The other day, while walking down the hall at the Refuge, I noticed one of the women with tears in her eyes. I don’t always know for sure whether they want to talk, but this time it was obvious. She wanted to talk.
She shared that she had just received word that she was facing spinal surgery or sure paralysis. Rehab and injections weren’t working. I could see the fear in her eyes, but there was something else. I asked her how I could pray, and she said, “I can’t afford surgery.” We prayed and asked God to not only relieve her fear, but also assure her that He hasn’t forgotten her. I told her that I didn’t think God had brought her this far to leave her. And I believe that.
Later that same day, I had an encounter with a man in the dining hall who asked me to pray for the restoration of his family. I assured him that God is all about restoration but that He expects us to do our part when it comes to reconciliation. We prayed and asked God to work in this family and bring guidance and forgiveness in their relationships.
Around every corner at our shelters is a story. People are hurting, scared and some just want to give up. I am so thankful that there are places like Faith Mission and Faith Refuge, so those stories don’t have to go unheard. I think it is a sacred privilege to step into those stories and offer prayer and resources. As intercessors, we get to stand in the gap for them and as helpers, we get to guide them to ways they may not have even thought of.
Sometimes it starts with a meal or a divine appointment in the hall, but God is always working. The only question is, are we sensitive to His leading when He calls us to listen. Every person has a story and every
