One autumn day, a lady visited The Salvation Army's second-hand shop to buy clothes. Next door, the corps officer was hosting a 'Creativity Cafe' - a relaxing space to engage in crafting projects and conversation. The officer noticed her in the shop and invited her to join them for a cup of coffee. Little did they know this encounter would change her life.

Over the next weeks, the corps officer came to hear her story. She shared of a life full of rejection and loneliness. Soon after she was born, her mother rejected her as an infant. She grew up under the care of her grandmother, always knowing she was unwanted  by her mother. Later on in life, her husband became fatally addicted to alcohol. When he died, people around her blamed her and told her that they didn’t want to see her anymore. Once again, she found herself rejected, with no friends or family to turn to.

In the fellowship of the women who run the Creativity Café, she has found a new 'family' in people who love her and make room for her. The local corps (church) has welcomed her into the Bible study group, and she is looking forward to participating in an introductory course to worship and ministry with The Salvation Army. She expressed: ‘Since I came here my life has changed. I am so much more positive now and my life is not the same. I have found God.'

The leader of the group says: ‘When she first came through the door, she was like a small bird who had just fallen out of its nest. Now we can all see on her face how much she has grown.’

 

Photo: Heilsarmee Schweiz / Armée du Salut Suisse on Facebook