Tim

Tim had a good job as a postal clerk and made a good living but because of worsening back problem he found himself unemployed.  Soon he lost everything dear to him – his family, home and life as he had known it.  Alcohol and gambling became good friends and it wasn’t long until he was broke, depressed, downtrodden, and alone.  He had been sleeping in local parks for weeks and would come to the Muncie Mission for free lunch which was his only meal each day.   The Mission’s deskman asked Tim why he didn’t come to the Mission to live.  “It was evident I needed a shower and clean clothes, they probably were tired of smelling me – I sure was,” Tim says.     

Tim moved into the Mission in 2004 and was eager for the help being offered.  One of the counselors who also pastors a small congregation called Philadelphia Christian Church was the first to welcome Tim.  “I could hardly believe it. That’s the church my Grandmother took me to as a child and I couldn’t wait to get back there.” And Tim has been a regular attender from that time on. 

“Working through the recovery program was not difficult for me.  Changes came easily as I trusted my life to God and walked day by day in the light of his word.  My greatest difficulty was health issues,” Tim recalls.  While at the Mission he had several serious surgeries at the Indianapolis VA Hospital.  And because of his fragile health he applied for disability but knew he had to be equipped to provide for himself if that did not come through so he applied for admission to Ivy Tech, completing an Associate’s Degree in Human Services in 2009.  In 2008 he was able to move out of the Mission and into his own apartment.

Because of limited physical abilities, Tim was unable to work a full time job.  His Social Security Disability did come through and he began looking for a part-time position. “God has given me so very much and in spite of a weakened body, I have been blessed with a good mind and I needed to use it.  Sitting at home, doing nothing was not for me,” he says.   Hearing that the Mission was hiring a part-time front desk receptionist, Tim filled out the proper paperwork and was hired.  He is now back at the Mission – not as a resident but as one who would welcome new residents.  He answers phone, provides security at the front door, monitors everyone’s comings and goings and lends a listening ear to those who need to talk. 

“It gives me such joy to welcome new people at the Mission.  I tell them to look at me – I’m a miracle. Without the love shown to me here I doubt I’d be alive today.  The Mission saved my life; they gave me the opportunity to find my way back to God so that He could help reestablish who I was and where I was going.  I am a blessed man!”

Tim is no longer tempted by the vices that once helped to destroy him. In fact, he is currently assisting with a Gambler’s Support Group held at a local church.  Family relationships have been healed and he spends time with his adult children and a very special grand-daughter.  With a big smile, Tim says, “Thanks to God and Muncie Mission, life is now good!”