December 2022 Newsletter

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Transformed Lives

Out of the world of domestic violence and paganism, Ariel, Dezzerae (10), and Andreas (8) needed a safe place to go. Away from an existence of unfaithfulness, abuse, and occult influence, this family looked for a better way to live. From physical, emotional, and financial abuse, they fled to Samaritan Inn for new life. Online, Ariel searched “domestic abuse.” There, she found a review link to Samaritan Inn and the Mission website. She said it was our Vision Statement, “that stood out as someplace I needed to be to make me feel safe.” It reads, “To establish and develop saving relationships with Jesus Christ among the homeless.” Ariel knew that she needed to get back to her roots, a time when she went to church with her grandmother. She said, “I was close to my grandmother. Chapel here reminded me of her and of seeds of faith from earlier in life. The kids have a safe place, and they always have the Father figure of God in their lives, unlike their abusive earthly father.” Since being here, all three have been baptized, two at their new church home, one in the river. She said, “Anytime I went to church, it made me feel safe, like I had a family again. And I am volunteering in kid’s ministry.”

Now, she has a new freedom to be joyful at Christmas.

Christmas had been a depressing time of year for Ariel, because she said, “When I was 14, I was traumatized two days before Christmas. So, it was not celebrated in a merry spirit. I took the blame for it, but now realize it was not my fault. It was like a huge weight lifted off my chest.” Now, she has a new freedom to be joyful at Christmas.

Indeed, her whole life of introversion and fear has been replaced. She said, “Samaritan Inn helped bring me out of my shell. I was very reserved and had massive trust issues. I looked down to avoid eye contact and conversation. I did not have a lot of self-worth. It was a huge help in finding resources, making friends, and feeling safe in the world again.

“A huge help in finding resources, making friends, and feeling safe again.”

“There is more freedom here than in our previous home. One of the reasons I feel safe is because my ex-husband cannot come in here. The women on Program and Staff are diligent, there are security cameras, a fence and locking gate.” Their personalities have blossomed. Ariel said that she has learned to stand up for herself and say “no.” And her children realize that they are allowed to be themselves.

Gaining employment and an apartment are among her accomplishments. She is now a retail store clerk. She has a certificate of completion from the Rent Well program that gives landlords financial protection. They have a two bedroom apartment lined up and will be moving very soon. They have transformed lives.