So I haven't been very good about keeping up with my blog this summer. Sorry. I don't have really any very good excuse either. But there's someone I met this summer, a true friend. I've been wanting to share his story, but haven't done so.
At the benefit concert we had last week for Rising Hope he gave a testimony to how the church has impacted his life. I figured, who better than to have him tell it:
"Hello to everyone and God Bless all of you. My name is Dwayne. I look around and see that a lot of you don’t know me! But then I look around again and see my friends from Rising Hope and it gives me the strength and faith to do this.
Pastor Keary asked me if I would like to say a few things that I like or love about my Church, Rising Hope. There are more than a few things that I love about Rising Hope. And it’s my honor to tell you about them.
When I was homeless I didn’t know what to do. So, I went and slept in the woods on Richmond Highway, Route 1. I didn’t become homeless because of Drugs, Alcohol, or mental problems. It just happened. There’s a stigma about homeless people having one of the problems that I just mentioned. But it’s not always true.
I met a lot of homeless people like myself and all they could talk about was a Church called Rising Hope. When they told me about the Hypothermia Program there, I didn’t go! I didn’t go because I was ashamed of being homeless. They went - I stayed in the woods.
It started getting colder and they kept telling me, “No one there will judge you about your homelessness.” So, I swallowed the little bit of pride I had left and went there with them. I stood outside in line and waited to get inside.
There’s only room for 25 people and I was one of the luck ones to get in that night. But for the people that didn’t get in, Rising Hope called other shelters and tried to find places for them to go.
Getting into Rising Hope that night changed my life. There were two women there named Ollie and Sherry who are still friends of mine. I will never forget the first time there I was asked to sign a paper saying that I would treat Rising Hope and all of the people in it with respect. I did, I still do to this day, and I always will.
That first night, once we were all inside and had settled down there was a prayer said for all of us that were there and for all of those who weren’t. Another prayer was said for the food and for the Church volunteers that provided us with it. I was amazed at what happened next: A HOT MEAL! Then afterwards we got to watch a MOVIE!
We all know we take simple things for granted like turning on a switch and getting light. Twisting a knob and getting hot water to take a shower. Having the electricity to watch a movie. We need to step back and think about these kinds of things and the people that don’t have them.
I came back to Rising Hope every night until the Hypothermia Program closed. I felt safe there. I felt love there. I felt that Rising Hope cared about me and when you have no one else, that’s a good feeling.
I continued coming to Rising Hope after the Hypothermia program closed. I found my housing through the Church and New Hope Housing – which is a great organization that I am still a part of today.
Thank God for the things that Rising Hope does for everyone up and down the Route One Corridor and all over. It’s unbelievable. I will never be able to pay Rising Hope back for what they have done for me. There are many other people that feel the same way.
I wake up every morning and look forward to going to Rising Hope as much as I can. Not just to volunteer however I can, but also just to feel the warmth inside the Church.
Rising Hope is a non-profit Church and we survive on donations and volunteers. If there is any way you can help us we would truly appreciate it. I hate to think of a day when I would go to Rising Hope and the doors would no longer be open. It would affect so many people in a negative way.
I want to thank Ms. Venisa for her daily prayer services. She takes from the Bible and breaks it down so we all can understand what she’s saying. I also want to thank Ms. Deborah, who always has the time and dedication to listen to everyone and help them on the path they are seeking. And to Ms. Jennifer who always looks out for the needs of the homeless with a great passion. I also want to say a prayer for Linda and the work that she does in the Food Pantry. And for Marilyn whose Journey is taking her to a righteous path of Youth Ministry. Also, I want to pray for Bekah who is an intern at Rising Hope and for all the good things she does. Please pray for Pastor Keary for the strength, wisdom and faith to continue to do the great things that he does.
Now, I would like all the staff and volunteers from Rising Hope to stand up and be recognized for all the good they do for our Church. Let’s give them a hand!
Rising Hope not only provides spiritual healing, it also provides food for the hungry; clothes for those that need them; and true friendship to all those who walk through their doors. I love Rising Hope and what it stands for. Please don’t let this church fail. Thank you for letting me tell you my story and share how much I care about my church. Everyone here should know that everything I have said tonight has come from my heart!
Now, I hope you understand why my church is called Rising HOPE!"
What Dwayne didn't share in his speech is how much he does for Rising Hope. This summer the church's custodian had an injury. So, Dwayne took on the position and he was there everyday before and after his shift, volunteering at least as much time as he was on the clock. The custodian has returned to work and Dwayne still comes most everyday, ready to lend a helping hand wherever needed.
I misplaced my water bottle this past weekend. After it'd been missing a couple days I asked him if he'd seen it around the office. He hadn't. I came into work on Tuesday morning and there was a plastic bag sitting on my desk with my name across it. I opened it up and inside there was a brand new water bottle, much like the one I'd lost. (I found my water bottle that day, but I don't have the heart to tell him). For someone who lives dollar to dollar, who is still in a housing program after being homeless, buying a gift like a new water bottle is very generous and heart felt.
There is more to Dwayne's story than he shared. He was in a horrible state when he first came to Rising Hope. And as I think about where he was to where he's come, I am astounded. God's work is powerful, and He's used Rising Hope to touch this man's life (and the lives of many others) in meaningful ways.
