January 2016 Newsletter

Download a PDF to read the full newsletter. Or read our featured article below.

When His Marriage Broke Up

Paycheck To Paycheck Lifestyle Caused Homelessness

Joseph said, “I was having issues with my wife. We had a fight, screaming at each other over something stupid. I went to work. I called to apologize, but that turned into a fiasco in itself. We had problems before, but were not taking care of them.” After his shift at work was over, he went to the Mission. A few months later, they were divorced, their differences being irreconcilable. Five weeks later, they were remarried at the county court house, after what Joseph now refers to as “some crazy drama.” He said, “It was starting to go good. I got a second part-time job. Of the problems in the marriage, finances were 30%, not the biggest problem. The second job helped with the finances and marriage, but the biggest problem was that we just could not get along. Things went back to the way they were. She said it was done.” He was back at the Mission, a place that had helped him give his marriage a second attempt.

Joseph said, “If there were no Mission here, I would have gone back to my parents in (another state), rather than stay here and have a relationship with my (three-year-old) son. I want to be there for my son and help him grow into the man he will be one day. I couldn’t have maintained the relationship. I had no money for renting an apartment. The Mission provided the means to preserve his father and son relationship.

Then the Mission facilitated something even greater. After chapel one night, laying on his bunk in our dormitory, he accepted the Lord. Joseph said, I had heard other people’s testimonies (in chapel). I found out that I can talk to God, nothing half-baked, just let it all out, telling God what my needs are and they happen. Chapel is every night. Things were hit and miss. Sometimes they just click, and I could look at what I was doing at that time. It gave me insights about how to deal with anger or with problems. I have seen God work in my life and in others. I said a prayer by myself right before going to sleep. Laying on my bed, I closed my eyes and started praying for help. I couldn’t do it myself; I need my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Joseph testified, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Joseph concluded by saying, “I used to have preconceived notions until I came here. Then it hit me like a freight train. Some people just lost their job; some are trying to break the vicious cycle of addiction. The thing we have in common is that we are all right here. They have their spiritual battles and I have mine.”