Deacons and the State

I would like some clarification of the article written by Mr. Gordon Schipper, "The office of deacon: Its function" (Standard Bearer, April 15, 1995). My understanding of the end of the article is that we as Christians should not ask for social benefits from the government, but that as a church we should support anyone that lives in poverty in the communion of saints. I don't know how it is in the USA but here in Australia we have a very socialistic government, and no one has to live in...