"The families of Rochester feel blessed by the provision of the counseling center at the mission. The women's support group is excited about the monthly fellowship and upcoming group sessions. We feel empowered to face life challenges" –Tracy S.

Prayers do get answered, and a young couple in the city of Rochester received confirmation that God answers prayers!

When Quinton and his wife started their family, they were homeless. Year after year, they shuffled from one miserable, uncared-for shack to another. A slum landlord owned their home when they first came to the mission. The children were terrified of the insects. They were afraid to turn off the lights, fear of the roaches. They have since found suitable housing.

"We not only received food, clothing, and marriage counseling from the mission, we asked God to provide a house that the owner took good care of and a safe place to raise our children, and God gave us what we needed” –Charmaine D.

“The counseling services have been a blessing to us. You showed us the beauty in our marriage; in a bad session, you were a fair judge and kept the fighting clean. We are so grateful for the help and support you have given us.”

We are stronger today because God sent us you! –The Martínez

Betsy never thought she would be forced to live in her car and rely on food pantries for her meals.

After she lost her home, which she had lived in for 15 years, Betsy had nowhere to go. She has family, but none of her relatives live nearby to help her out. So Betsy currently stays with a friend or in her car while waiting for her Social Security disability benefits to be approved. She's hoping that a small income will help with her living expenses and get her back on her feet.

Betsy started coming to the mission food pantry about two years ago after a friend told her about the available help. She is so thankful for the food and respect she receives that she has been telling others. She said, "I've referred a couple of people over here, especially mothers with kids and people going through hard times. I spread the word and tell them this is where to come and get good nourishing food. That people are going to talk to you on a social and personal basis and be very respectful."

She is especially grateful that the staff and volunteers at the food pantry help her get the food she needs the most. She said, "There's only so much food you can put in the back of a car when you live there. But they make sure that I don't get all perishable food — that I get fresh fruits and canned food that will serve my needs."

Despite her current situation, Betsy remains optimistic about the future. "My spirit is lifted up, and I'm very positive," she says with a smile.