Mid-Rivers Church Provides 'A Way Back Home' for Families in Transition
By Nancy Tarasenko
Volunteers unload furniture being delivered to a family's new home. (Photo: Nancy Tarasenko)
So far this year, the St. Louis Mid-Rivers Church has helped ease the burden of more than 10 families starting over in new homes.
As part of a program called A Way Back Home, homeless and refugee families are provided with necessary household goods and furnishings to help them transition into stable living conditions. The program also aims to help those who have battled isolation and discouragement, instilling hope and love as families begin a new chapter in their lives.
Partnering with local agencies including the Salvation Army, Bridgeway Women's Center/PFH, Room at the Inn, and refugee programs, A Way Back Home establishes community connections, maximizes resources, and assists families throughout the St. Louis area.
The program is still in its infancy, having just started last year. Members had been faithfully praying for outreach opportunities, and as they became aware of the need, what started as a ministry of one became a ministry of many.
God's vision has exceeded all prayers and dreams. The glory is all His. Ellen White writes in Ministry of Healing, "As they see one with no inducement of earthly praise or compensation come into their homes, ministering to the sick, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, comforting the sad, and tenderly pointing all to Him of whose love and pity the human worker is but the messenger—as they see this, their hearts are touched. Gratitude springs up. Faith is kindled. They see that God cares for them, and they are prepared to listen as His word is opened" (p. 145).
A Way Back Home has become more than just a way to help others with material goods. It's become a way to share the gospel with eager seekers, meeting their basic and spiritual needs just as Christ did while He was here on earth. God will send us the families, provide the resources, and pave the way. We just need to hear His voice and step out in faith.
Nancy Tarasenko
Nancy Tarasenko is a member of the St. Louis Mid-Rivers Church and founder of A Way Back Home, a ministry providing household goods and furnishings to homeless and refugee families resettling into new homes.