Family Loses Everything in Fire
Donation protected
URGENT NEED: Family of 9 Home Burned-Total Loss-No Insurance
Earlier this year, my brother who lived in the south side of Chicago with his family of nine fell ill. After an extensive hospital stay and surgery, he lost his job and only source of income. Living in one of the toughest areas in the country, they were already struggling. With the loss of his job, their situation went from bad to worse.
We did everything we could to help them make ends meet and began to pray about what we should do.
In the meantime, my wife and I had become very burdened for my brother’s youngest son. In the south side the pressure to join gangs is tremendous. It’s a highly celebrated lifestyle and for some the only way they feel safe. At 14 years old we knew the potential was great that he would soon be making life-changing decisions and we hoped to show him a better way. He came to spend some time with us during summer break and while he was here he attended church camp. We learned much more about their situation during that visit and there was no question something had to be done.
We spoke to the family and they agreed to move away from everything they’d ever known in hopes of a better, safer life. We had no idea how we could make it happen but we felt strongly that if we would just make ourselves available, God had a plan. So, we opened our hearts and simply continued praying. Along with some very good friends, we looked for a home and started telling others the story. Soon offers for help began to trickle in and just as I was about to call it a day I ran into an incredibly generous man who had a house available for rent. We immediately went over and I knew it was perfect. With the help of over forty families, we were able to move them to a small country town in Tennessee. When they arrived they walked into a fully furnished home and a new life.
Knowing the transition would be hardest for the older kids I contacted social services and asked for any programs they may have available for at-risk teens. They connected me with a local pastor who I believe is truly an angel walking around on earth. He and his small congregation had a burden for teens and offered a program at their church. Within a few days of arriving, our niece and nephew were attending a wonderful program. The entire family went to church the following Sunday and soon became members. These wonderful people welcomed them with open arms and showed them the love of Christ in so many ways. The children entered great schools and everyone started to settle in.
For the first few months we helped pay expenses to help get them on their feet while they looked for work. When my brother found a job we thought things would get easier but employment continued to be a struggle. He is a licensed big equipment operator and he’s a hard worker but the work was project to project. So, he would work for a bit and then no projects. It just made it impossible to have any stability. As Christmas approached things really got tight as work became even more scarce. Still, even in the midst of the struggle, God was there and Christmas Eve night our family was together to witness the baptism of our beautiful little nieces. We bought what we could and with the help of a program in the community we were able to give them a good Christmas but the pressure was heavy on my brother to find work and pay the bills.
During the holidays an old friend from Chicago contacted him to see how they were doing. A few years ago he’d been out of work and having a really tough time financially. At that time, my brother was working for a large company and was in a position to give him a job. That job helped his family get back on their feet. Later he moved to an area outside of the city and started a similar company of his own. The business has done well and he never forgot my brother. When he called things were not looking good so he offered to let them stay at his home and put him to work. The kids were on Christmas break and everyone was missing family so they packed up and headed back to Chicago. For the last couple weeks they’ve been there, working and saving up some money. Things were looking better until last night.
They were supposed to return home several days ago and get the kids back in school but the weather delayed their trip. They planned to return yesterday but yet again, another delay. Last night, their elderly neighbor, a Vietnam Vet, couldn’t sleep so he got up and felt he should pray. He was walking through his house praying when he heard a loud noise outside. He looked out the window but didn’t see anything so he continued on. He heard the loud noise again and this time when he looked there were flames in my brothers kitchen. He called 911 and the fire trucks came but it didn’t take long to do extensive damage to the small, wood-framed house. This morning my wife and I met the landlord at the house to see if there was anything we could save. The stench of smoke was with us all day. They believe the house is a total loss and the contents are either burned or saturated with smoke and sludge. As we looked at all of the things that so many had so lovingly donated, the sweet princess bedding the girls loved so much, the bedrooms full of things they were so proud of, their tiny Christmas tree melted and covered in soot our hearts broke. Shock turned to tears as we began to turn once again to God for the answers.
We don’t know why this happened but we know God was not caught by surprise because just in time he made a way for them to be gone and taken care of. We don’t understand all the reasons he led us to bring them here but we know his plan is not hindered by the awful circumstances in front of us. We don’t know exactly what move to make next but we know that he will lead us…he always has and he always will.
So, in spite of the tears and heart breaking loss, we choose to be thankful. We’re thankful for all of the good things that came from their time here. We’re thankful that we’re only replacing things instead of planning funerals. We’re thankful to be closer as a family. We’re thankful they got a glimpse of another life; a life they now know is within their reach. We’re thankful for all the very good, very generous people in this world who believe in second chances. We’re thankful when we put our faith in God, he shows up…every single time.
So what do we do now? We put our trust in God’s holy word and believe that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
And, we rest in his promises, “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.” Jeremiah 29:11
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:6
For now, staying where they are seems to be the best thing since he is able to work and there is nothing to come back to. So, we will be looking for a home and the means to furnish it. If you would like to be a part of helping this family get back up, once again, please donate what you can. No gift is too small. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for your support and most especially for lifting us up in your prayers.
Earlier this year, my brother who lived in the south side of Chicago with his family of nine fell ill. After an extensive hospital stay and surgery, he lost his job and only source of income. Living in one of the toughest areas in the country, they were already struggling. With the loss of his job, their situation went from bad to worse.
We did everything we could to help them make ends meet and began to pray about what we should do.
In the meantime, my wife and I had become very burdened for my brother’s youngest son. In the south side the pressure to join gangs is tremendous. It’s a highly celebrated lifestyle and for some the only way they feel safe. At 14 years old we knew the potential was great that he would soon be making life-changing decisions and we hoped to show him a better way. He came to spend some time with us during summer break and while he was here he attended church camp. We learned much more about their situation during that visit and there was no question something had to be done.
We spoke to the family and they agreed to move away from everything they’d ever known in hopes of a better, safer life. We had no idea how we could make it happen but we felt strongly that if we would just make ourselves available, God had a plan. So, we opened our hearts and simply continued praying. Along with some very good friends, we looked for a home and started telling others the story. Soon offers for help began to trickle in and just as I was about to call it a day I ran into an incredibly generous man who had a house available for rent. We immediately went over and I knew it was perfect. With the help of over forty families, we were able to move them to a small country town in Tennessee. When they arrived they walked into a fully furnished home and a new life.
Knowing the transition would be hardest for the older kids I contacted social services and asked for any programs they may have available for at-risk teens. They connected me with a local pastor who I believe is truly an angel walking around on earth. He and his small congregation had a burden for teens and offered a program at their church. Within a few days of arriving, our niece and nephew were attending a wonderful program. The entire family went to church the following Sunday and soon became members. These wonderful people welcomed them with open arms and showed them the love of Christ in so many ways. The children entered great schools and everyone started to settle in.
For the first few months we helped pay expenses to help get them on their feet while they looked for work. When my brother found a job we thought things would get easier but employment continued to be a struggle. He is a licensed big equipment operator and he’s a hard worker but the work was project to project. So, he would work for a bit and then no projects. It just made it impossible to have any stability. As Christmas approached things really got tight as work became even more scarce. Still, even in the midst of the struggle, God was there and Christmas Eve night our family was together to witness the baptism of our beautiful little nieces. We bought what we could and with the help of a program in the community we were able to give them a good Christmas but the pressure was heavy on my brother to find work and pay the bills.
During the holidays an old friend from Chicago contacted him to see how they were doing. A few years ago he’d been out of work and having a really tough time financially. At that time, my brother was working for a large company and was in a position to give him a job. That job helped his family get back on their feet. Later he moved to an area outside of the city and started a similar company of his own. The business has done well and he never forgot my brother. When he called things were not looking good so he offered to let them stay at his home and put him to work. The kids were on Christmas break and everyone was missing family so they packed up and headed back to Chicago. For the last couple weeks they’ve been there, working and saving up some money. Things were looking better until last night.
They were supposed to return home several days ago and get the kids back in school but the weather delayed their trip. They planned to return yesterday but yet again, another delay. Last night, their elderly neighbor, a Vietnam Vet, couldn’t sleep so he got up and felt he should pray. He was walking through his house praying when he heard a loud noise outside. He looked out the window but didn’t see anything so he continued on. He heard the loud noise again and this time when he looked there were flames in my brothers kitchen. He called 911 and the fire trucks came but it didn’t take long to do extensive damage to the small, wood-framed house. This morning my wife and I met the landlord at the house to see if there was anything we could save. The stench of smoke was with us all day. They believe the house is a total loss and the contents are either burned or saturated with smoke and sludge. As we looked at all of the things that so many had so lovingly donated, the sweet princess bedding the girls loved so much, the bedrooms full of things they were so proud of, their tiny Christmas tree melted and covered in soot our hearts broke. Shock turned to tears as we began to turn once again to God for the answers.
We don’t know why this happened but we know God was not caught by surprise because just in time he made a way for them to be gone and taken care of. We don’t understand all the reasons he led us to bring them here but we know his plan is not hindered by the awful circumstances in front of us. We don’t know exactly what move to make next but we know that he will lead us…he always has and he always will.
So, in spite of the tears and heart breaking loss, we choose to be thankful. We’re thankful for all of the good things that came from their time here. We’re thankful that we’re only replacing things instead of planning funerals. We’re thankful to be closer as a family. We’re thankful they got a glimpse of another life; a life they now know is within their reach. We’re thankful for all the very good, very generous people in this world who believe in second chances. We’re thankful when we put our faith in God, he shows up…every single time.
So what do we do now? We put our trust in God’s holy word and believe that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
And, we rest in his promises, “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.” Jeremiah 29:11
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:6
For now, staying where they are seems to be the best thing since he is able to work and there is nothing to come back to. So, we will be looking for a home and the means to furnish it. If you would like to be a part of helping this family get back up, once again, please donate what you can. No gift is too small. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for your support and most especially for lifting us up in your prayers.
Organizer and beneficiary
Bernard Porter
Organizer
Brentwood, TN
Bernard Porter
Beneficiary