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“It takes a community to change a community”

From our volunteers…

“I am a pen pal with Changed Choices. Five years ago we moved to Charlotte, which was a big step of faith for me. It began a journey that has changed my life! The real turning point in my life came when my son who is a dedicated police officer said to me that I was living my life in "a Christian bubble." He said I surrounded myself with the activities and friends of the church.  He was right! Our church was reaching out to the community and I was involved in many ways but I began to pray for ministry and friends outside my comfort zone. In the fall I became a part of a small group where I met a chaplain aide with Changed Choices. Her passion with this ministry just bubbled over. I had the blessing of sending Christmas Cards to clients of Changed Choices at Christmas. As the Lord began to draw me to becoming more involved, I met with Ruth Snyder. After praying I knew I wanted to become involved as a pen pal. I completed my application to become a part of Changed Choices. I had the joy of learning a pen pal had been selected for me - I am amazed how God placed a beautiful, joyful woman whose enthusiasm for life overflowed into my life! I learned that joy and contentment does not come from circumstances through this new friend.  She encouraged me with beautiful words of poetry that described what Jesus did for us and grace that is offered unconditionally. I learned we both shared a love for reading and art. The greatest gift she shared with me was a picture of her two children so I would have faces as I prayed for them. Transparency bridged what could have been a large gap. My prayer continues to be that through our letters she will be encouraged and that one day soon we can meet and sit down and talk about Jesus in person. My life will never be the same because of stepping out in faith in Changed Choices!”

                                                                                                                     - Naida, a pen pal

“My mentee inspires me to stay positive. She somehow finds a way to keep a smile on her face even when things don't work out the way she expects it. She has been let down and lied to so many times by people she trusts and cares about, but she never talks down on them and she stays positive through it all. I know she's only able to do it through faith in the Lord. She inspires me to not let things in my life (that are so minor compared to what she's had to endure) get me down...for too long as least.”

                                                                                                                      - COOOL Mentor