From Being Lost to Finding Hope

號角月報加拿大版二零二五年八月

A Ray of Hope Begins at the Center

Theresa arrived in Canada from war-torn South Sudan with her three young children, while her husband remained in their homeland. She came bearing hope, but was met with harsh realities—no legal status, no knowledge of English, no job, and little understanding of this unfamiliar country. During that time, she felt incredibly lonely and disoriented, with no clear path ahead.

Everything began to shift when she stepped into the 105 Gibson Centre. There, she found more than services and resources—she discovered encouragement, hope, and a true sense of belonging.

In an English class one day, she overheard a classmate mention that the Centre had a food bank. Gathering her courage, Theresa stepped into 105 Gibson Centre for the first time. Right away, she sensed something special. People welcomed her, cared for her, and offered a warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time. Despite her challenges, a quiet dream began to bloom: maybe, someday, she could work there.

She continued visiting the Centre and gradually opened her heart to the staff, sharing the hardships of being a single mother and her anxieties about the future. The team listened attentively, recognized her resilience and determination, and began considering how they could support her in more meaningful ways.

A Journey of Transformation—Living Out Hope

One day, the food bank received a large donation of supplies, and the Centre invited Theresa to help sort them. She gladly agreed. That act of volunteering marked the beginning of her deeper connection with the Centre.

Diligent, attentive, and filled with compassion, she quickly earned the admiration of everyone around her. Before long, she was offered a part-time position at the food bank. No longer just a recipient of help, she had become an integral member of the team.

As time passed, she gradually moved beyond her dependence on the food bank and embraced a new chapter—securing full-time employment at a pharmacy. This milestone wasn’t just a breakthrough in her circumstances; it was a powerful reflection of her perseverance and the hope that now shaped her life.

Embraced by Love and Companionship

Theresa’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. At one point, she faced the daunting threat of deportation. As soon as the Centre learned of it, the staff took immediate action: writing letters of recommendation, helping her find a lawyer, arranging transportation, and faithfully praying for her.

Theresa recalls that in her darkest hours, she deeply sensed God walking alongside her—through the unwavering support and love of the Centre’s team.

She’s convinced that without their prayers and encouragement, she wouldn’t have made it through. Along the way, she not only witnessed God’s grace, but experienced the companionship of Jesus through the kindness and care of those around her.

Today, Theresa is a permanent resident of Canada, and her husband has safely joined her. Their family is finally reunited. With a heart full of gratitude, she continues to visit the Centre and reconnect with the team. She shared earnestly,

“105 Gibson Centre is my home in Canada. The people here helped me experience God’s love firsthand.”

Grace