Walking the Walk: a story of a church’s huge heart for a Thornwell family in need

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

In Matthew, Jesus explained that no one lights a lamp just to hide it under a basket. A lamp should be placed on a stand to give light to everything around it. Likewise, we are called to reflect Jesus – the light of the world – to communities who are too often familiar with the dark.

Recently, a host church to one of our Florida-based Building Families programs truly embodied what it means to shine this light of God’s love. Their generosity helped one of our Building Families participants when it seemed life was going to keep them down.

This is their story.

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Andrew Fuller, his wife Jasmine, and their two children, Oliver and Meagan were about to lose their home, their furniture, and all basic necessities. The pandemic forced Andrew’s employer to close its doors and, while he was trying hard to find work, nobody seemed to be hiring in Andrew’s field. With bills and their own anxiety mounting, they knew they’d soon have to leave the only home their children had ever known.

The Fullers had recently started Building Families, Thornwell’s in-home family therapy program made possible thanks to the selfless giving of Thornwell’s donors. Your contributions and the support of the host church in the Fullers’ hometown allowed them to work through the stressors that were affecting their entire family. During one of their home-therapy visits, their family specialist learned about Andrew being out of work and the need to relocate. The family specialist asked her host church for help.

Without hesitation, multiple church members made donations of bunk beds, a queen bed, bedding, and other household items to support the family. Church members also dedicated time to helping the family find a new home. Donations were so plentiful; the family specialist was not able to transport them all in her car! Once again, the host church stepped up to move the Fuller family and even helped set up furniture inside their new home. With their needs met, Andrew and his family were able to focus on settling into their new neighborhood, as well as progressing through their Building Families sessions.

For the first time in a while, Andrew and Jasmine felt like they could breathe deeply, again. Andrew was able to find a new job and catch up on bills. Jasmine was enthusiastic about her new home and strengthened by the things they were learning together through Building Families. She said she was thankful for the generosity of so many who would give up their time and money to help them get back on their feet.  Oliver and Megan quickly made friends with the neighborhood children and are excited to go trick-or-treating this Halloween!

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Friends, just like this host church in Florida, when you give to children and families at Thornwell, you bring the light of Jesus to their world

You’re lighting the way for children and families to experience hope and healing.

You’re lighting the way for important milestones and priceless memories.

Because you care, they’re experiencing the goodness of God and not just hearing about it.

Thank you!