Sam Shuster

My awareness of Urban Missions was prompted by Eli Morris several years ago and I finally committed to participate in an Urban Plunge. As part of that plunge, Eli drove us through the neighborhood that Hope had chosen to serve, the neighborhood around Caldwell Elementary School.

My involvement in that community started a few years later by driving the van part time with Karen Durham and the student summer intern program. The following Fall, I became involved with Read 2 Succeed at The Green House as other men and women at Hope worked there and in other communities. The association with the Urban Mission staff at Hope and other volunteers provided the encouragement and support I needed to strengthen my involvement. Karen Durham and Norm Rodriguez’s passion and work were instrumental at that time.

Frequently I would ask God, “What do you want me to do?” And His Spirit led me to where I am today. I am blessed to be surrounded by men and women who share, guide, and encourage me.

Two years ago at Read 2 Succeed, I met a youth, Anthony Thomas, and we seemed to bond rather easily. Last spring, Anthony graduated from Caldwell and moved into sixth grade at Humes Middle School. During the summer of 2006, Anthony spoke to me at the Men’s’ Breakfast at Hope and asked, “Will I ever see you again?” It was at that time I was determined to be faithful to a relationship that has proved to be one of the most rewarding in my senior life.

During the summer, Anthony met my wife, Carolyn, and we have gone to the movies and different events, and he became a young friend of ours. We have been blessed with an association with Anthony’s mother and grandmother. I have met his Boy Scout leaders and attended several Scout events with Anthony.

This spring, Ron Rowlett, offered a course at MTV called Raising a Modern Day Knight. My involvement, along with many other Christian fathers, in this course provided guidelines for raising a son in a Christian life with very valuable tools. Together with these guidelines and my involvement with Anthony in Boy Scouts, Humes, and now Bickford Community sports, I have been able to deepen my commitment to Anthony, his family and God. During the standardized testing this year at Humes, I called Anthony at night and prayed with him.

With God’s grace and direction, Anthony and I have grown to know, respect and love each other. And that relationship has helped me practice a patience and love that are blessings in my life.

Sam Shuster