Miracle on Liberty Street

Greetings,

Hoping this correspondence finds you and your household (all of them) doing well!  Thank you for returning my call on this past Monday.  It was heartwarming to learn of you and Susan still going strong at fulfilling your divine assignment at THE CARE CENTER.  I was privileged to witness you and Susan’s love for this ministry when my daughter and I were residents at The Care Center in 1992. 

I don’t expect you to remember me since this was nearly 30 years ago. But, as for me, I could never forget because you were part of my inspiration for currently serving in a similar ministry.

I have vivid memories of Nathan picking us up from the bus station; he shined with enthusiasm and wore the biggest smile as if he were meeting high class celebrities for the very first time.  His initial conversation was not intrusive but very warm and friendly which helped us ease into the transition of  unfamiliar territory.  I sensed right away that we were in a good place and that my thirst for change would soon be quenched! 

Upon our arrival, he stated that the evening meal had already been served and there were no leftovers to be offered; however, he did offer pop tarts and juice which our empty stomachs gladly welcomed and found to be satisfactory.

Although our stay was not very long at The Care Center, several experiences left indelible marks etched into my memory.  Of course, after 30 long years in passing, I don’t remember everything that occurred during those months,  but this one event is of a surety that couldn’t be forgotten.

Not many days after our initial arrival, the announcement was made that our food supply was running dangerously low, and we needed a miracle.  Well, to my ears it sounded like we needed a “Right Now” miracle.  In spite of the demise, I never heard panic in Nathan nor Susan’s voice, nor were their faces disfigured in distress or hot displeasure.   Their quiet faith was demonstrative that somehow, someway,  provisions were going to be made for this small group of women and children.

During a typical,  hot summer day, we gathered for our usual bible study at which time,  none of the residents seemed to be disgruntled or bothered by the fact  that we were being faced with “mystery meals”.   I never witnessed anyone caving into hunger pangs or the mere rations of food.  I believe we were all just thankful to have a safe haven to rest our heads and an atmosphere that rendered some sort of peace.

On this particular day, as we prepared to conclude our bible study, we all gathered in a circle joining hands for prayer. The obvious request was made for us to ask God to manifest that “right now” miracle because by this time everybody was going to become familiar with what a real Christian fast looked like. 

Before we could hardly end our prayer with “AMEN”, we heard a knock at the front door.  Didn’t know if it was the mailman, the milkman or someone looking for admission into The Care Center, but the exchange of dialogue was not easily heard.  After the door closed,  I heard someone say, “go open the back door in the kitchen”.   

To our amazement, God had answered our prayers and manifested that “right now” miracle.  A group of people from a local church had hearkened to the voice of God and by route of prayer, they had come to the rescue of The Care Center.  This caring group of people unloaded vehicles, carrying multiple bags and boxes of fresh produce, meat, canned goods, and multiple sorts of other packaged food.  It seemed like they were delivering a warehouse full of food.

In celebration of this great "Miracle on Liberty Street”,  we had what seemed to be a Thanksgiving feast with a real turkey, homemade dressing and all the fixings including a juicy sweet watermelon.  The comical side to the story is that all of the ladies said they had no knowledge of how to cook turkey and dressing.  Guess who ended up cooking the entire meal?  Yep, you guessed right, me!  All of the ladies pitched in with the meal preparation and kitchen clean up. This experience was so wonderful, and it felt like we were really a big family just doing the sister thing!

I don’t believe any of us were in total shock, but instead we were struck with enormous gratitude and thanksgiving because it happened so suddenly.  But isn’t that just like God?  He supersedes our expectations and blesses in abundance!  What a mighty God He is!   He gets all the glory!

Thank you both for accepting your assignment and for the difference you have made and are still making in the lives of people who are hurting and needing direction for change.  Thank you for accepting my daughter and me and for allowing me to share such a small part in the making of  history at THE CARE CENTER!

Blessings,

Terri Lockett Thomas