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"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed."  - Proverbs 19:17

Back in March of 2021, Bridget and I found ourselves at an event called The Love Banquet in Phoenix, Arizona.  It was developed and hosted by Anthony and a team of wonderful volunteers.    We didn't know anyone there, but always believe that God will inform us as to why He brought us to any event or location.  After a few hours of helping grab food, toiletries, and clothes for the unsheltered community, Bridget and I still were unsure of why we were called to be there beyond serving the community.  We told ourselves that we'd start packing up and head out at 4pm.    At about 3:50 a lady walks in with her 4 dogs and comes right over to the table we are working at.  Her dogs were absolutely adorable and we immediately went to work making sure she had what she needed for both herself and her dogs. 

As we were helping this lady, a few people started to get up on stage and give testimonies of their lives.  One lady discussed how she was addicted to drugs and trafficked in her younger years.  Both Bridget and I looked at each other, wondering if this was why were were brought here...but continued to help this lady with her needs.   After the lady had all she needed, Bridget and I resumed our conversation about saying goodbye and heading out.  We walked over to another lady who was helping, not realizing it was Anthony's sister, and began thanking them for the event and for allowing us to join them.

Then Anthony stepped up to the microphone and began giving his story.   Both of us stopped in our tracks.  His story was so profound and was exactly what we were starting to venture into with our newly founded Stand By Survivors group.    Both of us stood there with goosebumps knowing that Anthony was the true reason we were brought to that event that day.    His vulnerable words about his life story, his strong faith, and moments of prayer stopped everyone in their tracks.  We even watched a lady pick up a copy of the New Testament that sat in front of her for the previous two hours. 

We didn't know what brought us to that event that day, but as Emma, Bridget, and I were debating on what our logo for Stand By Survivors should be, the idea of a dog came up.  Dogs are protective, especially of children, they are loyal...and spelled backwards is GOD!   The lady who stopped us from heading out those doors before Anthony spoke had 4 dogs.  Those dogs are one of the main reason we even approached her to help.  She kept us there beyond our time so that God could show us who we were there to meet.

Anthony's story is difficult, but his faith is strong.  We are blessed to chat with him on this episode.


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Connect and Support 🙏🏽✨💙
Instagram: @saveourchildrenpodcast
Bridget: @beautybyb____
Becky: @becky_standbysurvivors
Website: www.standbysurvivors.com

Connect and Support 🙏🏽✨💙
Instagram: @saveourchildrenpodcast
Bridget: @beautybyb____
Becky: @becky_standbysurvivors
Website: www.standbysurvivors.com