by Terry Hampton

It's a frightening day for the United States of America. President Clark stands, pen poised, to sign into the law the Public Assistance Reform Act, removing all forms of governmental assistance. He feels physically sick, but has no other viable options. The economy of the most powerful country on the earth has all but collapsed. Max Campbell, high school dropout and fifth-generation welfare recipient, lives with his folks and four younger siblings in a run-down mobile home. He doesn't like his life, but never thinks about the possibility it could be different. Widow Becky Park and her three young children have been living off of food stamps, Medicaid, her husband's Social Security, and a government-funded housing program. Now she stares in shock at the latest-breaking news on television. Attorney William Kennington phones his best friend, Douglas Hughes, a medical doctor, with the great news. It's about time all the deadbeats stop living off his tax dollars and start supporting themselves, he says. But Doug isn't so sure. So many of his clients rely on Medicare and Medicaid to pay him, and he thinks about the tears of desperate mothers when their children can't be treated. Rev. Harper W. James has been at the First Congregational Church of Springville for twelve years. His church has always reached out to the community. But now so much more is needed.. What does it mean to care for 'the least of these'? What does it mean to receive? The Least of These will tug at your heart.and surprise you.