I never expected to be face-to-face with a living miracle, but that’s exactly what happened. Her name was Jamie, and she’s a living example of Jesus’ power to bring life out of death. When she came to the Dream Center of Jackson, Tennessee, she was a drug-addicted felon who had been sexually and physically abused and was in and out of jail constantly. Today, she is one of the most joy-filled Christian women I’ve ever met, and hearing her testimony brought tears to my eyes. Her story was part of the May 4 episode of The Stand Radio podcast featuring The Dream Center of Jackson.
As I sat down in their conference room, recorder in hand, as The Dream Center of Jackson Executive Director Gail Gustavson, and Capitol Campaign Manager, Stephanie Lafoon described the utter hopelessness of the women who come there. But according to Gail, when a woman admits she has nothing, she often makes one of the best disciples. Jamie is a vivid example of that.
Part of the beauty of the ministry of The Dream Center of Jackson is its simplicity mixed with tough love. An initial 30-day blackout period is required where these women give up their cell phones and nicotine. This separates those who really want help from those who just want a handout. Gail told me that many of the women who come there have never been taught the most basic tasks, like making a bed, cooking a meal, or the importance of daily brushing their teeth. She stressed that we can’t assume these women want to be where they are in life because many simply haven’t been taught.
It’s my hope that listening to this amazing story, your assumptions and attitudes toward the homeless will be challenged, your desire to grow in your love for the Lord will increase, and your generosity toward the hopeless people around you will expand.
(Click HERE to listen to the podcast on AFR or click below to watch/listen on YouTube.)
