Elliot Williams

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things for a person to learn to do. That is because we all tend to think everything is about ourselves instead of others. Seeing this fact over time and reading Scripture, God has helped me to grow in forgiving others. I have come to learn that I’m not the only person in this struggle. Someone always has a problem that is worse than mine. I remember when I would always complain about my toe being broken until I saw a man with both of his feet crushed. This new perspective helped me realize that I need to be forgiving other people. One time I moved in with a person who I thought I was helping out. That friend was going to Florida and put me in charge of taking care of the apartment. I had paid for everything and thought I was going to have the apartment to myself, but then two days before he left, he kicked me out and packed up all of my stuff. I lost everything! I felt really bad from that situation and it was very hard for me to forgive that person. Even today, I am still trying to get that forgiveness into my heart. I have to constantly ask Christ to help me in that. But as Matthew says, if I cannot forgive these people, how can I expect my heavenly father to forgive me? Being a Christian means renewing of the mind and body. We are here to restore people, not sin by tearing people down. This is what the Lord has been showing me about forgiveness.

George Haley

My journey with the Lord has been one wild ride, but I thank God that since I’ve been in the shelter, I have been able to grow with Him. I went from a dramatic conversion to cursing Him and asking ‘why me?’. What changed for me was running into you guys with L.I.V.I.N.G. Ministry and hearing the chapel services every morning. It was like the veil that I had been wearing was suddenly lifted, and I was able to see Christ clearer than ever. Now I know that I am here for a purpose and a reason. There have been some tough times here at Light of Life, but it has been very satisfying to be able to minister to the younger guys staying with me. Mentoring them and helping them get better brings a lot of joy into my life. Last week I was offered an apartment to move into with another Christian brother, but I felt like God clearly told me that isn’t my time to leave Light of Life. There are still men here that need to hear what I have to say to them in Christ. Since being here, I have also been able to find a good church that I attend every Sunday. It is called Pittsburgh City Outreach, and they are gracious enough to pick me up every week. Interestingly enough, the people that helped lead me to the lord over 15 years ago have relationships with this church, and I have been able to connect to many people from when I was first saved through attending this church. The biggest thing that I have learned from my time in the shelter is to not question God’s use of me. I have come to accept His will and whatever he wants me to do. In the future, I can see God using me in some sort of Christian rehabilitation home where I can minister to people on a more personal level. Until then, I will do whatever it takes to honor God with my entire life.