The Journey Home

"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

Persevering to Serve Amidst Trials
We have been blessed over the past 3 years to have walked alongside a great friend named Charlie. Charlie was a disabled homeless veteran whom we met in 2019. He was staying at the Salvation Army and looking to overcome a mountain of obstacles in front of him. Over time, we got to know Charlie well and then the pandemic hit! During the pandemic, he single-handedly helped Pastor John serve the homeless community in Hickory when almost all other organizations in the area were closed or in lockdown.

Charlie showed a tremendous servant's heart as he helped tirelessly with the transition of the Life House to the new Strong Life location in the winter of 2021. Many that dropped off donations admired Charlie for volunteering his time to help others in the homeless community and often considered him a friend. Pastor John always enjoyed picking up Charlie and sharing a cup of coffee on their way to church on Sunday mornings. During his time at Strong Life, Charlie never failed to put a smile on the faces of all around him with a quick joke or a lending hand.

Finishing Well
With the unfortunate passing of Charlie's good friend, Mark Doughtrey aka "Big Foot", and being forced from his camping location, things became quite dismal. After the great effort of our staff, we were finally able to reconnect Charlie with his family in the mountains. They were able to obtain an RV for him that would allow him to live right next to them. Last week we made the journey up the mountain with Charlie to be reunited with his family and said our bittersweet goodbyes to a man who inspired us all.  We were touched to see his journey of homelessness end and help him transition to a place of restoration with his family.

We are reminded in times like these that seasons of life come and go. Charlie's example shows us that we should be willing to serve in all circumstances. Whether we find ourselves in a place of comfort or need, just like Charlie we should strive to act in love. God is loving and faithful, and He will see to it that we finish well in the end. We ask that you pray for Charlie to finish well as he looks to serve his family during a time of trial when they need his help. It is a wonderful thing to see one of our homeless friends find their way home in more ways than one.

To find more ways in which you can help the homeless find their way home, reach out to us through our website: www.stronglifenc.org.