“Marshal” hasn’t had the easiest of lives. We don’t know all the details of his history, but it’s clear that he has suffered in the past. We do know that Marshal is working hard to build a better life and that he dreams of a day when he will be homeless no more. We would see Marshal fairly regularly for his shower and laundry appointments (before we had to temporarily shut that service down for Covid-19) and we help him with case management when he needs it. Like many of those without homes in our community, he gets his mail delivered here and he is able to access the food bank too.
One of our favorite days with Marshal was when he unexpectedly showed up, overjoyed to tell us he had gotten a job! Someone had seen through his circumstances and noticed his amazing work ethic! Since then, Marshal has been working with a case manger to build his savings so he can afford to move into his own place someday. But, as with so many in the last few months, Covid-19 put a screeching halt to his employment. But, for Marshal, that wasn’t actually all bad news! This time, he is eligible for unemployment AND a stimulus check! If there was ever a more deserving man…. The most incredibly touching part of this story is what happened the other day. Marshal stopped by and knocked on our door. When we went out, he greeted us with his shy smile and handed us a donation. We looked down at it and back up to him, not understanding. He said, “You guys have always been so kind to me. When I got my stimulus check, I knew that the first thing I wanted to do was give a little bit back to you…so you can help someone else like me.” He tried to tell us how he knew it wasn’t much, but we stopped him, holding back tears, and told him it was one of the most precious donations we’d ever received!
We are so grateful to all who give from what they have to help those with less. Thank you, everyone, for helping us to help Marshal… the circle continues.
Mark 12:41-44 "He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, 'Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”