Hopewell Helping Homeless (HHH) is a Christian outreach program that helps homeless individuals and families in need by directly delivering clothing, hygiene, food and other items. I was not born here in Tennessee but I was raised here and attended Montgomery Central and consider Cunningham, TN my home. At an early age in life there were struggles no child should have to experience. I was married
and a mother by the age of 16. I had my share of trials and tribulations in life and found an outlet in drugs. For 9 years straight I found myself angry and spiritually lost. It was my choice and yes, I said it was my choice to be an addict. My choice to continue the path I was on. My choice to not feel or deal with my life. Of my 9 years of being out there, homeless and hungry, the only time I felt human or cared for was in a church shelter. I remember thinking how happy these people looked helping us and what joy they must be feeling. I was thankful to get whatever I could receive that day. I used to tell myself I would love to do that someday, or even be that person someday. Then, on May 12th, 2009, I finally had enough. I dropped to my knees and surrendered myself to Jesus. I left Tennessee and the drugs and started over. Let me tell you, from that day to this very day, my life has changed for the better and continues to each and every day. The blessings come both big and small, seen and unseen. It amazes me! The desire to help has always been in my heart. I wanted to help those that are living the life I have lived. To be one of those people that reaches out to someone whose struggles are keeping their journey with Jesus out of reach. I wanted to let them know that someone cares and loves them and His name is Jesus. That’s what I’ve been wanting to do - to help others. I finally listened to God and told my church what my plans were. Then I realized Jesus wasn’t done with me and this is part of my journey and walk with Him. You see, I never planned on returning to Tennessee, let alone living here again. Once I moved away Tennessee was nothing but a bad memory that I kept out of my life. But God had another plan and literally brought me right back where all my troubles began when I was a 16 year old wife and mother. It was as if He was saying “I put you here before and you chose a different path so now we are going to try it again”. I’m on the right path this time. I still have my struggles, trials and tribulations as we all do, but now I turn to Jesus. I turn to Jesus, not addiction. I pray I do not get high. I have joy and peace, not anger. I want those who are grieving, are lost or feeling hopeless that there is so much more and show them where to find it. My heart fills up with so much happiness that I can’t stop smiling for the whole day because of what I may have said or done to better someone else’s day. The journey I took was worth it and I’m still learning and growing. And I know Jesus loves us and He died for my sins so I can be with Him for eternity. What a sacrifice! So yeah, I’m loved and blessed in ways I don’t deserve. I want to let anyone who will listen to know - give your life to Jesus. Surrender and you will be ok. So, that’s the short version of my life and my reason for doing this. All donations given to Hopewell Helping Homeless go directly to homeless individuals and families that are down on their luck or have fallen on hard times. I’ll be holding different events throughout the year to help people in my community. Also, with the help of Hopewell Baptist Church (my church), and my faith in Jesus I hope to help, to listen and to be there for someone else and always let them know He’s there, He’s with them, and He loves them. Thank you - Rena
