Holiday Home Makeover

Leslie Nelson, left, gets a hug from Deb Farnsworth as they enter Nelson’s remodeled home.

When Leslie Nelson met Deb Farnsworth last year, she couldn’t have imagined their friendship would result in a community project that changed her entire house. Nelson just wanted to change her life.

Farnsworth leads a Celebrate Recovery group at Valley Real Life church. The ministry focuses on those “struggling with hurts, habits and hang-ups.” Farnsworth recalled their initial meeting. “Leslie had come out of a dysfunctional, abusive relationship and was a recovering meth addict. When she told me her story, crying, I asked her, ‘What do you want?’ ”

Farnsworth’s voice broke as she recalled Nelson’s answer. “She just looked at me and said, ‘I need prayer.’ ”

That reply touched Farnsworth.

“I was in,” she recalled. “This is all about showing her the love of Christ.” She agreed to mentor Nelson.

Later, when she visited Nelson at her home, she found the kitchen sink was broken, and Nelson had to wash dishes in a bucket or in the bathtub. No easy task for a single mom of eight, six of whom live with her. In addition, the bathroom floor was disintegrating. Farnsworth began looking for a way to help. Cindy Hval, SR More here.

Have you been more blessed by giving our receiving this holiday season?