This story is in memory of Sandy who passed away October 6, 1999 at the age of 39. She came to Evangel Home in 1992, graduated from our CrossRoads program in 1993 and was eventually hired as a house manager in the crisis shelter in 1994. She was diagnosed with breast cancer soon after that. Sandy’s funeral was October 12...exactly five years from the day she was hired.
 
Her faith never wavered. She once said, “I would have cancer anyway and probably have died on the streets. I wouldn’t have known Christ though if I hadn’t found Him at Evangel Home.”
 
We all remember Sandy’s arrival at the crisis shelter. She and her 4-year old daughter, Shelley, were brought to us by a woman who found them near a fast food restaurant, bought them lunch and then drove them to Evangel Home. In fact they came in with their hamburgers and French fries. For days no one could get little Shelley to bathe without a tremendous fight that could be heard throughout the house. Finally a staff member gave Shelley her very own bottle of strawberry shampoo. That turned the tide. Now Shelley couldn’t wait to take a shower because she wanted her hair to smell like strawberries. Sandy beamed at Shelley’s side as if this were the greatest accomplishment in life.
 
Sandy was a fighter. She was stubborn and had a temper, but was always willing to listen. She would never give up once she had set her mind on something and she was like a mama bear protecting her cubs when it came to her two girls.
 
Sandy was funny. We will always remember her “Jesus Saves” reply when she was thinking about becoming a Christian. She said, “He saves what? Coupons?” She could laugh at herself even during much of her illness.
 
Sandy was faithful. She was devoted to her girls, loyal to friends and family and committed to living her life with Christ at the center. Her illness would have caused many to question their faith, but not Sandy. She fought for life and appreciated every day. She left this life looking forward to a reunion with her Lord.
 
Sandy began a new life here, and along the way she caused us to laugh, she made us examine our own lives and she left an imprint on each of our hearts. Our lives are better because God brought Sandy to our Home.