78-year-old Norma Thornton has a heart for helping the homeless.
And while she was feeding the homeless one day at a local park – authorities arrested her.
But instead of giving up her ministry or bowing down to those trying to stop her from helping the least of these – here’s what Norma had to say.
Faithwire reported:
“I will not [stop my ministry],” Norma Thornton told CBN’s Faithwire.
“I don’t care what they say. They are wrong, and I’m right. One of the ways I know I’m right is: I’ve prayed about it.”
This sweet old lady accepts donations from others – and she personally cooks food in her kitchen and serves it to the homeless at Bullhead City Community Park.
Instead of waiting for the government to solve the homelessness problem in her town – Norma is being part of the solution.
But instead of commending her, or even providing resources to help her – the local police arrested her.
The day started off typical – with Norma and her husband carrying food down to the park as they always do.
And right as they were finishing up feeding the last person, police officers approached them – and asked what they were doing.
When Norma showed her ID and explained she was just feeding the homeless – because she didn’t have a permit – the officers told her she’d be fingerprinted and arrested.
Faithwire continued:
“It is reportedly illegal to give out prepared food in the park for “charitable purposes” without a permit. A permit, though, only allows one feeding for a two-hour period once a month — and is expensive.
“[The cop] says, ‘You are arrested. This is an official arrest, and you have to go to court,’” she recalled. “We did the paperwork, and I had to sign it, and it gave the court date and all.”
Unbelievable!
Here is a woman who has a heart for those who are hurting who has selflessly volunteered her time, talent, and treasure to feed the hungry…
… and she’s being told the law says she needs a permit and can only feed once a month for two hours.
But when she went to court and found out she could face jail time – she knew they meant business.
Thankfully, she was able to move her ministry to a private alleyway which doesn’t have to follow the city ordinance – although Norma admits she doesn’t really like the spot.
It’s not that she isn’t grateful she can keep going with her ministry, because she is, but she worries that it might deter some from coming.
The park had benches and a public restroom…
… while the private alleyway is just dirt – and people sit on the ground with no access to a bathroom.
But throughout it all – she is resolute in her faith and states Jesus as her main motivation.
Faithwire concludes:
“The number one motivation is my Savior, Jesus Christ, and His Father. We are told repeatedly, the first and most foremost commandment is love,” she said. “Love thy neighbor. Love your fellow man. He [said] several times, ‘What you do to the least of my people, you so do to me.’ That’s basically my motivation.”
Thornton believes there’s “no reason” human beings should be hungry in America, considering the luxuries and resources at the nation’s disposal.”
Praise God for human beings like Norma Thornton who are living out the commands of Jesus – even in adversity.
So many people would have simply quit after facing pushback – but Norma prayed and found a way to continue her ministry.
We wish her many more years of blessing those in need.
What are your thoughts on the city arresting 78-year-old Norma Thornton for feeding the homeless?
Do you think “city rules” have gone too far?
You can post your answers to our Facebook page and join in the conversation with other believers from all around the world.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
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