God is Changing Lives Through Us!

Our congregations, St. Paul's Lutheran Church and St. Johannes Lutheran Church, have partnered with Next Steps of South Carolina to support a vital ministry in the Charleston area. We work with The Navigation Center, a non-profit that began by serving military veterans and has since expanded to help anyone in crisis. The Center's mission is to empower our most vulnerable neighbors by helping them navigate the complex system of services needed to rebuild sustainable, independent lives.

By providing a volunteer counselor and financial assistance, we join a powerful, collaborative network of over 70 organizations dedicated to this work. It is through this partnership that we can be part of true, lasting life change. Here are a few stories of our neighbors who have been helped by this shared work.

Hope and Clarity for Hank

We first met Hank, a cheerful 62-year-old man, when he came to us for help with his rent. He has a strong desire to work part-time but was afraid of losing his apartment, a place where he is very happy. We believed he had been misinformed about his work eligibility. Our first priority was to ensure he felt secure in his home, so we helped cover his past-due rent.

When Hank returned the next week, we were able to review his rental agreement with him. After making a few phone calls, we confirmed that he could indeed work part-time without any risk to his housing. We saw the relief on his face as he left, happier and more hopeful than the week before. It was a privilege to provide him with both financial help and the clarity he needed to move forward.

Supporting Callie on Her Path to Stability

Callie (striped shirt) is a 32-year-old mother of four who is working full-time and actively learning money management skills to build a better future for her family. When she fell behind on her electric bill, she came to us for help. We counseled her to continue with the valuable lessons she was learning at The Navigation Center, reinforcing her journey toward financial stability.

To help her over this immediate hurdle, we paid her electric bill. It was a simple act, but one that we hope provided the breathing room and encouragement she needs to continue building a secure foundation for her children. We were glad to support her proactive efforts.

A New Start for Sheila

We met Sheila (black shirt), a resilient 31-year-old woman, shortly after she had survived a violent assault that forced her to relocate for her own safety. In the midst of this crisis, she was also working toward her G.E.D. and holding down a job. With everything she was facing, a past-due water bill was an additional burden she didn't need.

We were able to step in and cover that bill for her. It was a small gesture in the face of her significant challenges, but it was one way we could show care and support. We were moved by her sweet spirit and determination to rebuild her life, and we are hopeful for the new start she is creating for herself.

Lifting a Burden for Marlene

Marlene (glasses) is a 62-year-old grandmother lovingly raising her 6-year-old granddaughter. An unexpected and expensive car repair had recently strained her budget, causing her to fall behind on her electric bill. We could see that her primary concern was providing a stable home for her granddaughter.

We were thankful to be in a position to help, and we paid the bill to relieve that pressure. Marlene expressed her gratitude, and we were grateful in turn for the opportunity to support her and her family. It was a reminder of how a single, unforeseen event can impact a household and how a little help can make all the difference.

Tom Pinckney, an active member of St. Johannes Lutheran Church, leads our work. He is passionate about helping others navigate the challenges in life. Thank you, Tom!

If you would like to know more about this ministry or how you can help, please let Tom or Pastor Aaron know.