Most people are sympathetic toward the needy but many people just don’t know how to help. Then sometimes, well intentioned people offer a hand out that doesn’t always help a marginalized person get better. What’s needed is not a “hand out”, but a “hand up”. Here’s an inspiring story about giving a “hand up” that really helped.
“Pastor Dan Anderson asked me if I would like to share some aspects of how the Lord has been working in my life of late. Dan has followed God’s call for him to minister to the men like me at the Union Rescue Mission in recovery from the ravages of alcohol and drug addiction, and estrangement from our families with all of the attendant feelings of guilt, shame and self-loathing.
Pastor Dan, through his Deed and Trust Foundation, bought me what I’ve dubbed “the Power Suit,” plus a classy shirt and tie so I could go out and interview with confidence for my first job since hitting Skid Row 2 years, 8 months and 7 days ago. The coats and slacks I was able to take out of the Mission’s clothing room really didn’t fit right and made me self-conscious. I was becoming frustrated and discouraged after nearly nine months of applying for many, many jobs without success.
Recently the Employment Services staff at the URM put me on a track that led this 67 yr. old who has been an alcoholic for 50 years, to landing a pretty good job and I have three other job prospects for the future. That’s God’s hand at work! A whole bunch of folks have been praying for me. This marks the first time in years that I will be able to properly help with the needs of my lovely and faithful wife and of my adult son who needs me in his life.
I thank Pastor Dan, for introducing me to a couple of joyful supports of Deed & Truth who actually handed me the keys to a handsome, perfectly maintained high mileage vehicle, without which I could not have accepted my new job which requires me to manage job sites all over this vast city. I thank God for his moving these new friends of mine to making a gift of their vehicle which has become a “hand up” for me to get back in the work force.
At some point in the not too distant future I hope to emulate this joyful giving by “paying forward” such a gift to one of my brothers in the Program. While God clearly has nothing to prove, I count myself as part of His living truth. The deeds of others have also proved that truth. As the song says, ‘I’m trading my sorrow, I’m trading my pain, I’m trading my sorrow for the joy of the Lord!'”
– Robert Brandt
If you have a vehicle that you would like to donate to someone who needs just such a “hand up” please contact me. We have people who could benefit from your generosity.
– Pastor Dan
For additional reading regarding Robert’s journey, check out this write up the URM did on him: Robert’s Testimony