New Shoes — An Inner-City Treasure
Not far away was a church with a S.A.Y. Yes! after-school center, with staff who care deeply for children. They first noticed Melinda, age 5, when they saw her dad violently swearing at her and dragging her tiny, frail body along the sidewalk. Both of Melinda’s parents were heavy drinkers. Neither worked. They had no interest in God or religion, and the staff at the church was at a loss how to reach out to the family. But then, miraculously, Melinda’s father signed her up for the S.A.Y. Yes! Center’s summer camp. That fall, Melinda began coming to S.A.Y. Yes! after school — and to church on Sundays. Then her parents started coming to church, too — and they have both committed their hearts to the Lord. All this has taken time, and they still struggle. But Melinda’s dad has stayed sober and holds a steady job. Melinda is like a different child now. Before, she was fascinated with violent and morbid things, and she didn’t like to be touched. Today she brims with tenderness, joy, and creativity. She laughs more — readily gives hugs — and makes up games for the other kids to play. Melinda’s life is on a better track now, but there are still struggles, especially financially. That’s why she was so thrilled with her new shoes, provided through the S.A.Y. Yes! Center by Here’s Life. She ran up to a favorite staff member shrieking, "Miss Lynn, Miss Lynn! Look at my new shoes!" She beamed as she held up a box with a brand new pair of shoes, just her size, ready for her first day of school. She was 8 years old, and these were the first new shoes she had ever owned! |
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Can you imagine this kind of need? An entire family lived in a backyard shed, without electricity, running water or heat — in Denver! To use the bathroom, they had to go inside the landlord’s house on the same property.