by Jennifer Tuinstra, Safe Families SW Michigan Chapter
Rarely does “and they all lived happily ever after” conclude a real story. The ups and downs, the twists and turns throughout a journey: these are where God cultivates true discipleship. Safe Families helps the church hold fast to hurting people through life’s storms while displaying the relentless love and grace of Jesus. Sam’s story portrays one of those relationships.
“Sam” and her two young kids needed a place to live as she looked to get her life back on track. With assistance, she obtained an apartment right across the street from a local church. As she entered the front door, a large garbage bag and two children’s backpacks contained everything they had.
When the neighboring church learned about Sam’s situation, its members provided her family with beds and household necessities to make her new place feel like home. A Safe Families couple from another church came alongside Sam to provide encouragement, direction, and material needs (like brakes for Sam’s car).
After a few months, Sam disclosed to her Safe Families volunteer couple that she was pregnant. She had an appointment scheduled later that week with Planned Parenthood. Through the loving direction of the Safe Families’ staff, Sam instead met with a counselor and decided to choose life and keep the baby.
Throughout all of this, Sam was also facing the possibility of incarceration due to some poor decisions made in her past. At her most recent court hearing, she had multiple volunteers attend with her in support. When asked about clear positive changes in her life, Sam shared with the judge how much Safe Families had impacted her. She had three host families provide overnight care for her children when needed, and has had family friends who have welcomed her into their lives. She shared with staff how much she values these relationships.
In II Corinthians 5, Paul starts verse 14 with, “For the love of Christ compels us….” The church of Kalmamazoo is extending love and care to people like Sam, who lack family in the area, have a limited social network, and may need extra help in accessing the necessities of life. Oftentimes, connecting with Safe Families is the first time people experience the love of Jesus through His people.
The ups and downs, the twists and turns throughout a journey:
Jennifer Tuinstra, Family Support Coordinator
these are where God cultivates true discipleship
Sam’s story is not over, and she delivered her baby last month. She reached out to volunteers she had met through Safe Families, and they visited her in the hospital, helping to care for her older children while she was there. No matter what, she was able to count on Safe Families sticking with her every step of the way.
Your partnership and involvement make a difference in local communities, allowing us to continue meeting people like Sam right where they are.