Three Testimonials of God's Work

St. Johannes Lutheran Church and Next Steps of South Carolina provide a volunteer counselor and financial assistance as we work with The Navigation Center, which offers counseling space, staff, volunteers, practical resources, and a network of more than 70 nonprofits. Together, we offer more than a handout. We listen, offer practical help, and work for justice as we share Christ’s love with our neighbors in the Charleston area. Here are three recent stories.

Standing Beside Mary

Mary, pictured with glasses, is 60 years old. Until her father died several months ago, she lived with him and depended heavily on his support. Now she cares for her mother, who has dementia, five days a week. Her sister takes the other two days.

As we talked, we became deeply concerned about the loans Mary had taken out. She had little understanding of the terms of her three small loans, including the interest rates, payments, and balances. With her permission, we spoke with one lender. Mary owed $1,250, with monthly payments of $250 and an annual percentage rate of 178 percent. After making her loan payments that month, she could not pay her water bill.

We paid Mary’s water bill, but we knew she needed more than help with one bill. Mary agreed to speak with the lawyers available through the ministry about possible bankruptcy and concerns about predatory lending. We also called Sean, a banker and a St. Johannes member, who agreed to help her with financial planning. Loving our neighbors includes helping them understand what they are facing and making sure they do not have to face it alone.

Helping Andy Through a Difficult Gap

Andy, pictured with a mustache, is a 73-year-old retired, disabled veteran. His veterans’ benefits had allowed him to get by, though barely. Without his knowledge, those benefits were discontinued, and Social Security payments began shortly afterward. The gap between payments left him with expenses he could not cover.

Andy uses a bill-paying service, but it did not tell him that his pension payment had not arrived. His rent went unpaid during that delay, and he received no government payment to cover the gap. At the same time, Andy was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment.

He could pay part of his back rent, but not all of it. We agreed to pay the balance. Andy has enough to contend with as he receives treatment. We were grateful to help ease one immediate burden and stand beside him during a very difficult time.

A New Home for Cathy and Her Children

Cathy, pictured in a pink shirt, is a 51-year-old mother of three. She works as a cleaner at a decent wage, continuing to work despite multiple medical problems. She and her children have been living in a motel.

Cathy has left an abusive husband. Her children witnessed the abuse, and it had an especially painful effect on her nine-year-old, who is struggling with significant emotional problems. Leaving was an important step, but the family still needed a home beyond the motel.

Cathy needed help with the portion of a deposit for their new apartment that she could not afford. We agreed to pay that balance. We cannot undo what this family has experienced, but we can help them take a step toward a safer, more stable life. That is one practical way we can show them Christ’s love.

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