Heather and
Sandra
Samaritan Women Testimonies
Hello. My name is Heather. I was born in Alaska and from the
ages of 2-17, I was in approximately 20 foster homes. I know about my mother and
had never seen or spoken with my father until April of this year, where I found
him living in Phoenix, AZ. Praise God! While in foster care, I witnessed other
children being abused physically and sexually. At age 13, I started smoking
cigarettes and pot. At age 15, I used cocaine for my first time. At age 16, I
had given up my first son for adoption and 2 years later I had another son and a
serious habit of using and selling cocaine.
I moved from Alaska to California, with my habit, and became involved in drug
use and activity. I then became involved in counterfeit money and computer check
fraud. As time went on, I had three more kids and owned a home and nice cars
until the day the Sheriff’s Department knocked on my door. That’s when my life
changed. They took my kids, my home and took me to jail with 14 felonies. I was
looking eight years in prison.
While in jail, I read Jack Murphy’s book, Murf the Surf. I knew if he could
change, so could I. I began reading the Book of John. With every verse I could
feel the love of Jesus surrounding me and filling up my cell. I began to realize
God had a plan for my life, even if it meant facing time. Of course, I did
continue to pray to God that His plans for my life weren’t in prison. God
answered my prayers. I went to court, before Judge Levis, who offered me the
opportunity, the chance to change by going to a program.
I had also heard about Samaritan Women in jail and knew they could help me. I
was released that night and wandered around the streets of Fresno until
Samaritan Women opened the next morning. I got a hold of Nancy right away, She
said, “Are you ready for Bible study? I’ll pick you up.” From that day on, I
spent all my time at the Center, attending classes and helping out wherever I
could. The love, encouragement, acceptance and classes offered at the Center
allowed me to develop a strong personal relationship with our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ, and gave me a solid foundation.
In 2003, I was reunited with the son that I had given up for adoption 20 years
ago. He moved to Fresno and gave me my first grandchild. In 2004, I was also
reunited with my son Michael who now lives with me.
Today I am working full-time as a Case Manager for Samaritan Woman, and now God
has shown me how to take all that old stuff that the enemy meant to destroy me
and turn it around for good, to help, love, encourage and give hope to other
women who need it the most. Thank you JESUS, Nancy Dixon, Jack Murphy, Judge
Levis, & so many more at the Center.
My name is Sandra and I am proud to say that I am a child of God. I am a
daughter of THE KING! I came to know the Lord on August 15, 2002, on ‘A’ yard at
VSPW. Before that faithful day my life consisted of drugs, violence, abuse,
depression, oppression, anger, and fear. I was always confused and unsure about
everything. My way to escape was to get high.
I was born into a family of domestic violence. I never realized how much of an
impact that had on my life until I, myself, became involved in abusive
relationships. I never thought it could happen to me. I turned to drugs and
alcohol to numb the pain, or to help me pretend that it wasn’t really happening.
I soon became incapable of making the right choices for my life and the lives of
my children. After being arrested a few times and having my kids taken from me
(because of the violence), I finally ended up in prison. I was facing two years
in prison and my children (3 boys) were placed in CPS custody (again) and this
time they were going to be adopted. My life was a complete and total disaster. I
lost everything -- my kids, my home…EVERYTHING!
When I entered the prison walls, my heart broke. I was afraid of what I had
become and what my children had become because of me -- my lifestyle, my
choices. I wanted to die. That is when I met Jeri who one day helped me to see
my need for Jesus. The day that I surrendered my life to the Lord was the
greatest day of my life! HE has changed my life completely.
On January 2, 2003, I became a resident at the TLC Home and graduated on October
10, 2003, with “The Blessing” of Samaritan Women. With the help of Samaritan
Women and by the grace of God, my life has changed. I have a new life in Christ.
I have remained clear and sober for 2 years 4 months, my children have been
returned to my custody, I have a good job, and I have a car. But most
importantly…I HAVE GOD…Jehovah Jirah, my Provider. His love is sufficient for
all my needs.
One of the most amazing things about the Lord is His grace and mercy. Grace
means getting what you don't deserve and mercy means not getting what you
deserve. He has shown Himself strong in every area of my life. Jesus is the head
of my house and the love of my life. He has opened doors for me that no man can
shut and He has shut doors that no man can open. He has given me the desires of
my heart.
As long as I can remember, I have always wanted to help women stop the cycle of
violence and because of my obedience and fervent prayers, the Lord has opened up
the doors so that I could do just that. I am now a domestic violence advocate
and I am truly able to give back to the community. My faith has increased with
each test and trial that comes my way. Every time I am faced with a trial (and
believe me they come often), I look at it as an opportunity to grow in faith,
wisdom, and to see My Father's grace in action.
Although times can get rough, I know that I am not alone and that I do not face
ANYTHING alone because the Lord is always with me. He will NEVER leave me nor
forsake me! I am blessed and highly favored. To God be ALL the glory.
Samaritan
Women
