9/16/14
In the nineteenth-century, the Industrial Revolution had led
a drift to the inner cities and intense social needs among the poor. It was the
Quakers, Evangelicals and Methodists who in particular applied themselves
vigorously to meeting these needs. A nationwide movement of Christian missions
to help the poor was founded. Huge sums of money was raised by voluntary
subscriptions. And armies of volunteers went to slum areas to offer practical
help. Attention was paid to the misfits of society, such as drunkards,
criminals and prostitutes, as well as homeless teenagers.
The Salvation Army, founded in 1865 by William Booth,
provided much-needed medical care in impoverished inner city areas and homes
for women who had been induced into prostitution. Unmarried mothers were cared
for, and these projects have spread all over the world. Great Ormond Street
Hospital was founded by Charles West, a Baptist, to meet the needs of sick
children who were inadequately cared for by 'habitually drunk (nurses) with
easy-going, selfish indifference to their patients, and no knowledge or skill
of nursing.'
Dr Thomas Barnardo set up his children's homes after seeing
the terrible plight of thousands of hungry and homeless children in the East
End. Inner city missions bringing a combination of medical care and the gospel
were set up. Christians were at the forefront of temperance movements. Care for
the blind and deaf were areas drawing direct inspiration from Jesus. Use of
Braille worldwide and schools for the deaf were pioneered by evangelical
Christians.
St Joseph's Hospice in Hackney, founded by the Sisters of
Charity in 1905, was the prototype of the modern hospice movement. Dame Cicely
Saunders founded St Christopher's Hospice in 1967, with the aim of providing as
peaceful an atmosphere as possible for those in their terminal illness, while
offering an environment of Christian love and support.
Jas 1:27
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to
visit orphans and widows in their affliction…..
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