Keep Wondering

Dylan and Madison* are the parents of three elementary-aged boys. They both work full-time jobs, but like 64% of Americans, their family lives paycheck to paycheck. When either of them has to miss a day of work due to illness in their family or when an unexpected expense arises like new tires, they occasionally need a little extra help to get by.

Over the last couple of years, they have come to Dallas-High Shoals Christian Ministry and picked up a box of food to sustain them until their next paycheck arrives. They received Christmas assistance last year which included gifts of toys, clothes, socks/underwear, and hygiene items for the children along with a Christmas meal for the family.

Shortly before Christmas this past year, Madison and Dylan learned that they were expecting another child. The baby was an exciting surprise and Madison shared that news with us when she came to pick up their Christmas gifts and meal.

In late March, Madison reached out to let us know that she had been in the hospital for a couple of weeks. She had lost the baby and would remain in the hospital for a few more days. She had finally worked up the courage to ask if we could help pay a portion of their utility bill since she was not being paid for the time she had been in the hospital or while she was recovering.

"I've laid in this hospital bed and cried," Madison said. "I just keep wondering how we are going to pay our electric bill. I thought about y'all. I knew if you couldn't help us, you would at least try to find someone who could." When we shared that we were able to pay their entire bill through our Utility Assistance Program, one of her burdens was removed.

It is a privilege to provide a grieving mother like Madison with a brief moment of relief from the stress of an unpaid utility bill. Your generosity makes this ministry of relief and dignity possible. Thank you for your continued generosity.