On The Road To Success

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10

The Trust in the Journey
Staying on the journey with folks as they transition out of homelessness is something we desire to do at Strong Life. A glimpse of this is provided through the story of our friend Randy. Randy came into homelessness 2 years ago. He was living out of his car until he got sick and had to go to the hospital. It was during this time his car got towed and upon his exit from the hospital he could not afford the impound fees to retrieve his car. He was a long-haul truck driver unable to go back to work due to medical issues and the Covid-19 pandemic. 
 
Last year, Randy continued to go through difficulties as he had lost his transportation and was staying at the Salvation Army. He was looking for work and the next step forward.  We helped him apply for a trucking job. He got back on the road and successfully worked for several months until the company he worked for went out of business. Randy stayed in hotels until his money ran out then went back into the homeless community. 
 
After several months of camping in the woods and participating in Strong Life Rescue Mission’s Day Program, we developed a trusting relationship with Randy. We saw the integrity of his character and offered Randy a job with Strong Life during our busy winter season. We provided a place for him to stay in the Strong Life Men’s Program. He has been working his part time job faithfully for nearly 4 months and was praying through the next step when a wonderful blessing came his way. There was an incredible opportunity through the provision of a vehicle being donated to restore what Randy had lost and help get him to the next step. 

The Joy in the Blessing
Pastor Mark Myers of Marketplace Church in Hickory, NC had the faith and vision to hold a community revival this past month. Pastor Mark said he wanted to give away a car to show God’s love and provision for someone. He asked if we knew anyone who had experienced homelessness who they could bless. We recognized that Randy would be a perfect fit. Pastor Mark and his church paid for and saw to it the car had new tires, brakes, battery, and inspection to make sure it was in tip top shape to represent the love and provision of God. 
 
 Randy received his new to him car on Easter morning with tears of gratitude and a smile that couldn’t be wiped away. He was told in this moment by Pastor Mark that this was an outward sign of God’s love for him “a blessing to help him on his journey”. Randy, who has been drug and alcohol free on his journey through homelessness, accredits his strength and persistence to his faith in Jesus Christ. He also recognizes the goodness of God in this gift and looks forward to seeing where his wheels will take him along his journey to serve Jesus.  
 
 If you want learn more, please visit our website www.stronglifenc.org or email us at [email protected] for more information.