An Empty Apartment [impact with every interaction]
[Names changed for privacy.]
Meet Anthony and Kiara. They have twin 2-year-old boys and a 4 year-old-boy…that’s a handful. They recently moved to the Atlanta area from New York, via Colorado. They found themselves with only the few belongings they had that fit in the car when they arrived. Through our partner, Frontline Housing (United Way), their needs came to us.
Candace, one of our Needs Assessor volunteers, was assigned this need and gave Kiara a call, as is the usual process. After a few tries with no answer and no space in voicemail, plus unanswered texts, Candace all but gave up on being able to help fulfill this need for this family. Then a few days later while driving, she got an unexpected call back from Kiara. She pulled over and listened.
After hearing about the children, their needs and the difficulties they’ve had, she wrote down the furnishings they needed and asked Kiara if she could pray with her. Over the phone, right then and there, they prayed. The next time Candace came to the warehouse and Kiara was on the list for delivery, she began walking the space to pick out the pieces so needed by this family and these small children: a sofa, coffee table, beds for everyone, chairs, linens…it seemed they had nothing but clothes and car seats.
The following Saturday, our Hearts Team joined the Hands Team on the delivery to Kiara and Anthony. Together, the furnishings were delivered and the personal connection was made. We found out their story and heard some more of their needs that have yet to be filled. We heard about how they had been in this apartment they got through Frontline Housing for 2 weeks but their kids had been staying with family because they had no beds for them (they were coming to the apartment that day to live again with their parents). We talked with them about finding a church and gave them contacts for continued help and connection in the community. We asked them what they needed prayer for and they shared and we prayed. And impact was made at every interaction.
This is one reason we always say, “It’s more than furniture.” Furniture is the temporary need and we fulfill it. But the ultimate need is the gospel…and we live and share it through the furniture. Please join us in praying for this couple and their children.
If you’d like to donate furniture or give financially to help make moments like these possible, visit our homepage. Thank you for being a part of our ministry.