You would never know looking at this lovely woman the things she’s been through.  Matty, not her real name, started down the path of destruction using drugs and alcohol at the tender age of 13.  “I’ve been through several men.  My first husband, an alcoholic, died when he was just 29 years old.  I have two daughters from that marriage, and then a son with the next man I was involved with.”

“I’ve been in and out of homeless shelters, living on the streets in between.  Some of the time we lived with family.  The amazing thing is that when I look back at all the years of sickness I can see God’s hand on me.  There were people praying for me and I know that made a difference.”

“The real story is how God did a work in me.  He changed me.  He’s cleaned me up.  Now I feel He’s ready to use me to help others.  I want people to know that no matter how hopeless they may feel, no matter what things they have done to just get by, that God loves them and He will help them.  They just have to reach out and grab a hold of Him.  They have to believe Him.”

“There was a time when I was at a shelter when a man presented the gospel and I raised my hand that I wanted to accept Christ.  He said, “You know you have to be really serious about this.”  I was, but I still was hooked on the drugs, even using crack.  It literally has been years of God working on me.  But now I’m clean and sober, and for the first time in my life I am excited about what God is doing.  I’m excited about life and His presence in me and with me.  I want that for you too.”    

Do you feel alone and hopeless?   Jesus promises He will never leave you. Please, click here  to find out how you can get to know Him!

Matty volunteered to serve at the recent Presence of Love, an annual community-wide event, with others from her church.  Please click here for information about the Presence of Love store.       

And if you would like to find out about volunteer opportunities, please click here.