Press On
Matthew 25:21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
“Does God see my needs? Does He hear me? Is my enduring worth it? Is my leap a leap of faith or a leap of stupidity and naivety? I bless others, yet I often go without.†Perhaps these mind boggling questions and statements have made their way into your contemplation of your faithfulness. Often, these are natural reactions as we, so often, try to make sense of our work in the Lord.
Meet Bob Donahue (pictured above). Throughout his life, he has battled addictions. In and out of rehabs was a part of life for him. This Alabama native struggled to consistently put together a productive life. In 2005 while in a brief stint as a resident in a faith-based rehab in Florida, he formed a friendship with Phillip Irwin that would prove to be valuable. Bob progressed and moved to his own place where he took in Phillip as a resident on his couch.
Soon after their stint together, the inconsistency in Bob’s life caused him to return to Alabama, and Phillip made his way to New Orleans for work. On the streets of New Orleans, Phillip encountered CWOW and went into a faith-based rehab. He became sober, stable, and a vital part of CWOW. After some years, God reunited the two in 2010, and they remained in contact. After being tired of the merry-go-round, Bob decided to take a leap of faith.
Phillip Irwin progressed and returned the favor to Bob Donahue. He offered him a place on his couch and a commitment to see him change through the love of Christ. Bob was reluctant but soon took the offer. With Phillip and Candy Irwin as his accountability, Bob landed a job and became a primary part of CWOW as the transportation driver.
Bob would diligently serve. For over a year, he tirelessly worked, served in his local church, and drove and served with the ministry of CWOW. However, Bob had a heart attack that left him disable to work, but he could still serve in a limited capacity in the ministry. Puzzled about the timing of his heart attack he wondered if his diligence was worth it. In spite of his health, he continued to serve diligently and faithfully.
On a Friday night, Bob was serving from a pure heart as he always does, and God spoke to him in a manner of material blessings. When Bob got back from shuttling homeless patrons to the service, unexpectedly, Pastor Steve blessed Bob with the keys to a truck of his own. Already overwhelmed by the surprise of the truck, he found out later in the week that he would be eligible to receive his disability. Wow!!!!
1Corinthians 15:58, So, my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Don’t let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.
Remain faithful to the God who is faithful!
There are over 6700 homeless patrons on the streets of New Orleans and Bob is no longer one of them.
If you are moved by this story, consider becoming a financial partner with us as we encounter many people in similar predicaments as Bob. You can become a monthly donor or a one-time donor by visiting www.cwownola.org and clicking donate or mail check or money order to 3939 Gentilly Blvd. Box 173 New Orleans, La. 70126.