Three Amazing Ladies Jesus Helped

Our congregation, St. Johannes Lutheran Church, has partnered with Next Steps of South Carolina and The Navigation Center to support a vital ministry in the Charleston area. The Navigation Center is a non-profit that began by serving military veterans and has since expanded to help anyone in crisis. The Center's mission is to empower our most vulnerable neighbors by helping them navigate the complex system of services needed to rebuild sustainable, independent lives.

By providing a volunteer counselor and financial assistance from St Johannes and Next Steps of South Carolina, we join a powerful, collaborative network of over 70 organizations dedicated to this work. It is through this partnership that we can be part of true, lasting life change. Here are a few more stories of our neighbors who have been helped by this shared work.

Meeting Sherry in Her Moment of Need

Sherry (red cap) had a good job, but then she got quite sick and lost income. We could tell she hated asking for help. She lives alone with no family nearby. Sometimes the hardest thing for people isn't the crisis itself, it's having to admit they need help.

Her water had already been disconnected, and her electricity was set to be cut off the very next day. She's back at work now, which is wonderful. She just needed a little help to bridge the gap until that first paycheck comes in. We were able to provide enough assistance to keep her electricity on for another month.

She left much happier than when she arrived. There's something sacred about being there for someone who has no one else. That's what the Body of Christ does. We show up for each other, especially for those who are alone.

Celebrating Isabella's Family and Their Journey

Isabella (vest) and her family have asylum status. She has a husband and two children, and we talked with the aid of a translator. One of her children is severely disabled due to medical malpractice in Mexico during Isabella's pregnancy. Her husband works but is still looking for full-time employment.

Both of her children are in school, and the disabled child receives special help. What struck us most was how obviously proud Isabella is of both her children. Despite everything this family has been through, she is a naturally happy woman. You could feel the love and resilience in that room.

They had fallen behind in their rent, and we were able to provide significant help. This family came to our country seeking safety and a better life. They're working hard, caring for their children, and doing everything right. When we help families like Isabella's, we're living out the call to welcome the stranger and love our neighbor. This is what justice looks like.

Walking Alongside Carla's Growing Family

Carla (black sweatshirt) also needed a translator to communicate with us. She has a housekeeping job, and her husband drove their car for meal delivery work. But their car was totaled in an accident where he wasn't at fault. She has two children and is expecting their third in just a few months.

As soon as they receive payment for the accident, her husband will be able to return to work. In the meantime, they've fallen behind on rent. Carla told us she wants to go to English speaking classes to learn to communicate better. That kind of determination is inspiring. She's pregnant, working, raising two kids, and still thinking about how to improve her family's future.

We were able to help them with their rent. Sometimes all people need is someone to walk alongside them during the hard stretch. Carla and her husband aren't looking for a handout. They're working, they're planning, they're moving forward. We're just honored to be part of their story, helping them stay on their feet while they wait for what's rightfully theirs from that accident.

If you would like to know more about this ministry or how you can help, please let Tom or Pastor Aaron know.