Los Angeles Angels’ manager Joe Maddon has created a ministry that helps homeless people in Southern California.
Joe Maddon
Joe Maddon is an American professional baseball manager for the Los Angles Angels of Major League Baseball. The 65-year-old manager has been with the Angels since 1994 and has also won the first World Series with the Chicago Cubs in 2016.
However, Joe is more than just a manager and former baseball coach. Joe also has a heart for the poor. Thus, he founded a ministry to help the homeless and those who are in need.
“It was born of me riding my bike up and down the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) between Sunset Beach and Huntington and Newport, where I would see a lot of homeless folks pushing their lives in shopping carts,” Joe explained. “That really bummed me out.”
Thanksmas
“Thanksmas” was born out of Joe’s desire to use his blessings to bless others. It is centered on providing food for those in need.
“There was always this warm, comfortable feeling being there and there was a sense of security, belonging and family by sitting at the dinner table,” he explained. “So what better way to tell these folks that we care than by sharing your dinner with them.”
Heart for the poor
These Thanksmas events are usually held between Thanksgiving and Christmas, thus come to the name “Thanksmas.” Today, Joe has grown the ministry with volunteers in multiple states across the US.
They are also now begininning to provide housing to those suffering from homelessness. A transitional housing facility was built on a former military base for the homeless. It is very empowering to see God move in people like Joe who have a great heart for those in need!
Read also: Wuhan Pastor’s Moving Letter To Christians: “We Are This City’s Abraham And Jonah”
Reference: The Christian Post