This Thanksgiving the food was a bit tastier to Don, as he sat down at one of City Union Mission’s tables.  He had just been set free from jail the night before.

Don entered the Christian Life Program October 6th, 2008, unaware of a warrant that had been posted for his arrest on a traffic violation.  When he discovered it he was afraid.  His counselor, David Phillips, had been talking with Don about the need for him to turn himself into the Police, but he was more than skeptical about David’s advice.  David had been keeping Greg Gay, the Christian Life Program Administrator apprised of the situation.  “As the days went by, I watched David work with Don, and God too.  It didn’t take long for Don to make a decision to turn himself in,” said Greg. 

After making this decision he had to wait two more weeks before his court appearance.  During this time, Don was a torn man.

Greg Relates, ““He came to my office, telling me of his decision.” “I know that the Lord is guiding me to do the right thing,” he said with a strained look on his face, “but I’m scared.”  His honesty caught me.  I invited him to sit down in my office.  “Don, we don’t know what will happen when you go to court on Friday,” I told him.  The reality is that when we’re not in control, we tend to think about how catastrophic our situation could be, rather than giving it to God and trusting Him with the outcome.  I tried to help him see the situation a little more objectively.  “We need to pray and wait on the Lord,” I said.  In my heart, I thought that he might be arrested.  I could tell I was dealing with a man who was ready to bolt, like a scared fiancé just before a wedding.  “I want to run, but I know that I need to do the right thing,” Don said.  He was telling himself the truth, but he sure was wrestling with himself.  His eyes began to well up with tears.  They got red.  He put his head in his hands and wept before me.  I felt his fear.  We prayed.”

A few days later, David took Don to his court appearance.  He was arrested, as he feared.  However, on Wednesday night, before Thanksgiving, as Greg was headed to the main classroom to lead Chapel he heard a voice shouting from the distance.  “Hey Greg!!!”  It was Don, standing right before Greg, looking a little rugged, like he had not shaved for a while.  “Greg, they let me out today, just before Thanksgiving,” said Don as the two men hugged, both recognizing that Don had a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

If you would like to know more about the Christian Life Program please, click here.  

And to learn how you, your church, business, or group, can get involved in helping to change a life please, click here. 

You Are God’s Plan for the Poor or Homeless!