August 2011 Newsletter

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Rebel Surrendered

Regina and Jonathan entered our Samaritan Inn against their will, as a legal requirement from her parole officer. All things considered, Jonathan adapted much easier. He had his mother and his basic needs met. The school bus picked him up and dropped this five-year-old off for kindergarten right in front of his new, temporary home. In the photo, he is showing off his school backpack. Children generally arrive at the shelter without proper school supplies; donations are needed.

Regina had a more difficult time adjusting. She said, “I fought Samaritan Inn, because I thought I was above a homeless shelter. I wanted to be with family and friends, but they were a bad influence. I came in with an attitude, scared of people, not knowing what to do. I never lived sober as an adult, afraid of responsibility and whether I could handle it. I was mad at the 6am morning wake up and having to do a chore too! They expected too much out of me, but in reality, not. The first three days, I cried. Called everybody I knew to just get me out of here. Told Carolyn (Manager) to just kick me out. She was really nice, even though, I was really a brat. Started to get to know some of the girls. Carolyn was my main support, always asking how I was doing and caring for my son. I settled into Samaritan Inn’s routine and motivation.”

As it turns out, Regina was fighting more than a homeless shelter, she was fighting God. She said, “I thought it was God’s fault, that at 14-years-old, a person close in my life started me on drugs. And that I lost my youngest child. If God had cared, He would not have let those things happen. I hated going to chapel and devotions at first, but it grew on me, started making sense. I listened to Vicki (Staff), she said it in ways I could understand. I made a connection with evening chapel volunteers.” One evening in chapel, Regina was not paying attention. Suddenly, women around her were raising their hands. So as not to look out of place, she raised her hand as well. She had unknowingly answered an altar call and before she knew it, she was up front with hands being laid on her and prayers being made. She was not there accepting the Lord, but she certainly knew the conviction upon her. Later that night in their private, family bedroom, Regina sat up in bed to read the Bible with a borrowed flashlight from her son. She read, “It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man, than for one to listen to the song of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:5. She prayed, “What do you want from me? Jesus, I want you in my life, I want to live the right way.” The rebel had surrendered. She said, “I was afraid I would just be a dull Christian. But, I asked Vicki a lot of questions, she interacts well. Carolyn always talked to me, she was awesome. I’m still going to church on my own. Samaritan Inn really helped make the biggest difference. It brought God into my life, helped me to live, brought real love into my life, gave me the will to succeed.