08/16/2026
Thank you for Giving
Who are “the least of these?”
In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” When we look at the context, we discover that “the least of these” are those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, sick, and imprisoned (Matthew 25:35-36). Put simply; they are people in crisis, people in need!
At the House of the Carpenter, we fulfill our mission by “meeting the needs of today while building hope for tomorrow.” This is true for our neighbors in the Ohio Valley and for our neighbors experiencing crisis across our state, such as the victims of recent flooding in Upshur and Lewis counties.
On Wednesday, August 5th, we had the privilege of partnering with Christ UMC to make a second trip down to the affected areas. We met immediate needs by delivering much-needed shop vacs, box fans, dehumidifiers, and extension cords. By God’s grace, we were also able to offer hope for tomorrow by reminding our neighbors that they are not going through this alone.
I want to deeply thank all the churches and individuals who have so generously supported us during this response. I also want to invite and challenge us to continue standing together. As we see Jesus in “the least of these,” let us be Jesus to them. Whether responding to a regional crisis in another county or walking alongside a neighbor facing a personal crisis right here in Ohio County, let us stand united as we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, and shine the light of Christ into a dark world.
In the name of Christ,
Rev. Dr. Bill Wendell
Director, House of the Carpenter
