Samuel

At the Gospel Mission we strive to give our residents a hand up, not just a hand out. We earnestly desire our guests leave here better than when they came to us. We work to equip them with skills they will need to achieve their goals, while successfully transitioning into becoming productive members of our community. It takes God’s Holy Spirit working through us to transform a life, and that’s just what He did for resident, Sam Lasley.

Sam was dropped off at the Gospel Mission last June when the apartment he had been living in for 5 years was shut down for renovations. Sam was not very talkative so it was difficult to determine how best to help him. Sam was very content just being with us. After 30 days, we began to realize Sam was going to be a special case as he had no job skills or income.

After doing a records search, and thanks to the impressive work of Billy, our case manager, we made contact with Sam’s adoptive Mom and learned Sam was indeed special; he was born with brain damage and had relied on others to support him his entire life. That’s when the hard work began.

How do you advocate for someone who doesn’t understand the questions you are asking, and who is content to live at a rescue Mission? Sam was so content, that he refused vital assistance. We discovered Sam had the comprehension of an immature teenager, with no concept of goals or what was needed to qualify for services required to live independently the rest of his life.

It’s amazing to serve in a ministry that relies on God to fight our battles for us. When challenges become too much for one of us individually, we gather together, get on our knees, and pray together for strength and wisdom. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

Sam began to thrive with the structure here at the Mission, getting up every day for Devotions, three set meals each day, helping out with janitorial tasks at the Shelter, and thanks to Billy, making it to appointments on time. Even with the progress we were witnessing in him socially, we weren’t gaining any ground towards Sam gaining independence.

Since Sam is unable to secure a job, it had to be medically proven that he is truly disabled to secure an income for him. This was extremely difficult to officially document. Anyone who met Sam face to face instantly knew, but proving it to Social Security was incredibly frustrating. Sam became a labor of love for Billy who spent a year and a half in medical appointment after appointment with countless doctors getting nowhere, regularly discouraged that nothing panned out. Relying on the promises of God, we trusted God would provide for Sam, in His timing. And He did.

Coordinating with Sky Lakes Outpatient, we finally received confirmation from Developmental Disability Services that Sam needed assistance; a scheduled MRI and psych eval with Social Security ultimately provided the medical verification Sam needed to qualify for Disability. Sam was granted a SS disability income so he could obtain needed housing and medical care.

Sam is moving into his new place this month thanks to the tireless effort of Billy and the KFGM team. The opportunity to help transform another life in Klamath Falls would not be possible, but for the grace of our mighty God, and the prayers of His saints. Please keep the Gospel Mission in your prayers, as we make changes in our community one soul at a time!