Stories of Hope

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy" (Romans 15:13a)

​Helping the homeless find their way home
Sometimes we all need to hear someone did well. We want to see that a situation is improving and that people are heading in the right direction. At Strong Life Ministries, we get to experience good news every day. We hope these three stories encourage you. Please note, names have been changed to protect the identities of our friends.

Tony was young and scared when he arrived in Hickory, NC.  He was traveling with the carnival, had lost his identity, and ended up in the hospital. After he was released, we were able to be part of Tony's journey. We ordered him a birth certificate, helped him get much needed medication, and counseled him daily. We helped him find some odd jobs and guided him to a safe path. After a couple of months of counseling and investing in Tony, we were able to provide a bus ticket that reconnected him with his family and support system. Tony is excited for the fresh start and opportunity to be reunited with his parents.

​A New Beginning
Jerry came to us from a hotel and was completely hopeless. He had been banned from at least five hotels in the Hickory area due to drug use and his behavioral issues that seemed to follow. He had a broken heart that wanted to do the right thing, but it seemed everyone had given up on him. Jerry started camping in the woods and coming to see us daily. After spending a couple of months ministering to Jerry, we helped him transition to Hebron Colony Men’s Recovery Program in Boone. This program is dedicated to helping men overcome addiction. Jerry has found much success in the program and is about to graduate.

Ronald is a veteran. He was released from the hospital after recovering from an overdose that left him in a coma for months and restricted to a wheelchair. During counseling, Ronald sought out a fresh commitment to God. Within the next few weeks, he obtained his military ID and connected to case management. Ronald is now out of his wheelchair walking tall. He is 20 months sober, smiling, and looking for housing. Ronald's spiritual, physical, and emotional healing has been an encouragement to many.

Paul says in Romans 15:13, "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” It is a gift to be able to share hope with someone who has become hopeless. Take courage today to be the gift of hope for someone you bump into that may need it more than you realize.

We all need hope. Please know that Strong Life Ministries is here to show that hope to others. If you are interested in joining us on this mission, contact us by phone 828-994-4321 or email [email protected].