The mother of a former Mission program member kindly shared her thoughts with Mission staff in this excerpted letter:
Dear Rev. Samaan,
Thank you for sending your book "Parables to Live By." It was so complete in all of the facts, rewards, and personal insight. By reading the book we get a complete view of the necessity of helping the needy. I know that our Father gave you the inspiration.
You will be interested to know that while George was contributing to the Mission, how we would be blessed. For some years it is his donations.
Joel was my youngest, and his brother, (plus all we knew) Douglas was trying to help Joel to heal of alcoholism. Bruce Wiltshire is Doug's friend so they got Joel admitted to Boston Rescue. Much prayer and God's grace helped. Joel was there about six months or so. He tried to succeed, after so many years, and to my joy he was beginning his way to peace. Joel was there about April or perhaps earlier. He found so much fellowship with Rev. Jim Lafontaine. Joel played the flute. He also found Jesus again!! Such accomplishment!
One day I was looking for something in George's desk and found your envelope for contributions, and was so surprised and pleased to know that he was being helped at the "Boston Mission."
Joel was on his own around May, 2006. He got an apartment and a job and was happy. Sadly at the age of 47, Joel had an instant heart attack and went with Jesus. I am so glad that his last days, living a renewed life, and no regrets. He passed away May 31st, 2006.
Gratefully yours,
Eleanor L. Chase
People Are Blessed Here
Joel's Story
My name is Joel. Like many of you, I grew up with many blessings-my parents were there for me, and I was tight with my three brothers. Before long, I learned a few rewarding trades and developed some talent in songwriting and performing. Then an accident on a construction site changed everything.
After I got hurt, heavy drinking became the order of the day. For three long years, I was overwhelmingly depressed, chronically non-productive, and found myself on the wrong side of many drunk driving convictions. When the relationship with my landlord turned sour, I found myself facing homelessness. Thank God that my brother guided me to the Boston Rescue Mission.
As a Christian, living at the Mission puts you right on the front lines. Challenges meet you daily, and your faith in the Lord really comes alive. But the programs here enable people to make important changes in their lives, and I know that those who live and work here receive many prayers from the Mission's supporters. I've seen a lot of people blessed since coming here-myself included!