Stephen
Hi, my name is
Stephen.
Battling and recovering from COVID-19, Stephen recently walked through the darkness of pending death, “Even though we are in hard times, I see a bright future. God has big plans for me. Anything is possible for God,” shared Stephen – a kind, thoughtful, and optimistic man – as he reflected on the past three months.
Stephen first-hand came face to face with challenges in his life and is overcoming them. Experiencing repeated homelessness, Stephen needed a place where he could get back on his feet and dig deep to rediscover his path forward. Entering Philly House, early in his stay in our emergency shelter, Stephen met with Erin, Director of Homeless Services here, and she spent time listening to him to understand the barriers in his life. Together they developed a plan for pursuing stability – which included finding a job and growing spiritually. “Philly House is my second family who has been there for me through the good and the bad. This is a special treasure in my heart,” Stephen says with a smile.
When he came to Philly House Stephen struggled to believe in himself and was never much of an optimist. Then, because on each Sunday our CEO, Jeremy, and his wife, pick up about a dozen men to bring to church with them, Stephen reconnected with God by attending Sunday services and getting involved in a weekly men’s small group. God began to transform Stephen’s life. “I had a revival in my faith- a new revival and was baptized,” a joyous Stephen proclaims. “My baptism was very special and personal. After that day, God opened my eyes. He has called me to live for Him.”
“I praised God through my suffering. I had hope in Christ Jesus because He restores people from darkness to light.”
Less than three weeks after his baptism, little did know that he would be fighting for his physical life. On March 19, 2020, Stephen’s world changed when he woke up with chills and stabbing pain in his chest. He immediately went to the hospital ER, and after a week’s stay, was diagnosed with COVID-19. “I never expected to test positive. I was scared when I did,” he reflects.
In total isolation in a hospital room, with no ability to talk to his pastor or a chaplain, Stephen had to face his fears alone and conquer the darkness by reciting scripture.
“The virus wears you out completely. The Word of God is all you have,” Stephen explains. After a week in the hospital and two weeks in quarantined recovery, Stephen only asked to be discharged to one place – Philly House. Fully healed and recovered, he returned ‘home’ to his second family and is now a living witness to others. “I have a strong testimony of what God can do. Jesus gives you all hope. I knew I would make it through. God gave me a clear picture that I was going to go on, and God has made me whole. God is a miracle worker.” His infectious smile provides evidence.
“I want everyone to know that just because you are at a place like Philly House doesn’t mean that you can’t be a CEO one day. We all have the potential.”
Taking an active volunteer role at Philly House, he started a job at a nursing home and saved his money, and then moved into his own place. After regaining his independence and stability, he came back to Philly House not as a guest, but as a full-time employee.
Stephen makes sure that he spends time every day with God, finding a new vision for his life. “I want everyone to know that just because you are at a place like Philly House doesn’t mean that you can’t be a CEO one day. We all have the potential.”
Stephen now continuing to commit his daily life to his ongoing healing and recovery. Your prayers for Stephen help to sustain him.
You are a part of God’s vision for Stephen’s life. Through your ministry partnership and support, we are grateful many like Stephen can count on you to walk beside them in times of death and into a new life. Thank you!
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Refuge and Hope
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