Stories From Our Friends: Trauma, Addiction, and Loss
Warning: This post includes accounts of traumatic events related to sexual trauma .
We thought it might help to give you and the rest of our supporters a picture of what a day is like for our homeless friends. The goal here is to provide a picture of the need, so that we can work together to help. Homelessness is a symptom of a much deeper problem. Most of our friends suffer from trauma, addiction, and the effects of sin. As you will see, the solution to homelessness is not just a house, it is a commitment from a caring community. Its always about community. There is a need for the gospel and for miraculous healing.
Issues At Camp
Last week at our Wednesday night community meal I was blessed to chat with some friends at one of the tables. Our friend J came in upset because yet again people from a nearby camp stole some of his things, as he was moving to another location in an abandoned house. He could only carry some of his stuff, intending to come back for the rest, a lot was stolen and he knows who stole it and would like to take justice in his own hands (not a good idea). We talked and hopefully he will move on…both figuratively and literally.
Another friend C is thinking of leaving the woods to go and get her stuff together so she can help take care of her grandmother since her mother died in early December. She learned of her passing the day after Christmas. Pray that C would use this as an opportunity to get re-established.
Our friend Big C is living under a bridge near the church, in need of a tent. I made a call to our friend Dave Churbock who will take him one tomorrow. Praising the Lord for His hand on this network of people to collaborate and take care of our friends. I asked Big C how he got his name, Big he said "well before methamphetamine I weighed 325 lbs." He probably weighs 175 now in my estimation. He needs prayer.
Trauma Begets Trauma
The final story of the evening is what I would title the horror of a generational curse. The young lady that recently delivered twins and I had a chance to spend about an hour together. She had been up 4 days on meth. She was talking non stop about her life, and I'm not sure I have fully processed all that she said yet. I’m not sure I ever will. Her mom has given birth to at least 6 children not counting the ones that didn’t make it. M told me she has 3 younger sisters in the foster care system. Though she has pictures of them, she’s had only limited contact. She thinks she may have older siblings but isn't sure. It sounds like she was bounced around from family members to foster care. She eventually said, "no one wanted me". M spoke of a grandmother, but it's unclear the relationship. Lacking faithful caregivers, she faced sexual trauma starting at age 8.
As the conversation went on she spoke of repeatedly being sexually abused by random people while in the "care" of adults. In high school she was expelled for threatening violence. When asked about dad, she told me they did have a fragmented relationship but that he was in and out of jail until he died of a drug overdose. She longs for a father’s love and protection. At this point it is her belief her mother’s life came to a violent end. "No one will ever know because, No one cares about people like that," said M.
She went on to share with me how she ended up in the woods living in a tent with her partner, a man I have known for 3 years, M. He loves her and she loves him and I believe in my heart there is Always Hope. This couple will continue to be in survival mode until we have the ability to offer them permanent community and a stable living environment.
How to Pray
The reality is that many of the friends who receive our care have experienced severe trauma. Ultimately, trauma of this nature requires God’s miraculous healing. Pray for miracles, brothers and sisters. Situations that seem hopeless provide opportunities for God to receive the most glory.
