I don’t think church effort
got results UMs expected

I must agree with Dan Adams (“Many homeless people live on San Antonio streets,” May 27). I commend Travis Park UMC for providing space for a Clubhouse Program.
However, the end result, I feel, wasn’t expected, and Mr. Adams’ article is trying to justify the means.
I get a firsthand view of the church since I drive the city bus through Travis Park five days a week. I can see what members don’t see after attending church and returning to their suburban homes.
The church grounds and entrance steps have become a camp for the homeless day and night. I assumed that happened after police moved them from Travis Park.
Dane Sullivan (“Austin should strengthen homelessness ordinances,” May 27) said he didn’t like the idea of homeless people sleeping on church steps, but at least they are safe there.
That wouldn’t work at my church. Almost every other day we have many children and youths coming for different programs.
Let me suggest that we spend more time finding somewhere for homeless people to shelter at night. Take a lesson from the pastors on the east side of San Antonio. They are providing temporary shelter to get homeless people off the street along with food, clothing, hot meals and everything Travis Park is providing.
These pastors also provide assistance/shelter for prisoners returning to the outside world.
I think the homeless are as important as any lost soul when using the motto: “Offering Christ to All.” However, drive past Travis Park some evening. I think you will be surprised.
I pray for your effort at taking a stand.
George Hampton
San Antonio

What happened to discussion
of ‘Offering Christ to All’?
Whatever happened to the discussion of “Offering Christ to All”? I thought you were going to print letters about how we were doing that.
After two years of membership declines and reports that churches aren’t adding as many members as in the past (“Churches adding fewer members, statistics show,” June 24), we don’t seem to be doing a very good job of offering Christ.
Does anybody care?
C.D. Farber
San Antonio