Stories: A Long Journey Home
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Somewhere in the middle of 1996, Frank Evans found himself at an all time low. Life was difficult, and he had made too many mistakes, hurting himself and those he loved. Everything felt “empty and meaningless.” Without hope or help, Frank considered ending his life.
At this point of no return, Frank wandered into the buildings of First Baptist Church in downtown Arlington. He found a minister named Jack there who listened to and prayed for him. Jack then took Frank to meet Tillie Burgin at Mission Arlington.
“There was something about the way she looked at me,” Frank recalls softly as he remembers that day. “She treated me like she had known me forever, and I began that moment to feel differently about myself. I learned that God had a plan for my life.” When Frank left Tillie’s office that day in 1996, he thought to himself “I want what she has.”
Frank’s life changed that day. Even though it wasn’t the end of his struggles, the memory of his experience at Mission Arlington stayed with him. Frank began to make changes in his life.
Through the years he kept in touch with the Mission Arlington family and its Director, Tillie Burgin. In 2006, Frank joined the Mission Arlington staff with a desire to give his life completely to the Lord. The smile on his face today tells anyone all that they need to know.
Now, Frank’s biggest joy is giving his life to help others. As the lead team member in Mission Arlington’s furniture warehouse, Frank knows that his work makes a difference in people’s lives. Every time he loads a mission truck with mattresses, he thinks about the children who will sleep on a bed that night.
Frank found his way home to Jesus Christ. Now, he has a purpose in life. He isn’t wandering anymore. His life’s work now is to help others like himself who have lost their way.
Next: “We were happy!” (November 14)
Previous: The 22nd Year (August 2)
