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REFLECTIONS....  This page will be dedicated to the written testimonies of parents, family members and friends of women who have gone through our program at the Hospitality Home For Women. God tells us to "ask and you shall receive". These people never stopped asking for deliverance for their loved ones, and God was faithful to answer their cries. If you are praying for someone you love, we hope you will find encouragement here, and know that "all thinsg are possible with God."
Written by Norene, the mother of Shanna Date: September 26, 2007 My beautiful daughter, Shanna, gave her heart to the Lord when she was 8 years old as she prayed with her grandmother. She was raised in the church, and she had a clear picture of who Jesus is and that He died for all our sins.
We had a seemingly idyllic life when tragedy struck when Shanna was 14. Both her brothers (ages 21 and 7) were killed in a car accident. We were never promised our lives would be easy or perfect when we become Christians but that our Heavenly Father would be with us through all of life's trials. Our faith carried us through, along with the very strong support and faith of my mother, but the pain was almost unbearable. Shanna changed schools as her private school was the same school her younger brother had attended, and it was too painful to see his little friends. She attended college for a year but then decided to attend court reporting school. She is exceptionally bright and did very well, graduating a year early. She was offered a position with one of the top court reporting firms in the city, and was very excited about the offer. I was somewhat concerned about such a high pressure job because she was still very young (22), very much a people-pleaser, and had been through so much in her young life. She accepted the position and earned an excellent salary. As time went by, she began to change. She became very thin, her new car was repossessed, she was constantly late for family functions or wouldn't show up at all. I began to fear it was drug-related. Her boss called me one terrible day and told me that she was using cocaine. I arrived at the office shortly before Shanna. She was very upset to see me there, and I saw the fear in her beautiful blue eyes. She knew I knew. We took her immediately to a 30-day rehab facility. We were so naïve. We thought they could “fix” her. After her stay in rehab, she promised she would never use again, but we later learned, she had even used there.
Shanna was dating a young man who also used, and dealt, drugs and eventually married him. She promised they were no longer using, and they appeared to be healthy, and even attended all the pre-marital counseling sessions. Although her dad and I had serious reservations about the marriage, we were hoping and praying for the best. As the years went by, we would see and hear from her sporadically and knew she was using again. I prayed constantly, often literally on my knees in a panic, but God carried me through with a “peace beyond our understanding” most of the time. I always knew He would save her life, I just didn't know when.
Through the years, Shanna tried several rehab facilities unsuccessfully. Finally, the day came when she called me from jail. I was devastated but relieved at the same time. I knew this must be part of God's plan. It was very hard to imagine my lovely daughter in jail with “those people” but at least I knew where she was and that she had no access to drugs. Shanna was amazing with her constant joy and love for her Heavenly Father. She also knew this was God's plan. She called me every day, and we got through those 4 months. She came out clean and sober and went to a treatment facility for 3 months where they were required to attend church services. I went to see her every 2 weeks and watched her become healthier, both physically and spiritually.
Upon completion of the 3 months, she moved into the Hospitality House for Women sponsored by Missions for Christ Assembly which is led by a strong and loving pastor who encourages the members to minister to others in all areas of their lives. That is where she began to really grow in her faith. She began to literally radiate God's love. Shanna has always been outgoing and people are drawn to her, but it's different now. The infectious personality God has blessed her with is used for His glory. She teaches Missionettes (Bible Study for young girls) and speaks at Bethany House (a shelter/rehab for women & children). She shares God's love and her first-hand knowledge of His ability to heal those who are struggling with addiction. She is living proof of His faithfulness. The Hospitality House is a Bible-based structured environment where God's love is taught and practiced. Lives are changed there. She has been clean and sober for 2 1/2 years. I thank God every day for saving Shanna's life and Hospitality House for giving her a spiritual home to grow into a strong and fearless Christian woman.
Written by Linda, the mother of Mary October 23, 2007 I have been a member of Missions for Christ for about 41/2 years. This is my family, I know I can receive prayer at any time and get prayer for others and for my family. I guess that is where it had all started. My daughter Mary had been addicted to drugs and living on the streets for a long time. My church family, my mother and daughter had prayed to the Lord for many years for Mary to come home and be sober. She finally did, in Oct 2006, she left prison and came to live with me. It took another nine months to enter the Hospitality House with a heart to be discipled. You can look upon her now and know that the Lord has blessed her and has blessed our family with her love and just having her with us again. The Lord will finish his good work in us. Mary is only alive for His purpose and his glory. The Hospitality house is Gods creation for women who are recovering. I know she will be there as long as the Lord wills it and puts her feet on solid ground to help others like herself.
I praise God always and know we are so blessed by Him.
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