A Modern Day Miracle
– Shirley Larrea by Hilary Ford, January 2010
When most people think of miracles they think of people being cured of diseases or saved unexplainably in an accident. Here at Love INC we experience many of God’s miracles, including the miracle of transforming individuals. We had a chance to be part of a true modern day miracle in one of our New Hope Relational graduates, Shirley Larrea.
Shirley, like many others, entered the program considering it as her last hope. With close to $12,000 of debt, 3 young children at home, and a low self esteem from a dark past of spousal abuse she was at her wits end. We can still remember orientation night as she walked in eyeing each of us doubtfully and hesitant to talk to anyone. Leary of all of the people who annoyed her by praying all of the time, she enrolled hoping that we could help her in some way.
From the very beginning of the program, we could see God’s hand positioning Shirley exactly where He wanted her. When it came to match her with her counselor, we realized that Shirley needed a lot of love, encouragement, and a counselor who understood hard work. We matched her with Phyllis, a retired truck driver who had a heart to love on women in need. As one woman to another who has worked in what would be considered a “man’s job” they couldn’t be more right for each other.
Shirley’s attitude gradually began to change. She was seeing positive changes and was realizing the power of prayer and even started requesting it. She worked any extra job she could find to provide for her family and started to attend her church more often.
Her situation dramatically changed as her abusive ex started stalking her family. Late night phone calls turned to theft and vandalism and Shirley became frightened. Many nights at the program were spent just praying with her as she would come in sobbing. The danger became a reality as her ex drove a rod through her car engine. With a warrant for his arrest and him no where to be found, she needed to get out of town until the police could get things under control.
Shirley was stranded, without a vehicle or the funds to purchase another one and she was now clinging to God. God had His own plan and was already on the move. Earlier that same week Love INC received a phone call from an individual in a partner church who knew they were supposed to give us a vehicle. The car, being almost brand new, was a 2008 Hyundai Accent with less than 5,000 miles on it. We realized without a doubt who the car was supposed to go to. God not only wanted to guarantee Shirley’s family safety, but to bless her with almost a brand new vehicle.
With the kids buckled in and the bills paid out for the summer, Shirley headed back East to visit some relatives. The police apprehended her ex and it was safe to return home. She came home refreshed with renewed hope.
Upon graduating as a single mother working 2 jobs, she managed to pay off $6,500 of debt including $3,000 worth of Pay Day Loans. She started a savings account, started tithing, and became very active in her church. She discovered God in a whole new way and now has a loving relationship with Him.
Shirley is just one of the families that we see God do miracles in. It was an honor to be involved and see how He was moving in her life.
