Last Updated September 9, 2011Summer Story: Beka Jaussen

Mildred's Home

I was not ready. In a few hours over 50 teens would be arriving in Dorchester, and I was supposed to lead, teach, love and serve them for a week, but my mind and heart were elsewhere. That weekend, my brother had been in a severe car crash that he should not have walked away from alive. But of course, God knew all this and had a plan.

I had the privilege of working at the home of Mildred, a dear 77-year-old woman who lives with her older sister, Rose. Her granddaughter lives in the first floor apartment of their two-family house. Mildred has been a Christian for a long time, which was very evident in her day-to-day life.

Our project that week was to paint the interior of her whole house, since her great-grandsons had colored all over the walls with crayons. When we got to her house I was shocked, but not by the crayons. Picture frames hung broken on the walls, and there were huge slashes in her sofas. We later learned that the damage was caused by her granddaughter, who would lash out when Mildred refused to give her money.

One day, our team witnessed an argument between Mildred and her granddaughter. I didn't know the best way to respond, but two teenage guys on my team sat everyone down to pray. We discussed how many places we go aren't always happy and joyous but how God is still working, as evidenced in Mildred's patience and love in a hard situation. That week, everyone both gave and received something special. God used Mildred to care for me in my time of need. God used the teens to show Mildred there is hope in today's youth. The youth blessed us all with their boldness in prayer. And God used me the most when I felt like there was no way I could be used at all.

Oh, and we finished painting, too!

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Beka served on the 2011 SMP staff as a counselor. She is now living in Pittsburgh where she is seeking God's will for her life. She has a deep and inspiring love of knowing Scripture that is contagious!