Stories of Hope: Lives Touched by Compassion This Week

Here at St. Johannes, we're actively reaching out to care for his children who need a helping hand. It's been a fantastic week, filled with the people and their stories below. Thank you to our volunteers who interview these lovely people and who can discern the best way that we can help. 

Perdina's Journey to Stability
Perdina, a hardworking mother of four, was thriving in her job at a trucking company until unexpected layoffs turned her life upside down. Struggling with bills while searching for a new position, she turned to The Navigation Center for support. With the help of St. Johannes Lutheran Church and Next Steps of South Carolina, her overdue water bill was paid, ensuring her family had one less worry as she worked to regain stability. Perdina remains optimistic and determined to provide for her children and find her next opportunity.  

Janita’s Triumph Over Unfair Challenges 
Known for her diligence in paying rent early every month, Janita faced an unnerving setback when her landlord claimed her payment wasn’t received and escalated the matter to court. Though she resolved the issue, court fees and late penalties exceeded her budget. Next Steps, with support from St. Johannes, helped bridge the financial gap and provided counsel on better alternatives for rent payments in the future. Janita is now back on track and grateful for the support that helped her navigate this unexpected challenge.  

Afrika’s Fresh Start
With a great new job and an approved apartment to call home, Afrika is on the verge of providing a fresh start for herself and her two children. But an old unpaid electric bill stood in the way of her move. She didn’t lose hope, and with the generosity of St. Johannes and Next Steps, her balance was paid off. Afrika is now ready to begin this exciting new chapter and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the help that made her fresh start possible.  

Dennis’ Fight for Health and Stability  
Cancer has tested Dennis’ resilience, but his faith and determination remain unshaken. As he undergoes treatment at MUSC, he relies on unemployment support to get by. Falling behind on his water bill added unnecessary stress to an already difficult time, but with assistance from St. Johannes and Next Steps, he was able to stay on track. Dennis remains hopeful about returning to work and knows he has a community ready to help him if needed.  

Erika, the Pillar of Her Family 
Erika is a shining example of selflessness and love, caring for her disabled brother and supporting six grandchildren under her roof. Despite unexpected medical bills, she approaches life with gratitude and faith. When she fell behind on her rent, St. Johannes and Next Steps stepped in to cover the overdue amount that her limited funds couldn’t stretch to. Erika’s deep appreciation is matched only by her unwavering devotion to her family and her belief in God’s grace.  

Oneka’s Progress Through Support
Juggling the demands of a good job and the pursuit of higher education, Oneka faced financial strain that caused her to fall behind on rent. Determined to improve her circumstances, she sought help and received assistance from St. Johannes and Next Steps, who covered part of the deficit. Oneka is now back on the path to stability and deeply thankful for the community that rallied around her during this tough season.  

These individuals’ stories remind us how powerful compassion and support can be. Through the collective efforts of St. Johannes Lutheran Church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, The Navigation Center of Charleston, and Next Steps of South Carolina, lives are being changed, one person at a time. Together, we are building hope, restoring dignity, and keeping God’s love at the center of everything we do. Merry Christmas to all!!

Donate so we can invest in more people: https://sjcharleston.org/give and choose Outreach-Semkin/Oswald Acct from the dropdown menu.