Hope Grows in Brooklyn
Regina began having health problems that prevented her from working; Ronald couldn’t find an opening for his skills as a mechanic. When they could no longer get by without help, they turned to the food pantry in a neighborhood church. The church receives food regularly from the Here’s Life Inner City warehouse, using the food as a way to connect with people to meet physical and spiritual needs. When Regina and Ronald came, they felt ashamed to be asking for help — they were very discouraged. But people from the church prayed with them and encouraged them. They started attending the church, which was a new experience for Ronald. He had no spiritual background. Regina had known about Christ as a child, but she had long since drifted away. As they continued to receive food, clothing and care from the church, Regina recommitted her life to the Lord, and Ronald asked Christ into his life. They grew in faith, and hope crept back into their lives. Regina found work cleaning homes, and soon Ronald landed a part-time job as a mechanic. They were on their feet and no longer needed the regular resources of the food pantry. But they continue their involvement in the church. Ronald serves by helping others in the congregation when they need mechanical work on their cars. Regina has done cooking for special meals. They brought their daughter, Denise, and her three children to church, and they, too, gave their hearts to the Lord. This is a whole new family – and it all began with food from the Here’s Life warehouse. |
Previous Stories of Hope: |
Ronald and Regina’s hopes were high when they immigrated to the U.S. from Guyana, a small country on the northern coast of South America. They moved to Brooklyn, but their story did not unfold as they had expected.