In the 1947 movie classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” God sends Clarence Oddbody, Angel Second Class, to rescue George Bailey. An angel can’t get promoted to first class until he gets his wings. George is Clarence’s best opportunity to get the promotion that has been 200 years in the making.

Clarence is sent to rescue George who is standing on a bridge on a snowy Christmas Eve. He’s desperate because he believes he is a failure and that others are better off without him. George leans on the railing and says, “Dear Father in heaven, I’m not a praying man, but if you’re up there and can help me, show me the way. I’m at the end of my rope.”

Clarence drops from heaven into the icy water and George, forgetting his own situation, dives into the river to rescue the second-class angel. Later when the two are safe, drying off and warming up, George confesses to Angel Oddbody, “I wish I’d never been born.” Clarence makes this happen and takes George on a journey back through his life without him in it, showing him all the people he has touched and how sadly different their lives would have been without him.

Things turn out well, Clarence gets his wings, George can’t wait to get back to his life because he now understands what Clarence meant when he said, “Each man’s life touches so many other lives.”

Unlike George, we at Evangel Home ARE a praying people. Like George, we are facing difficult times and need help. George’s momentary wish that he had never been born prompted me to wonder what the lives of many women and children would be like without us. The responses you see here are from current and past Evangel Home women who answered the question, “What if there had never been an Evangel Home? How would your life be different?”

“I’m not a former resident, but I know my sister would not be the mother she is today without it. I would hate to live in a world without places like Evangel Home.” Shamara Garcia

“I would still be a liar and a cheat. I would not have a relationship with God. I would be hopeless, lifeless, loveless . . .” Kristy Crum

“I was young when I had the opportunity to live there. I learned how to become a woman, how to control my anger, and to stay away from things that could harm me.” Celina Ramos

“I would have lost my daughter and never known Jesus’s love. The Evangel Home gave me my life back and showed me God is love. Without Evangel Home, I would have nothing.” Amy Majeske

“I wouldn’t be where I am in life, and wouldn’t have the relationship with God I established there.” Katalina Puertas

“At Evangel Home, God showed me that He did in fact exist . . . and wanted me for His own! If Evangel Home never existed, I would be dead spiritually and most likely physically.” Michelle Davis-Cobb Sheill

“God only knows where I would be if it weren’t for the Evangel Home. I’m so thankful for the person I am today.” Damica Jones

“God is within these walls here. He speaks to us in the worst times and gets us through. He is watching over this place with loving arms and waiting for you to say, 'Lord I need you in my life!' I’ve done that here.” Amanda Martz

“I would still be running the streets and using drugs. I would not know who I am in Jesus Christ if there was no Evangel Home.” Theresa Morris

“I never would have worked out my issues . . . I wouldn’t have dealt with what I was holding onto, not forgiving people who hurt me, and then letting go. I would have kept running, thinking another town would be different, but in the end it would be the same. I thank God every day for Evangel Home.” Gina Walker

"I would still be lost and in the dark. I would not have Jesus Christ in my life as my personal Lord and Savior." Tamar Ward

“I went through the GARDEN program 12 years ago, and it changed my life forever. I am now very proud to be on staff. Thank you God and thank you Evangel Home for trusting in me.” Jo Janelle West

“Evangel Home is where I learned to read my Bible. I learned discipline. I learned that it was O.K. to cry. I learned that there is no right or wrong way to pray. Evangel Home is the place that helped me most and now I have an awesome relationship with the Lord!” Christina Gomez

“I would never have known forgiveness, faith, persevering through trials, and the safety of abiding in the presence of God.” Roslyn Smith-Walton

“I would still be the same as I was yesterday--broken and confused. God saw fit to send me here to give me a second chance. I don’t take it lightly. Evangel Home gave me my life back.” Aziza Lehman