Giving a hand up, not a handout

Joyce Hungate is living her Christianity.

She's feeding and clothing the least of Christ's brothers, people who come to her Revival Center in Jackson, Mo., with nothing.

They get jobs and save their money so they can get out on their own.

And, in between, they get healthy doses of God's Word.

Hungate has built mission centers in nearly every city where she's lived. She was surprised when she moved to Cape Girardeau eight years ago and found the city didn't have a homeless shelter.

So she created one in nearby Jackson with 43 tidy little private rooms.

Some who have passed through the doors have struggled with overindulgence in alcohol and other vices, but they credit the time at the Revival Center for saving their lives.

Certainly, Hungate has the right idea. With the help of donations, she gives a hand up, not a handout, and it works.