Things were going well for Clarence. He got his Ph.D. in Ministry and became a minister. He had a nice place to live and a happy marriage. Then the financial troubles began.
“My wife rented stuff from Rent-A-Center under my name. But then she didn’t make the payments and didn’t return the stuff, so it was classified as theft. I had to go to jail for 49 days,” said Clarence.
By the time Clarence was released from jail, he no longer had a job or a place to stay since he wasn’t able to work to make payments while in jail. He went to the Salvation Army for help, and that’s where he first heard about Greater Birmingham Ministries.
“I need money for rent, clothes, and food, but it’s hard to find a job because people act like I’m a thug since I spent some time in jail,” Clarence added.
Clarence is thankful for the help he’s received from GBM. “The people here keep encouraging me with the word of God. The Bible says those who give to the poor are lenders to God,” Clarence said. “And folks here are truly lenders to God.”
In fact, Clarence has been so moved by GBM’s kindness that he requested information on ways he can volunteer.
If you’d like to make a donation to GBM’s food pantry to help people like Clarence, click here to make a monetary donation online, or you can drop food off at the GBM’s location, 2304 12th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35234, Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm. All donations are tax deductible.