3:16 Mission.
He said being homeless himself in the past helps him understand the plight of the homeless.
"I know what it's like. That's why I try to help people out the best I can," he said.
"I think the water is a good practical way because that's one thing that people can't do without, especially in the heat. We've had a bit of a reprieve this summer, but when you're outdoors you're always hot.
"I'll find people that are so intoxicated they can't get up to go get water," he said. "I'll leave them three or four bottles of water because they will die without hydration."
He said he wanted to let people know that "someone cares enough for them to give them something they need."
"The feedback I'm getting is that it seems to mean a lot to people," Teague said.
Joe Peace said he looks for homeless people to give the water to but will sometimes give bottles to downtown workers.
He was not eager to take credit for a good deed done.
"I don't want to be the poster child," he said. "It ain't about me is what I'm saying."
Costanzo started the Bible study three years ago with five men to develop relationships with the homeless and to help them get off the street, a goal he says several have achieved.
One of them is Lonnell Thomas, who started attending the Bible study in April and has joined the church.
The study helped him in his faith and helped get an apartment, Thomas said.
"It gave me motivation. The more I help others in that same area, it makes me feel more connected to the group and to the ministry. My motivation is help others get closer to God.
"Everything is going well," he said.
Former University of Tulsa head football coach Dave Rader led the Bible study last week and answered questions.
He said becoming a true follower of Jesus is costly, but it's worth it.
"It's going to cost you time and money. ... To follow Jesus means to follow him for eternity. There's no turning back," Rader said.
Bill Sherman 918-581-8398
bill.sherman@tulsaworld.com
Original Print Headline: Homeless learn to serve others by giving water
Local
The convenience store chain was the sole distributor of the 50-cent stickers residents were required to place on bags of extra yard waste.
The plaintiff alleged in a lawsuit that he was made to perform pushups to avoid a ticket or jail.
