An elderly woman who had been living in her car for 3 years received the surprise of a lifetime after a Memphis contractor saw her plight on the news.
When we go through hardships, many of us wonder if anyone cares or if God has forgotten about us. But as the Bible says, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
We serve a faithful God who will not abandon us in our troubles. In this incredible story, we see how God worked in the life of a poor elderly woman through the kindness of a stranger.
Living Outside Her Own Home
Christine Marshall, affectionately called “Mama” by those who know her, had been living in her car outside her South Memphis home for three years.
A tree had fallen on her home three years ago, making it uninhabitable and dangerous. Despite her desperate situation, the 81-year-old woman has throat cancer and cannot speak anymore.
Her son Antoine Hardin started a GoFundMe campaign to help rebuild the house. More than $75,000 has been raised by generous donors who heard about his mother’s plight.
Contractor Sees Her Story and Can’t Sleep
Memphis contractor Jason Smith with Titan Drywall and Construction saw Marshall’s story on WREG News Channel 3. That night, he could not sleep.
“I saw the story on y’all’s news station, and that night I just couldn’t sleep, and I reached out the news station and tried to get a little information about it,” Smith said.
The next day, the news station connected Smith with Hardin. Smith met Marshall and her son in person.
“Once I met her for the first time dude, she melted my heart and I was like I gotta help this lady,” Smith explained.
Community Rallies to Help
Smith took to social media, asking the community to help with labor and supplies. The response was overwhelming.
Within hours, competitors, architects, woodworkers, electricians, plumbers, and complete strangers reached out to volunteer.
One man sent Smith a message that really touched his heart. The man had lost everything in a divorce two years ago. “He said I can’t afford donate the materials but I my time in labor,” Smith remembered.
Smith estimates the rebuild will cost between $125,000 and $150,000. However, he told Mama to keep all her GoFundMe donations.
“None of the subs are making a dime, we all know going into this, this is 100% on us, everything is donations,” Smith said.
Pure Joy and Gratitude
When Smith showed Mama the plans for her new house, she jumped up and down with joy. Since she cannot speak, she wrote a thank you note to express how grateful she felt.
Smith hopes to have Mama moved into her brand new home by Christmas.
The community’s response moved people to praise God’s faithfulness. One person wrote, “May God bless the contractor and the volunteers for building this elder a new home. Thank you for your compassion and your generosity!”
Another added, “God knows no boundaries!!! Praise His Holy Name!!!! God bless everyone for their thoughtfulness, prayers, and/or donations.”
This beautiful story reminds us that God sees every need and every tear. He works through people who are willing to be His hands and feet.
When we open our hearts to help others, we become part of something much bigger than ourselves.
WATCH: Elderly Woman Living in Her Car Gets New Home After Contractor Sees TV Report
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