Family Stories

Several Wonder City families have recently found themselves in difficult situations.

One family of 9 lives in a small two bedroom house. Some go to other family members’ homes to sleep at night. However, those who do sleep there typically sleep in one bedroom—the only air conditioned room (with a window unit) in the house. 10 individuals (4 generations) lived in the house, until late July, when the patriarch of the family passed away from complications with his diabetes. Unfortunately, he was the main source of income for the family. His veterans and disability benefits paid the bills. Now that he has passed, the family has $300 a month in food stamps—and that’s it. I don’t know how this family is going to pay the rent or any of their other bills. To add insult to injury, the water line that brings water into the house has busted. They contacted their landlord who told them to have it fixed and take it out of the rent. As the mother/grandmother told me last night, when there is no money for rent, no one is going to fix it for free.

Another family was placed in a difficult situation when the husband of the family walked out on his wife and 4 kids just a couple weeks ago. Bills have gone unpaid for months. The family was in a rent-to own situation and the rent/mortgage payment alone was $2000 past due. Yesterday (9/13), the family left their house. They put most of their belongings in storage and left some with friends and family. Now there is a “For Rent or Sale” sign in the window of their old house and they are staying with family until they are able to get an apartment. The mother is partially disabled and doctors want her to undergo weight loss surgery. She does, however, receive some money through disability and food stamps, but it is going to be difficult for her to make ends meet on her own.

These stories are just the tip of the iceberg. Another church member is not sure about her job. Another works 2 jobs just to make ends meet. Another had to go back to work early off her unpaid maternity leave so they would have some money. These are the daily realities of life for most of those I encounter in this ministry. I can’t help but think of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:34.

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (NLT)

Our families do have enough to worry about today. Many struggle just to eke out a daily existence. Many have a hard time dealing with the trouble that today brings.