MEET ROBERT - a client               

Robert has been a client at the Mission, off and on, for almost 15 years. He is now 46 years old. Robert has worked at many jobs in his life and it seems that for one reason or another, they never last. Robert has worked at retail and labour positions. He is presently employed part-time in the cleaning business. He struggles to pay his rent, his hydro bill (elec. heat) and basic needs. His income is limited and he comes to the Mission looking for food and hygiene help. More importantly, he comes here often just looking for someone to talk to.

Robert leads a lonely life. He was in a relationship some time ago with a woman with 3 children and they had one child of their own. His birth daughter (7) is now a ward of the court and he unfortunately does not have any contact with her. A Christian lawyer in Niagara Falls is helping him in this situation. 

Recently, Robert was in much pain and we had the opportunity to help connect Robert with the Health Bus so that he could get some needed dental work.  We are also trying to encourage Robert in some goals that he has set for himself in the area of employment and in his Spiritual life. Robert is a Christian man and he has been able to bring friends to the Lord, so God is using him even in his struggle. He attends a local church and found Anger Management classes at Elisha House very helpful in the past.  He would like to be better able to provide for himself financially and not have to use the food bank agencies in the city. He also desires to walk within God's will.

When Robert  was asked what Christmas would be like for him, he simply said that he would make the best of it. You see, Robert has family in the Region, but rarely sees them for a moment. December 22nd is his birthday, it's also the day that he lost his daughter to a court decision, so his birthday is a difficult day. He says that "Father's Day" is extremely difficult as well, however he makes the best of it that he can. On Christmas he will probably be alone. He will put up a small tree and he will cook himself a small chicken and try to be festive. He will attend church Christmas programs and somewhere through the holidays, he will get together with some friends. He has a positive approach to making it enjoyable. He says his folks may stop by with a card for a minute or two.

Right now Robert feels that he needs some more work in the  anger management area and hopefully we can help him there.Robert often joins us in the morning for devotions and we are encouraged that he looks to God for strength. There was a time when he would have turned to alcohol. Robert is a person that is truly trying hard to be independant and live a fruitful life. Tim often spends time with Robert just listening to him while Robert is here for a coffee.

Robert, a friend here at the Mission. One of hundreds of stories, one of hundreds of lives that we have the God given opportunity and ministry to impact with Love and Hope.