Rose's Story...

"Now, by God's grace, I have finished college and obtained my undergraduate degree in health education and I am currently working on my Master's in Counseling."

I attended a Christmas Drive at Voice of Hope Ministries in West Dallas where a number of volunteers attended. At the time I was a 24-year old mother of three struggling to finish college and gather enough strength to leave my mentally, sexually, and physically abusive husband. I was ashamed to even show up and receive the gifts for my children because I felt like a failure. I thought to myself that by accepting the gifts, I acknowledged that I wasn't able to provide for my children. This woudl mean I was a terrible mother.

I had the great pleasure of having a newly married couple be my hostess for the event. They showed me respect and love without even knowing me or my situation. They spoke kind words of encouragement and made me remember God's unconditional love for everyone, including me. The wife noticed I didn't have on a coat while I was loading up my babies' toys and she gave me the coat off her back!

Now, by God's grace, I have finished college and obtained my undergraduate degree in health education and I am currently working on my Master's in Counseling. I now attend church and have a church family at Sweet Home Baptist Church that I have grown to love as my own family. I have been appointed as a ministry president, and I would like for our kids to see the effort and love others give just to follow the example of Christ and expect nothing in return as did the couple who I had the pleasure of meeting. I have never forgotten them or Voice of Hope since that day.

Chris's Story...

"I gave my life to Jesus."

I am 17 years old and I attend Nimitz High School. I have been attending Voice of Hope for twelve years. I enjoy coming to Voice of Hope because I have fun and it's a good place to meet people other than the streets. Last year I wrote in the cement and I broke a window at Voice of Hope wrestling with one of my friends. Mr. Franklin sat down with me and told me that he wanted me to go to this "away camp" for a week during the summer. I thought it was punishment, but that week that I went, I got saved!

I gave my life to Jesus. I've been reading and studying the Bible for a year now. I go to Bible study each week and I've been participating in Friday Night Gym Lights with Coach Jerami. Coach Jerami really trusts me now, too. He invites me places and he knows that I won't get into any trouble. He couldn't do that before.

I am now passing all my classes. I will graduate next year. I want to play basketball and also study engineering in college. Voice of Hope helped me to get closer to Jesus. They keep me out of trouble and motivate me to do the right thing.