Samaritan Women

Community AfterCARE Resources

"Assisting Ex-Inmates to live Godly lives."

Testimonies:              Akberet

 

 

Hello.  My name is Akberet.  I was born and raised in East Africa, Ethiopia.  I was raised by my parents in a Christian home and have an older sister and a younger brother. I was raised with very strict rules.   My family raised us knowing the principles of God.  At the age of 15, I received Christ into my heart.

    At the age of 17, I won a lottery and decided to come to America to receive my education and get a good job.  I came to California.  My plan was to work and help my family first and then go to school.  Because one job wasn’t enough, I got a second…then a third.  That was still never enough.  Not only was I supporting myself, but my family seemed to always need more and more money. 

    I soon met some people who were involved in illegal activities.  I decided to join them so that I could make more money.  I wanted to hurry and help my family financially, get it over with and then start attending school like I had planned in the first place. 

    However, in the year 2002, I got arrested in Sacramento and went to jail.  After approximately one month of being in jail, that’s when I made Jesus Lord of my life.  While in Sacramento, they found I had a prior in Fresno County which required my presence.  After doing three months in Sacramento, I was transported to Fresno County.  I was sentenced and spent eight months in Fresno County Jail.  It was at this time that I was introduced to Nancy Dixon.  Nancy would visit me every Friday and would encourage me.  I told Nancy I didn’t have anywhere to go.  Nancy told me about Samaritan Women TLC Home.  I was accepted to be a resident at the home.  In fact, Nancy picked me up from the jail and took me straight to Samaritan Women and then to the Home.  That was in August of 2003.

    I was at the TLC Home for eight months.  During that time, I learned how to walk with God in society.  I learned life skills, submission to authority and how to cooperate with peers.  I also took classes at the Center which helped me in boundaries and safe people, Bible Basics, communication and others.  I also saw my case manager weekly, and she was able to help me prepare for school. 

    In January of 2004, I received my GED.  On January 26^th, I started attending Fresno City College.  My plans are to get my AS Degree as a Radiology Technician.  I will then transfer to Pacific College to get a degree in counseling. 

    In April of 2004, I transitioned from the TLC Home and received the “Samaritan Women Blessing”.  I am very active in my church.  I teach Sunday School in the Youth Department and am involved in Prayer Ministry.   I am also going to Faith College to get my certificate in ministry.

    I  continue to remain involved with Samaritan Women.  I attend classes when I can and stay in touch with Nancy, the case managers and my friends.  Most recently, I was hired as Relief House Manager for Samaritan Women TLC Home.

    I praise God and I thank Him for Jesus for it is through Jesus that I am able to have this life and to serve Him.  I have never had this kind of life before, and I have found that life in service for and with God is fulfilling.  I am a witness that God will do for us more than what we can imagine or we dare to ask.

 

Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”