I received a referral to a refugee background family about a month ago. After finally connecting with them via the phone, COVID-19 restrictions started ramping up. As I spoke with the oldest child on the phone, their situation sounded pretty desperate. …this need was BIG, normal resources had been applied for… Honestly, it sounded so hopeless. So I prayed. Someone was working with them to get some help, but they still needed help with their rent. I let them know I would pray about it, but I couldn’t promise any help.
These situations are always hard. We try to empower people to solve the problems they face by helping them find resources to do so. But this need was BIG, normal resources had been applied for, and kids were having to care for their family. The mother had been in the hospital for a month, dad was now out of the picture, eldest child left school to help, and a newly broken bone caused the only working family member to miss work. Mom didn’t complete paperwork for assistance due to her hospital stay, and they had nearly been evicted. Honestly, it sounded so hopeless. So I prayed.
The other organization helping this family then reached out last week to see if we could help. I put the need in a few other circles, but no response.
As our family prayed for this need, I have to admit I was doubtful we’d be able to help them as they needed, and my heart broke for them. She believed there was a need I was praying for and asked how she could help.
But God knows the needs, and when the pain and brokenness of this world break our hearts, we know it breaks His all the more. We can turn to Him, knowing our God can meet these needs.
On Tuesday, I received a text from a friend I haven’t seen in a couple years. She said she was praying and I kept coming to mind. She believed there was a need I was praying for and asked how she could help. Amazed, I explained the situation with this family, and asked if this would be something they want to help with. She responded, “Yes, what’s the amount?” She joyfully agreed to cover the April rent for this family she didn’t even know.
Need: MET.
In this time when people are pulling back and storing up, uncertain of what the future holds, the needs can seem overwhelming. This extravagant act of open-handed generosity serves as a powerful reminder that the Lord cares for the orphans, the widows, and the foreigners and has called us be His hands and feet in this scary, broken world.
As many of us are sheltering in the comforts of our homes, may we not forget to “carry” our friends’ and their needs, both practically spiritually, and prayerfully place them at the feet of the only One who can meet them all.
Samantha Grimsley is the St. Cloud Area Director for Arrive Ministries
