3 minute read
Debt free and faith-filled
Read this and more at www.keepthefaith.co.uk
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When tragedy struck, Francella’s first priority was to be there for her family. Keeping on top of her finances was, understandably, not top of her list. But before long, she found herself not only newly widowed but also deep in debt.
‘My husband passed away. I thought there might be something put aside in case anything happened to him, but I wasn’t expecting to be left with debts. I had to pay everything, while the companies I owed wanted to raise the fees, and it was starting to build up.
I was still grieving – unable to sleep – but now I was also worrying about whether I’d ever pay off my debts. I suffer from high blood pressure. Anxiety kicks in and I can’t breathe. The stress was constant.
It was a struggle to pay the bills and even to afford food for my kids. When they came home asking about school activities, I had to use the rent money to pay for them, so they wouldn’t miss out.’
Sadly, this is all too familiar a story seen by Christians Against Poverty (CAP). We’re a national charity dedicated to setting people free from poverty and demonstrating God’s amazing love. We help thousands of people like Francella every single year. Through unexpected circumstances like bereavement, illness or redundancy, it’s easy to suddenly slip into hardship.
Through face-to-face debt coaching, volunteer befrienders and a team of highly trained caseworkers, CAP steps into the lives of those overwhelmed by their finances.
‘I told a friend at church about my problem, and she introduced me to Christians Against Poverty. Ian, my CAP Debt Coach, came round to help me work out a budget. Once they started helping me, I was able to manage things so that I even had some money left over to put into savings.’
Helping clients learn to budget and save is only the beginning, though. CAP’s Debt Coaches are always willing to pray with anyone who wants prayer, and every Debt Centre is planted firmly within the supportive community of a local church. Francella was encouraged by this, and felt more able to trust CAP.
‘We prayed together, which was good. God works in every way.
CAP listen and they care. They don’t come to take your money, they just want to help you. It’s good to be able to open up to people and talk about your problems. They encouraged me a lot.’
Volunteer befrienders meet up with CAP clients to offer emotional support. After all, if you’re struggling to make ends meet and it’s affecting your health, it’s good to have someone to talk to.
‘In the end, it took less than a year to pay everything off. That call telling me I was completely debt free – it was wonderful.’
More and more clients like Francella celebrate becoming debt free every day. It’s not just about the fresh start financially, but about what that means for people and their families.
‘Now I can pay my rent and feed my children. I can meet their needs and save money too. It’s a positive thing being able to pay your bills. I don’t want to get in a situation where I’m struggling like that again.
My children can see the difference in me. I’m so happy and confident now. CAP has had a big impact on my life. I don’t have to wake up worrying about whether I have enough money to pay my debts or if someone is going to come to the door demanding payment.
I know the Lord has brought me through these problems and trials. There are still miracles.’
For Francella, working with CAP hasn’t just resolved her money worries and supported her family, it’s also strengthened her faith. She’s seen what the Church can do to help those in need. When she was struggling, it was other Christians who gave her the practical and spiritual input to change her situation: a picture of Jesus’ words, ‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ (John 13:35)
‘If other people need help like I did, I’ll always introduce them to CAP. They helped me and I want to encourage others now.
If it wasn’t for CAP I’d still be paying off my debts. I want to save up enough to be able to visit my family in Jamaica one day.’ A year ago, she’d never have imagined she’d be able to take her children to meet their relatives but now she’s budgeting a little each month to make that amazing trip possible.
There are many more stories like Francella’s, just waiting for someone to step in and offer a helping hand. This month, we need to raise £32,250 to help 150 more people become debt free.
It costs CAP £215 to take one family through a Debt Management Plan. Will you give £28 to fund the first part of someone’s journey, including setting up their case? Perhaps you’ll give £110 to fund the second part, including creating a bespoke budgeting plan. Or would you stretch to cover the cost of their entire journey to debt freedom with a gift of £215? However much you can give, you’ll make a huge difference for a family like Francella’s.
