An encouraging letter...

So the class I teach at the Samaritan House is all about loving each other as brothers and sisters in Christ and some practical ways to live that out, a.k.a. service. As a part of the class, those who attend write letters to incoming residents, encouraging them, supporting them, and offering advice. We have nine letters, and a copy of one of the letters will be awaiting each new resident when they arrive. When we did this project last time, the letters were so meaningful to the new residents- some even taped the letters up beside their beds. Below you will find snippets from some of the letters.

"Dear fellow resident, even family, if I may,

I just want to tell you to tell you someone cares. Me, of course, but I am talking about the God upstairs, even if you don't know or still don't care, it doesn't matter. What a God I serve and I hope that you may come to know Jesus like that! Things about this world can be very great or very bad as you know if you have made it this far. But keep on pushing- for me, I hope you push towards God. If you don't, God still gives you the desires of your heart. Keep your head up."

"I'm glad you are here, even if you are not certain you are. This is not such a bad place to be physically. Mentally you may feel overwhelmed at all the information you've received. Know that the people here are filled with love, respect, and knowledge... Be gentle with yourself. Don't judge the past and don't look back. After all, you're not going there. Live life full, live life with God's love... Open your heart to use this trying time to learn lessons... These trials and heartbreaks and disappointments happen so that we may remember Him who gives us rest and peace within."

"My first day here was full of tears. I felt so many negative thoughts. However, while I was serving breakfast, I realized that I was giving back. I want you to know that this is a safe place and you have been blessed by being here... Know that you are loved and that Samaritan House is here for all of us to learn and grow.

You are loved by me, "
-Sam House residents and participants of the Faith and Service class