January 2015 Newsletter

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Not Just A Blue-Collar Problem

Scott sits in a crowd of homeless men with a rather unsuspecting circumstance. At first glance, he seems to blend with other clients. He sports a fast food smock, not an unusual sight at the Mission. But for Scott, that job is not the beginning of a new career. He has been a public school teacher for 13 years, since graduating with a Master of Arts degree from a private Christian university in Oregon.

The trouble started with school district budget cuts and layoffs. Scott and his family moved to another state so he could continue his teaching career. All was well until his wife, who has her own career, was offered a big advancement back here in Oregon. She took it, moved their children and bought a house. They still had a house in the other state. For two more years, he taught year-round school with regular interval vacations. He was with his family during those breaks; until the last time upon arriving at home, he was told that he was no longer welcome. Scott said, “It was a total surprise. I had no idea at all.” The stress on a marriage and family, split apart by economic times, is no less for people with white-collar positions than it is for those with blue-collar positions. He said a lot of their problem was just the distance and time away from each other.

If suddenly we had no place to go because of unforeseen circumstances or natural disaster, a lot of Americans would have few options. Many of us live from paycheck to paycheck, whether out of low income or just high spending. A few months ago, Scott was teaching children and grandchildren, just like our own. His bills were paid. His biggest problem was getting recertified to teach in Oregon, so he could be with his family again. Its still his goal. In the meantime, he has shifted his priority, late as it is, left his out of state job and is staying closer to home. Their double income had gone into houses, now with more debt than value. His possessions are on hold, pending the divorce settlement.

Scott is a Christian, having accepted the Lord years ago. He said that the Lord was clearly at work in his life, changing him into a new person. Still, the success of a two career family pulled at his loyalties. He said, “I just plodded along in life, focusing on making money, buying cars, trucks, a boat. I took my relationship with God and my wife for granted. I learned my lesson. I thought I had it all. For all our material goods, we said, ‘We’ve got it from here God.’ We were on our own and it didn’t work out. And that won’t happen again. The Lord had to show me my arrogance. At first I was angry at the Lord. Then I turned it over to the Lord, got on my knees and prayed, then things started to happen.” He said, “Its a blessing that the Roseburg Rescue Mission is here. I have no idea what I would do if it weren’t here. Its been a learning experience. With the support from staff and God, I am in a position now where I can stand on my own two feet and start life over again. Every day I read the Bible, persevering. I would not have my relationship with Christ today, if not for the Mission. Thank you.”

Now Scott is giving back by using his teaching ability to tutor homeless men for their GED.