New Believer # 2 Interview

My second new believer interview was with Mike, who was baptized 1/17/09.

Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ.

My mom was a Christian. I was running the street and homeless. There are churches that feed the homeless and the requirement was that you sit and hear the message (before they fed you). I ended up in Allison Park and got saved, but went back to the world again. I went into another Christian recovery home (PCO) run by Brian Bolt and learned how to love myself. From there, I went back out to my old job and fell back into old temptations and started using again for a couple of days. Then I ended up here, at Freedom House.

What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?

I was tired of huting my mom; hurting my family. Didn't want to hurt my family or myself anymore. It was time to step up to the plate.

What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?

Helping people. It's showing me patience and I don't have to be on the move all the time. The fellowship. Finding friends that you can actually talk to and won't stab you behind your back.

What has been the most challenging part of following christ?

Being in this home with 9 guys; bumping heads; too many guys in the same house. It's been getting easier. Telling old stories brings back thoughts of old habits.

What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?

Talking to everybody; getting different opinions; reading my Bible; fellowship with the guys; walking and talking with the Lord.

What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?

1) Keep your eyes focused. You only get what you put into it. Going backwards is not an option now. I'm not going back. Stay connected.

2) Feeding the homeless at a set time and place once or twice a week, give them the word and pray over them.

3) Form connections.

Although Mike was a little nervous in talking to me at first, he overcame his discomfort and was happy to share with me what was on his mind. From what he was communicating, it seemed that a lot of people will do whatever is necessary in order to feel good. Sometimes it's with drugs and alcohol. Sometimes it's with other behaviors that will provide a temporary "feel good" moment. It's something we all do in one form or another. According to my NIV Bible: "What a man desires is unfailing love." ( Proverbs 19:22). We sometimes go to outlandish lengths to feel good, but the only One and the only thing that can make us feel good is God and the love that He has for us. All other methods will eventually fail because they cannot sustain us.

When I asked Mike the final question in the interview, I thought that he had misunderstood what I was asking and answered out of context. However, in looking back at his answers, I believe that he offers sage advice for me as well. I, too, need to keep my eyes focused (in helping others). I, too, will only get out of it what I put into it. Once started in helping someone, going back is not an option. I'm NOT going back. I need to stay connected. I, too, have a responsibility to feed the homeless, give them the Word, and pray over them. And, I need to continue to form connections. Very wise advice.