What does “anawim” mean, anyway?
Anawim (pronounced ah-nah-weem) is a Hebrew word that means, “the poor
who depend on the Lord for deliverance.” It is used frequently in
the Bible, especially the Psalms and is the basis for Jesus’ statement
“Blessed are the poor.”
“Trust in the Lord and do good. Those who wait for the Lord, the anawim, will inherit the earth.” (Psalm 37:3,9,11)
When did Anawim begin?
Steve and Diane Kimes began Anawim in 1995 as a benevolence ministry
focused on listening to the stories and needs of the poor in Portland
over a simple meal. They were (and still are) confident that the
Lord is the one who will provide for the needs of the poor, if the poor
would but depend on him in faith. They lived this out themselves
by living by the grace of God since 1998, spending the first eight
months living in peoples’ living rooms with their two children.
All the while, they did what they could to serve the poor, praying for
them, teaching God’s word and giving food and clothing to those they
met in need. Recently, in mid-2003, after the owner of their apartment
told them to leave because he no longer wanted homeless people visiting
their apartment, the Kimes’ received a 100-year old six bedroom
Victorian home as a gift and they live there along with other formerly
homeless Christians. That home is now the center of the ministry.
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor and you shall make for
yourselves an unfailing treasure in heaven.” (Luke 12:33)
What kind of a church is Anawim?
In 1999, Anawim became Anawim Christian Community, a church made up of
the poor and outcast from “normal” society—the impoverished, the
homeless, the mentally ill and those on public assistance. ACC
holds low-key services and Bible studies, expecting interruption and
questions throughout the services and low-key dress. Steve Kimes,
the pastor of ACC, is casual in appearance and demeanor, giving an
opportunity for the services to be more of a family gathering than a
formal church service.
“When you have a celebration, invite the poor, the crippled, the
handicapped—all those who cannot pay you back—and you will be repaid at
the reward of the righteous.” (Luke 14:13-14)
What kind of ministries does Anawim have?
As a community, ACC provides for the needy and homeless what resources
the Lord has given us. A number of times a week, in various places
throughout the Portland metro area, we hold small meetings for the
homeless and mentally ill, providing an opportunity for food, coffee,
worship, Bible study and prayer. Currently, we are meeting in
North Portland, Downtown Portland and Gresham. Also, in North
Portland we are providing opportunities for showers and a clothes and
sock exchange—trading dirty clothes for clean ones. And
throughout the week, Steve and other members of ACC are available for
prayer and counseling.
“Do good to all people, especially those of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)
What is the mission of Anawim?
Primarily, ACC wants to bring the poor to the Lord, to give Him an
opportunity to be glorified by answering the cry of the poor. We
want to do all we can to bring the poor to the Lord so they will be
filled with faith in Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit and display
that faith by loving others and so gain the kingdom of God. Our
goal is to continue to build a community made up of the homeless,
mentally ill and needy, who all are obedient to Jesus and rely on God
for his provision. We want to be faithful to the Lord in using
whatever resources we have for the benefit of those in need. And
we want to encourage all of those in the Church of Jesus Christ to be
completely devoted to God and to give to those in need, both those they
see in their own community and those they don’t see in areas of war,
famine and persecution of God’s people.
“Blessed are those who are poor in the Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
“In Jesus Christ, nothing matters but faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:6)
