Somewhere to Turn

February 11, 2011

Individuals and families in need sometimes feel they have nowhere to turn. Recently a woman came to one of our four sites across southern Nebraska in need of assistance. With moist eyes she explained that her electricity would be turned off later that day. She was worried because she had five children and the temperature was in the teens and single digits.

One of our emergency service specialists called the power company, confirmed the details of her story and informed them we would be sending them a check for the full amount. After hearing this, the woman asked if she could pray with our emergency service staff member. She was visibly moved to tears. While weeping, she stated that praying was something she knew she neeed to do for a long time but needed help getting started.

While sitting below a beautiful image of the Sacred Heart, a crucifix, and looking at another beautiful image of St. Therese of Lisieux (who said she would be spending her time in heaven helping people on earth) they said a simple prayer of thanksgiving. After this long overdue prayer she opened up further, informing us that one of her little boys made microwave popcorn earlier in the day so he would have some food to eat after their electricity was turned off. Before leaving and in front of a beautiful picture of the Holy Family in our lobby she knelt down in front of everyone and gave praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God. She then went her merry way. "I will give fervent thanks to the Lord; before all I will praise my God" (Ps 109:30).

This is not an unusual experience. Although we help individuals of all races, creeds and religions, without any conditions, some want to pray and others are drawn into our chapel off our lobby. Sometimes during the day I will intermittently drop into our chapel to visit and talk to our Eucharistic King. Sometimes I see clients sitting and praying. I am elated to report that our goal is to have a chapel with the Blessed Sacrament in all four permanent sites across southern Nebraska with access to the public. In each chapel there will be beautiful stained glass windows to enhance worship. That said there are opportunities for our donors to purchase these windows in memory of a loved one or for their families. There will be a plaque for each window asking those who read it to keep the respective deceased person or family members in their prayers. So far the response has been tremendous, something I am most grateful for. I am thankful to Bishop Bruskewitz for his permission in this most important endeavor which will lead to greater sanctity among our staff and volunteers and will draw many who come to us to Christ. So far this is a reality in two of the four sites, with plans for the remaining two sites.

I would like to thank our many donors who are making this goal a reality, for their spiritual support without which we could not function, their material support of donated household items including cars, and their cash donations which allow us to help needy individuals and families like the woman outlined above. Please be assured of our continued prayers for all of you, your families and intentions!