Kisha Johnson

Servant of Jesus Christ

Six Cents I remember when she walked in. Mom walked around the serving station to greet her. When Mom came back I asked her if she knew her. “No,” she replied, “I just loved her smile.” I would later learn her name was Ms. Marie. She was known for her legendary fried apple pies. Mom started eating with her every time she would come in. One day she was searching frantically for something. Once Mom got her to calm down, she said she couldn’t find the money she wanted to give us for her meals. Mom explained that her company was payment enough and all of our meals are free. Ms. Marie reach into her pocket and pulled out six cents. It may seem like nothing to some, but to us, it meant everything because in that moment, it was everything she had. She gave us her best and her last. For the last six years we have used the saying “six cents” whenever we grow weary. Running a soup kitchen isn’t easy. There are days when we are exhausted, but then Jesus sends us something or someone to thank us for giving Him our “six cents.”

Kisha Johnson

Servant of Jesus Christ

Meet Jason❤️❤️❤️ Jason would come into God’s Storehouse to eat with us. What I remember most was how patient and loving he was with his little girl. I remember the kindness in his eyes. He was so frail and the addiction was taking its toll, but he always thanked us for his meals. One day we stopped seeing him which isn’t uncommon. We’ve learned to love while people are in our grasp. The window is sometimes small. What we didn’t know was that he was in jail. He was facing 100 years, but God already had a plan. He went to jail for two years and used that time to learn more about Jesus and about the law. What I love is that his wasn’t just ”jail house religion.” Once he got home, God sent him to Tammy Harmon at the Hope House and he rebuilt his life. Want to hear something miraculous? When Jason gave his life to Christ, he meant it. He called Barry and he got baptized in the winter when Chestnut Creek water was freezing. The most amazing part was that some of our police officers who were used to arresting him stood on the banks and encouraged him. 😭😭 Jason did the work and God changed his entire life. He has been clean for 2 years! 2 YEARS! One day he was drinking an energy drink and it made him sick because it reminded him of vodka. We celebrated because at that moment he knew for sure alcohol had lost its grip🙌🏾🙌🏾 (alcohol IS a drug y’all) What I love most about Jason is that he shows up and he works hard. He is the only person I’ve ever known who can work as hard as my dad. I also love the way he honors my parents. ❤️❤️❤️ He and my dad are the men’s group leaders for our Celebrate Recovery Tribe. He has taught my dad so much about addiction. Jason, I love you!! Thank you for jumping in the trenches and leading people out of addiction.

Kisha Johnson

Servant of Jesus Christ

Meet Bonnie. I had known Bonnie for years and mom and I both kept inviting her to come eat with us at God’s Storehouse. Months later, she did. During this time she was in active addiction. Meth has a look. Mom and I always say it’s a hopeless look that won’t let you die. Meth tortures people and the evidence is found in their skin and especially their teeth. We also learned the heartbreak that goes along with not having teeth. Bonnie came in and before we knew it she was working to help us. We knew she was looking at spending some time in jail but we had no idea it was 10 years. The courts gave her a huge chance and she worked hard — very, very, very, hard and she turned her life completely around. Bonnie is part of the reason we started our recovery ministry. She used dope for over 20 years , but as of today she is 1,026 days clean🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 Bonnie got clean for kids.❤️ We are so proud of you Bonnie! Keep shining my beautiful friend❤️ P.S. God changes lives ya’ll. Our city is full of walking miracles. My tribe. My loves. My inspiration.