Nick called today. Many times over the last year or so I have thought about young Nick. He had been released from prison and was transferred to my care at the Union Mission a few years ago. We concluded our work with Nick and I had not seen nor heard from him since early 2008.
I remember our first meeting and how shocked I was to find this man had been in prison since he was 15 years old. He had been sexually abused while in prison and had a host of problems. I also remember he was a difficult young man to work with due to his past history.
When I received his call today I was delighted to hear his voice. His voice was confident as he said “Rev. Anderson I was looking through some things and came upon your business card. I am calling today to tell you I am OK and to say thank you for your help while I was at Union Mission.” As I talked with him I discovered that he had a really good job; that he had bought a house; and that he was entering graduate school at the University of North Carolina. I celebrate with Nick his success. I am glad I had an opportunity to tell him about God and to spend some time teaching him a few years ago. It felt good to hear “thank you” from someone that society had pretty much discarded.
How many other Nicks are there? Many I am sure. I ask for your prayers as we work with homeless men here in Roanoke Rapids, NC and in eastern NC. They come from all walks of life, with different problems. One thing is for sure. They need God.
LaCount Anderson
