Ava's First Glimpse of Jesus
Single mom Elise* was doing everything she could to regain stability, working full time during the week and also taking classes on the weekends as a part of her housing program. In the middle of it all, Elise realized she needed a place for her daughter, Ava*, to stay so that she could continue working and moving toward permanent housing.
That’s where David and Janel came into Ava’s life as a Host Family.
A Providential Hosting
From the very beginning, it was clear that the Lord was at work. Elise’s job was located just minutes from Janel’s home, making pickups simple and easy. What could have been complicated instead felt intentional, like God had already gone before them.
Janel, a retired teacher, was able to spend time with Ava doing fun activities as a part of normal life. They did schoolwork during school cancellations, played piano, sat together with a book, and had many other sweet moments. Ava was welcomed not just into a home, but into a family rhythm. Their church community also surrounded them, eager to step in, support, and love well. It became a picture of what it looks like when the Church comes together for vulnerable families.
Sharing Jesus
But what stood out most to Janel was how she and David were able to share the love of Christ with Ava in everyday moments.
Ava had never attended church before. The first time she joined them, everything was new. A high school student sitting in front of David and Janel turned around during the offering and handed Ava a few dollars so she could participate. Her eyes lit up. That small act opened the door for conversations about giving from the heart and what it means to trust God.
At home, Janel walked through the Gospel with Ava using a simple color book, helping her understand big truths in a way she could grasp. They prayed together, sang hymns, and talked about what it looks like to love the Lord. One time, Ava noticed a neighbor’s nativity scene still on display a few months after Christmas. She commented, “Someone must really, really love the Lord to want people to see that.” Janel told us that she stopped complaining about her neighbor not taking down Christmas decorations after that!
Ava also loved singing and following along in the hymn book at church. Moments like these became small but meaningful reminders that God was at work in her heart.
Trusting God with the Story
The hosting itself did not end perfectly. As Elise continues to navigate her circumstances, there are still unknowns ahead, housing decisions, school logistics, and what stability will look like moving forward. But David and Janel continue to learn something deeply important through years of hosting: the outcome is not theirs to control.
“Her story is not over,” Janel told us. Because even when a story does not end the way we expect, God is still writing it. And every moment volunteers are faithful to show compassion and love becomes a foundation He can continue to build on.
*Names changed to protect privacy.