From a tent in the woods to a house

A good number of the homeless in Dothan, Ala., live in tents located in wooded areas throughout the city. Charles was one of those who called the woods his home. He braved the weather --rain, cold and the suffocating heat of south Alabama - - in a tent. Charles lived in the tent for a year.

Then on Saturday, April 25, 2009, Charles met a friend of Love In Action. Doug Sommers called LIA President Ken Tuck to tell him about Charles. Ken and Richard, who is living in LIA's transitional house, put together a care package for him. After talking with Charles and hearing his story and desire to better himself, Ken talked with him about living in LIA's transitional house.

Richard has lived in the transitional house for a month and is ready to mentor Charles. Richard is a strong Christian. He had strayed from God and that's how he ended up homeless. Through the past four months God has been restoring a lot to Richard spiritually. He has been a great blessing to LIA, and now he is going to help mentor Charles.

Charles has been through a lot in his life and ended up homeless after a work-related accident crushed one of his legs. He used up his life's savings recovering and trying to keep a roof over his head while recovering. He eventually ended up homeless and living in the woods. He has found jobs here and there, but nothing permanent.

The morning of April 25, he said he prayed and asked God to bring some good people into his life. He said God answered his prayers. Saturday night was his last night in the tent. On Sunday morning, Richard picked him up and took him back to the transitional house to shower and get ready for church.

Charles loved the service at Harvest, Love In Action's home church. During praise and worship he cried as he felt the presence of God. He soaked up every word from Pastor Ralph. After church, Richard cooked lunch for him, then Richard, Ken and Martha Tuck drove Charles back to his camp site to move the few items he had, and his dog, New Kirk. He's a good dog and he's 12 years old. He has arthritis in his legs.

Charles is now living in the transitional house and New Kirk sleeps on the porch and he has a big yard to roam. Charles has been overwhelmed by what happened to him this weekend. We have all told him it's God pouring His love upon him. I told Charles if he will just grab a hold of God and start living for Him, God will do many wonderful things in his life.

He is at the beginning of a wonderful journey. If he stays the course with God, he will grow in his relationship with Jesus, and get back on his feet so he can live a productive life. We shared with him Martha's favorite Bible verse: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Keep Charles in your prayers as he learns the truth of God's promises.