Asking for help is often the hardest thing for anyone to do. But as Darlene Paxson learned this past year, the blessing of receiving benevolence can remind us that God is still in control.

Darlene Paxson first began suffering from knee pain a few years ago. A single mom with two teenage daughters to support, she kept putting off going to the doctor out of fear of what might be discovered. That fear was confirmed in December 2015, when she finally learned she had several meniscus tears.

Over the next eight months, Darlene’s problems only got worse; she broke her arm, contracted a serious infection, lost all mobility in her knee resulting in a knee replacement, and lost her job in August.

Darlene was hesitant about seeking out assistance. But after praying and realizing she was out of options, Darlene sought financial help from the Pathway Benevolence Ministry.
“I hated to ask for help,” Darlene recalled. “But I don’t know what I would have done without it.”

After interviewing Darlene, Westlink Campus Care Director, Kimberly Jones, became her primary contact. Pathway soon began to pay Darlene’s monthly rent and continues to provide support to her family.

But it isn’t just the monetary support that keeps Darlene going. Kimberly and many others at Pathway have continued to follow up with her about her situation and shower her with prayer.

“I always felt comforted knowing I was being immersed in prayer.”

Darlene is thankful that her circumstances provide an opportunity to demonstrate to her daughters an unwavering faith in God and a willingness to ask for help.

“It’s been such a blessing to show my girls that no matter what they go through, they can keep the faith and it’s always going to be alright,” Darlene reflects.

Even with the knowledge of available support like the Benevolence Ministry at Pathway, many of us still feel afraid, nervous, or even ashamed to ask for help. But we should never forget that the same God who promises to always help us in our time of need is also working in the hearts of those whom we will turn to support, preparing them to show us the exact love and help we need. We all face times when we feel like all hope is lost, but help is waiting in the wings. All we have to do is ASK.