By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
lwilkey@tnbaptist.org
Logan Reed (left) and his dad, Scott Reed, display the “Blessing Bags” that Logan gives to the homeless in Shelbyville and Bedford County.
SHELBYVILLE — Last year Logan Reed was in the backseat of his parents’ car when they stopped at a red light and saw a homeless person holding a sign.
He asked his dad about it and Scott Reed, pastor of Midland Heights Baptist Church, Shelbyville, responded the man did not have a home and needed money.
Reed recalled that his son told him, “Dad, we have to do something.”
And, they did. Not only did the Reed family help that homeless man that day by going to a local fast food restaurant and buying him a meal, Logan took it on as a personal ministry to help the homeless and those less fortunate.
He began making “Blessing Bags.” The bags contain gloves, socks, toiletries such as soap and toothpaste, granola bars and other snacks.
The bags are kept in his dad’s truck and his mom’s car so they are prepared when they see a homeless person.
And, it happens more often than you would expect in Bedford County and Shelbyville, his dad said.
“You don’t realize how large the homeless population is until you start looking,” he said.
The 9-year-old fourth grader said his desire is to help the people feel special and to know the love of Jesus.
When possible, Reed or his wife Stephanie pull to a safe location and walk with Logan up to the homeless person so Logan can personally give him or her the bag.
“They shake our hands and sometimes give us a pat on the back or a hug,” Logan said. “It makes me feel happy to help people.”
Actually, stopping to engage with the homeless is important, his dad said. “It’s more personal when you can stop and talk,” he said.
In addition, it provides an open door to talk about Jesus and His love for them.
As Logan’s dad and his pastor, Reed is extremely proud of his son.
“Logan has a heart for people and ministry,” said Scott Reed. “When he sees anybody less fortunate, he wants to help.”
Reed noted his son has been an inspiration to the congregation at Midland Heights. When his wife put a notice on a Facebook page about Logan’s ministry, church members responded by bringing items for Logan’s “Blessing Bags.”
In addition, Reed challenged church members to do the ministry themselves. At least one other person has been inspired to make similar bags, the pastor said.
They soon had more than they needed. After making about 70 bags, which are kept in both family vehicles, Logan and his dad took items to the local homeless shelter.
Logan’s message is simple, Reed said. “See people’s needs and meet them. That’s what Jesus did.”
