SHARING GOD'S LOVE

As part of our church’s strategic planning process three years ago, we envisioned a church-wide project that would show God’s love for all people. We decided to support a homeless family, with the goal of sponsoring three families simultaneously within three years.

I remember asking how we could possibly support three families at the same time when sponsoring one seemed like a major commitment of finances and personnel. One team member responded that she had seen amazing things happen with God’s help, and that if it were God’s will that we sponsor three families in three years, it would happen.

So with a bit of trepidation and much excitement, we partnered with Fairfax Area Christian Emergency & Transitional Services (FACETS) to help a homeless family become self-sufficient by supporting them for two years. Our support consisted of $18,000 per year for an apartment, a mentor for each family member and a liaison.

Our two years were filled with exciting periods of progress and times of incredible frustration when it seemed that self-sufficiency moved further and further out of reach. But we persisted, mistakes and all, and we learned to be more assertive – to “speak the truth in love,” that good communication among all parties is essential, that personnel changes need to be kept at a minimum, and that we need to consult family members before acting instead of assuming what they need or want.

The mentoring has had a great impact. The two older boys have formed solid and lasting friendships with their mentors, and the adults, under much stress and facing great challenges, benefited from having mentors listen to and help them. In mentoring one of the adults, I realized that I, too, was being mentored.

As I came to know someone very different from myself, I found myself becoming less judgmental and more accepting, more compassionate and more patient. I learned that my perceived “right” way wasn’t always right. And more than once, overwhelmed by frustration, I found myself speaking sympathetic and encouraging words, understanding later that the Holy Spirit had taken over and had guided my every word.

Prayer sustained all of our efforts during those two years, and we witnessed much progress. Although the parents separated, one obtained a driver’s license, while the other has completed an apprenticeship and is employed full-time. She plans to move into an apartment with her sons, at which time she will be fully independent.

It has taken the entire church body to support this family: The pastor and administration gave the go-ahead and financial commitment. Many members contributed material resources. Two different liaisons, mentors and a team constantly assessed and reassessed. But the glory is God’s. We have been nurtured by a faithful and loving God who has walked beside us, answered our prayers and guided our words and actions to make us better servants in the name of Jesus Christ.

We have now moved into our third year by supporting two new families – one through Northern Virginia Coalition that helps homeless families who have experienced domestic abuse, and the other through our pastor. Now we await a third refugee family from Sudan. Three families in three years. Not the way I expected it, but then amazing things happen with God’s help.

— Laurie Juliana

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist