In This Article
Written by Director of Finance & Operations, Jeff Grathen
In my role as Director of Finance and Operations here at Freedom House Ministries, most of my days are tied to my desk and computer. When I interviewed for this position over 7 months ago and researched Freedom House, I felt a calling to this type of ministry and the families we serve. When I started, I indicated a wish to get involved in the ministry as time and needs permitted. Well, the advantage of a smaller staff is that those opportunities to get involved will arise! A few weeks ago, I was at our apartment complex helping to coordinate deliveries of new appliances. It just so happened that on that same day a family was moving out of Freedom House’s shelter and into one of our apartments at The Bridge.
Opportunity arose!
Our van pulled up full of furniture for the new apartment a mother and son were moving into. I jumped at the chance to help unload it. Soon after the furniture was put into the apartment, a single mom and her teenage son pulled up with their vehicle full with their personal items. The mother had not seen the apartment yet, so, as we walked down the hallway carrying armloads of items, I could sense her anticipation. When we got into the apartment, we put the items on the counter, and this family quickly toured the apartment. She came back into the living room with the biggest smile on her face.
Spontaneously, a God moment arose!
We shared a huge hug as tears went down her cheeks. She praised Jesus for her new good fortunes. I could feel the emotions of joy, gratitude, and relief flow through her as the shouts of praise continue to be pronounced!
In my time at Freedom House, I have already felt the pendulum of serving here. It can be emotionally draining, as we pour ourselves into helping others disrupt the cycle of Homelessness. But on the other end, when a family successfully moves out and into their OWN home, the joy is so great!
It easily makes up for the down times. And that is why “The Hug” means so much to me. That spontaneous moment will always carry me through the emotional draining periods and sustain me for more success stories in our journeys here at Freedom House. Reaching beyond my “normal” job duties and committing myself to the ministry blessed me with “The Hug” moment.
I can’t wait until the next great moment of success!
