National Santa To The Homeless Day, December 18 Nationwide Observation

Nov. 10, 2010 - PRLog -- National Santa Helps The Homeless Day, December 18, 2010.

Pastor Mike Furches knows all too well the hardships on many during Christmas.  It is why he started visiting the homeless in Wichita Kansas last year as Santa.  “It was amazing,” Furches stated, “Going as Santa brought so many smiles, it broke down so many walls. The truth is, doing this did as much, if not more for me than it did those I was visiting.  The stories, the love shared by many of the homeless reminded me of what the Christmas Season is all about, the opportunity to share love with others in a sacrificial way.”  

Furches, the pastor of Mosaic Wichita and The Virtual Pew is well known for his work with people from various faith groups.  He has worked outside the norm for most of his ministry.  From drug addicts, to prostitutes, and from gang members to the homeless, Furches has recognized the importance of reaching out to many of those the church often neglects.  Yet, in his approach, he has recognized the most important thing people can give is themselves.  “The truth is, there are plenty of services for the Homeless in Wichita.  While we provide food on an ongoing basis, the real gift we provide is the willingness to sit down, talk, and even give a hug or a warm handshake.  It is in the willingness to touch and love that we have personally seen the most benefit come about.  I have prayed with, given rides to, and cried with many of those I have come into contact with.”  In describing one experience Furches still tears up when retelling about one of the individuals he reached out to this last Christmas. “There was one individual many in our group was having trouble reaching. We had over 300 coats which had been donated and we had one gentleman who obviously needed a coat but was too proud to receive it.  I share for the group to watch Santa work.  I went over, started talking to the man while sharing a cup of coffee with him.  I pointed out a nice coat on the ground and asked him if he wouldn’t mind trying it on so I could see what it looked like.  He agreed to do so and when he did, I commented how it looked like that coat was perfectly made for him and he should keep it.  He started to tear up and proceeded to tell me how he wished he had the coat earlier in the week when he was concerned about freezing to death.”

Furches takes his work seriously, he freely admits that a part of that concern comes form his own experiences which included being homeless for a period of time in his life and him living in a YMCA homeless transient shelter for most of his last 2 years of High School.  He is also experienced as a former Executive Director of rehabilitation programs for persons with severe mental illness.  Many of those he worked with in mental health were, or had been homeless.  His work with this population has even inspired him being a guest on numerous radio and television programs while commenting on the subject of mental illness and homelessness.

Furches decided that this year he was going to use Facebook and other social media outlets to inspire others to do something this year on December 18.  While Furches will be working with those in his church in Wichita, and other groups in the Wichita community to give away coats, and other winter wear, he is encouraging others across the country to also do something for the homeless in their community.  If not helping the homeless, then he is encouraging people to help those less fortunate than themselves.  ‘It could be something as simple as buying a stranger a cup of coffee, buying a present for a child who may do without, or even opening the door for someone.  The key though is to think of people worse off than yourself.  To do something, no matter what, as an act of service to show them that you care, and are willing in the moment to serve them.’  This is something we can all do.

Furches eyes starts to brighten as he shares of the potential, ‘My faith tells me that Jesus said what you have done for the least of these, you have done for him.  There is something incredible about ones willingness to serve the least of these.  For me, as I help and serve these people, it is as if I am serving God himself.’  

The small church Furches is pastor at serves the poor and looks forward to this work each year.  While the church has difficulty paying Furches any type of salary, he states he doesn’t mind as the work his church does is far more beneficial than his own livelihood.  ‘Right now I have a loving wife, my two kids are grown, and I have a roof over my head.  I also have a great group of friends from across the country that has been there to help in this ministry over the years.  With having so much for myself, certainly I can find a way to give back to those who have less.’  

Furches encourages people to contact him to find out more about this project.  He has already heard form people across the country who are doing their part in helping those in their community.  

Furches is available for interviews regarding this project.  While individuals are encouraged to participate in their own communities, they can also contribute a tax deductible gift to Mosaic Wichita to assist with the costs of the project.  Mosaic will also deliver Christmas presents to needy children in the Wichita area on Christmas Eve, when Furches will deliver the presents, as Santa.  Mosaic is currently located at 902 George Washington Boulevard, Wichita KS, 67211.  The church does have plans to move to the Downtown Wichita area to be closer to the homeless population in December/January.  

To read more about Furches, his book, or Mosaic, visit the following web sites.
Visit http://www.thekeystonekid.com
Visit http://www.mosaicwichita.org

Santa Page at Facebook:
visit http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=1553378...

Contact Information, Mike Furches:
Email: mike@thevirtualpew.com
Phone: 1-800-344-5013
Snail Mail: 6441 N. Hydraulic Avenue, Park City, KS 67219

Video of last years event:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGNKN2EpKNE



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Mike Furches takes the role of Santa personally. He has done a great deal of study on the historical character Saint Nicholas. He also takes the role of serving others seriously as is evident by his willingness to help the poor. Furches the author of the new book The Keystone Kid is also a pastor of an inner city church that seeks to serve the less fortunate. People from all belief systems are encouraged to help out, ask questions, and participate in serving their fellow man.