Below are actual stories of people
helped by Hope Ministries.
Certain identifying details may have been changed.
In all cases, the people involved have continued to grow.
I would like to share with you a testimony written by a young woman I met with for several months this year. She has moved away from the area, but God did a mighty work in her life over a short time! Lucy Mundy
2009 BLESSING IN DISGUISE
I started going to Hope Ministries after my husband kicked me out of our house over another woman. I was devastated to say the least and in denial. We had been having problems for four years, the biggest thing was that my husband was lying about everything and becoming very manipulative. That left me empty everyday, and that emptiness needed to be filled. My home life over those years became unbearable. I was constantly aiming for perfection so my husband would accept me; always having a positive attitude around him so he would find me lovable. I would cry and pray during the day and night, never really knowing where he was or what he was doing and especially why he wanted nothing to do with me.
Leaving that situation was actually a blessing. I had to start thinking for myself again. Knowing that I could not deal with this on my own; I took a friend's advice and looked for counseling. Hope ministries was really the only option for me, because I wanted to talk to someone who would direct me in the way of Christ and it was free. I always question the sincerity of someone’s counsel if money is involved; therefore Hope fit my criteria.
Getting counseling at Hope Ministries was so much more than I ever thought it could be. It was very interactive and they really taught me the truth about God’s Love and Grace in a non-judgmental environment. I really can not put into words how amazing God is! He really wants us to trust him for everything; protection, provision, friendship, finances and salvation. He created the Universe and everything therein; it all comes from Him, and we are His. He knows how many hairs are on our head and everything we will do and say... and loves us anyway.
Hope Ministries offered such a fresh perspective; God is not “out there” somewhere, His Holy Spirit is in us, interceding for us. I was totally underestimating God. I really feel like he rescued me from a lie and put me on a path of truth and love. I pray to know His character more than ever. I have no doubt that He will reflect Himself through me as an example of love and forgiveness to my ex-husband. God is orchestrating his perfect plan; everything He does, or allows to be done, has a purpose. The hardest part at times is going from “How did this happen to me?” to “This did happen to me and God is in control of it all.”
The prayer that has kept me going throughout this tumultuous time is “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in your everlasting way” Psalm 139: 23 & 24. He has been faithful in carrying out His word in my life. I truly look forward to this new season of my life, this time with God as my guide.
Family of Five
Alcohol and drugs had made a father of three an unreliable provider for his family. He and his wife came to Hope Ministries looking for solutions to these and other problems so they could offer their children a more stable life. The husband accepted a referral to a Christian residential program, and Hope Ministries provided personal ministry to the wife. The family of five is thriving today.
Troubled Marriage
A couple had become estranged because of a serious issue that frequently leads to divorce, and their marriage was in jeopardy. The husband and wife received individual counseling from two of Hope Ministries' staff members, and each decided that they wanted to work on reconciling. They continued to be assisted individually, as well as together. After being given the tools to heal their relationship, they remain committed to a strong marriage.
Single Woman Raising Teenagers
A woman was given the responsibility of raising the teenagers of another family member, and was having great difficulty. Her focus was on how she could get the teens to perform up to her expectations, which caused conflict among the new family. A Hope Ministries staff member met with the woman and teens, helping them to clarify and address the problems they were having. The woman began to see her role in a different way, and made changes to her parenting methods. She has become a responsible parent and maintains her relationship with Hope Ministries.
Abusive Relationship
A married couple came to Hope Ministries seeking help for their very troubled relationship. The wife, who had been abused as a child, was also being abused by her husband. After going through a process of personal meetings, teaching and support groups, the wife is now helping other women who are victims of abuse.
Woman Suffering with Depression
A woman with a strong relationship with God and service to her church came to Hope Ministries in search of help for her depression. After several months of one-on-one ministry, she was referred to an excellent women's residential program, where she stayed for three months. She overcame her depression, completed a ministry training program, and is currently serving full-time in a ministry to women.
