November 2017 Newsletter

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Void Will Be Filled By Something

When the air is removed from an enclosed space, a vacuum is created. The pressure outside is greater than the pressure inside. Whatever is closest to the opening gets sucked in to fill the void.

The absence of Jessica’s parents, when she was 17-years-old and starting her senior year of high school, created a void that was filled by a 24-year-old man with an apartment. They had met at a party in a friend’s house. In time, his methamphetamine addiction grew to be a priority over living expenses. Then came the pressure, “If you were a cool girlfriend, you would try meth. It is wrong to not try it.” A dangerous, illegal drug was sucked into the void in her life. When he pushed for a marriage commitment, she said, “He was not marrying material, so I ran away with the dope dealer. You just lose your ability to make good decisions.”

Later, Jessica chose a partner based on his qualifications, “I was not interested in anyone who would use meth, he was safe and less abusive than some men.” In their eight year, shaky relationship, they had two children. They both used marijuana and alcohol excessively. A day came when he punched Jessica, giving her a black eye. The next hit cut her cheek. She defended herself. The police were called. He went to jail, she went to the hospital, the kids went with Child Protective Services to a foster home. The children saw both parents involved in domestic violence. The result was that the parents could be with each other, but not together with the children. However, they got caught by CPS doing that very thing.

Jessica’s case worker suggested that she fill her need for housing and separation from her offender at our Samaritan Inn. She now has one overnight visit per week with her children here. She got a job specifically because of her responsibility to care for herself and children without any support from him, necessarily.

The Mission is a place for people to reevaluate their lives, understand what went wrong and make changes. It is a turning point in life to clear out the improper thinking and behaviors. When their house is swept clean, a void is created. What or Who will fill that space? We are a Gospel Rescue Mission. Our purpose is to help homeless people fill that vacancy with the Truth of God’s Word.

Here Jessica found, “Support, if I look like I am having a bad day, they cheer me up, give me a hug, good meals, we stick up for each other. The people here are praying for you, on your mind, really believe me. They watch you grow and develop; it really is a godsend. Children’s chapel is great for families, bringing kids together to minimize distractions, and focus on the lesson for spiritual growth. When we leave here, I will continue to stay out of (additions), because it disrupts the body of Christ and keeps us from overcoming the elements of darkness.”