When I think of Mother’s Day, my mind drifts to one of our residents, Lisa Miller. Lisa and her mother sit together for every Saturday evening service. Her mother once remarked to me, “Thank you for giving my daughter back.”

I was curious about Lisa’s story, so I asked her to write it down. . .

“I, Lisa, am writing concerning past failures in my life. For three years, I was missing in the valley of the shadow of death due to drugs. My mother and family wondered what happened to me. They did not know if I was alive or dead. My mother expressed to me the pain and hurt she went through of the unknown . . . of not knowing where I was. At times, she wondered if I was dead. She said she would cry and tell God, ‘Please take care of my baby.’ I was really in a dark place in my life on the streets of Chicago. Later, I lost my boyfriend. He was shot to death with a silencer gun as he slept beside me. As I turned around and looked at him, I wasn’t sure if he was dead. I started shaking him, but he did not respond. I was devastated. I walked around in shock and pain for many days.

“In 2021, God touched my mind and heart with His grace and mercy. He led me to come to PGM. I didn’t have any money and was desperate to change my life. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I was tired of being on the streets with nowhere to lay my head. It is a cold world out there. I cried to God and asked Him to help me. He answered my prayer. After being here at PGM, I called my mother after not seeing her for three years. She was so happy. Then she came to visit me and we were reunited. Every week, she would come to see me. My friends, Senora and Emma would bring my mother to see me and we became a family again by God’s grace. I wake up every morning thanking God for directing me to PGM. I am so happy. I have peace. I am surrounded by godly, wonderful people who show me love. I know this place is a godly place because my body, mind, and soul came back to life. I love being here at PGM. I will continue to learn how to be obedient to follow Jesus. I would like to encourage everyone out in the streets who is homeless and have given up on life to know there is a God who is just waiting for them to let Him in their hearts. There is hope here at PGM. It is full of love. Amen.”

On behalf of all at PGM, Happy Mother’s Day. And thank you for your love, prayers, and ongoing support of people like Lisa.