A Place for Us Ministries International

"Hope" completed the Level 1: Spiritual Development Program at A Place for Us Ministries. Hope came to APFUM after being expelled from school. She was struggling with substance use and family conflict. At her Level 1 graduation, Hope voiced, "The biggest thing that I have learned is forgiveness. Forgiveness is a big part of my life now. I am a lot better person because I have learned the importance of why I need to forgive: because Jesus loved me enough to forgive me first."

As part of her Level 1 requirements, Hope participated in the Megiddo Dream Station Job Training Program, which partners with APFUM. These classes were taught by APFUM volunteers who were trained by Megiddo staff. As part of the requirements, she and her fellow resident had to design a "project" and present it to Megiddo leadership. They put together a "Baby Shower Fundraiser" for the Residential Home. Hope helped design a flyer, set up a table display in The Alcoves and spoke with customers about the Residential House. On May 25th, Hope presented her project to Kelly Simpson, the Greenwood County Megiddo representative. Hope reported that she had learned many new skills from her classes, especially how to stay calm under stress. She also voiced that she learned about how to dress appropriately for a job interview and that "set back is just a set up for a comeback." 

In addition, Hope participated in a "mock job interview" and the interviewer stated that she would hire her based on her performance. Everyone at APFUM is very proud of all that Hope has accomplished in a few short months. 

On May 25th, Hope was presented with a "graduation gift" and will also receive a certificate of completion from Megiddo.  On May 31st, Hope was presented with a "key necklace" for Level 1 graduation. The Key represents the "Keys to Freedom"* she learned while at APFUM. At graduation, Hope expressed, "The thing that I have learned about myself is that I'm loved by many people that I didn't even know. I thought that I had no one. Even when I was in doubt that God is still with me, I know that He is. He always will be and through that, I am learning to love myself too." 

Please continue to pray for Hope and her family. She will be returning home and to public school. All the APFUM staff pray that the seeds that were planted will continue to take root and grow and bear much good fruit in her life.

*Keys to Freedom is a mentorship program developed by Mercy Multiplied. APFUM is modeled on their program. For more information about Mercy Multiplied visit: Residential, Outpatient, and Outreach Services | Mercy Multiplied