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When Susan Mitchell arrived at the Hope Lake Weir Campus Food Pantry, she had nothing left.
After working as a caregiver for several years, her client had passed away and Susan found herself without employment, transportation, or a home in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She was struggling deeply, fearful for the future and doubting that God could have a plan for her life.
“It was so hard,” Susan said. “I kept trying to keep myself up, but I was so depressed. I was barely making it day by day.”
Thankfully, Susan was able to receive food from the Hope pantry, along with a surprise gift – the gift of friendship with Anita Dillman and other pantry volunteers. For the first time in a long time, Susan was able to share her story and receive prayers from people who cared. Feeling welcomed, she began to worship with Hope during this time.
Susan explained to her new friends that she had managed to find a job in food service, but it wasn’t ideal. She missed working with people and exercising her skills in cleaning and housekeeping. Susan took a leap of faith and shared her résumé with Anita in the hopes of finding a new job. She also prayed that God would help her find a good career fit.
Susan explains, “I gave Anita my résumé, just in case she knew of any work. A couple of weeks later, Anita called and said she had a job for me. That was great!”
The connection was kismet. Susan was hired on a trial basis as a custodian at Hope Lutheran Church. She proved to be an asset to the team and was brought on full-time soon after. Two Hope members, the Reverend Michael Peters and his wife Ellen, arranged with a friend to bless Susan with her own automobile. Later, Hope allowed Susan to lease the Hope Lake Weir Campus parsonage until she can purchase her own home.
Within the span of a few weeks, the people of Hope Lutheran Church had helped lift Susan out of despair and depression and into new hope. She found herself with a comfortable home, a trusty vehicle, and a purposeful job.
When asked how she feels about her life now, Susan exclaims, “Fabulous! I love this job.” She adds, “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I love it. The people are all so nice and encouraging. Everyone makes me feel like my work is appreciated.”
Susan is now an active part of the Hope family. She works hard to provide a clean, hospitable place of worship for our members and guests. She has felt renewed purpose through her work within the church. Because of the blessings she received from Hope, Susan has also been able to rescue two kittens, who bring additional joy and companionship to her life.
Looking back, Susan can see how God laid a safe path for her through the most difficult time of her life by using the people of Hope.
“Everything is a blessing,” Susan says. “The people who needed to show up just showed up for me. I know God had a hand in that.”
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