Simara's Story

I remember when Simara was in the 2nd grade. I believe that was the first year we had her in our after school Club. Over the course of the year, as we got to know her and her younger brother, we learned several things that concerned us.

Her mom was away. I don’t know if it was jail or rehab at the time (she’s been in both), but she was away. Dad – well, as with most of our kids, who knows where dad was or is? That meant that Simara and her little brother were living with grandma. Only that was a messed up situation, too.

So, in 2nd grade, Simara got herself and her little brother up, got them ready for school, and got them on the bus. All, apparently, while grandma slept.

But here’s the thing: you would never know that anything was wrong with Simara. She smiled, played, joked – she was well behaved. . .

We’ve been working with her ever since. She’s been coming to Camp and Club. One of our staff members has a relationship with her family. She’s been attending church with that same staff member. This year, she has signed up for our 3 year, intensive discipleship program called the Timothy Project.

She is continuing to smile, continuing to do well.

When I tell her story, I don’t share her name. Those who get to know her, and then find out later who I’m talking about, are always extremely surprised.

We know that there are and will be consequences that she will have to live through. We pray that God will continue to do mighty things in her life, and that He will use us to help accomplish His will in her life. Please pray for her, and while you’re at it, tell God how wonderful He is. He is taking a rough set of circumstances and creating a beautiful girl.