THEIR WORDS Phase 4
Phase 4 – Henry
Henry arrived for brunch armed with a bunch of roses and lilies, and a box of toffees to ‘say thank you.’ He had been with us over 3 years. Starting out, his childhood was uneventful, except for one year where ‘I became the opposite of teacher’s pet…I took a long time to forgive.’ After school, Henry went from job to job ending up ‘milking, baling and spudding.’ Mechanical jobs followed with BR, where ‘a nasty accident eventually brought compensation but I went downhill into drugs and drink.’ Henry returned home and found work in factories. ’Though I met and moved in with a Welsh girl, things weren’t good: I felt an unaccepted outsider. In due course I was arrested for sex offences and spent over 2 years in prison. Inside was all right; I was quick to adapt.’ Outside again clearly wasn’t. After being hounded out of his various homes, Henry finally came to London and lived on the streets. ‘I was looking to kill myself, but met a man on Victoria Street who invited me into Westminster Chapel.
It wasn’t over-welcoming to homeless people but I learned that if I knocked, Jesus would open the door. This man befriended me, and got me a Stepping Stones application form.’ ‘I came to your house emotionally distraught, which showed I suppose in my unkempt hair and long beard. Gradually I developed a sense of belonging: the house staff are definitely “builders of people”. Henry recognises the power of prayer – ‘Our Quiet Times were a brilliant way to start the day. St Mark’s COW (Church on Wednesday) is a rock in the middle of my week, both the fellowship and of course the food! Now I’ve a good place to live, a good church and good social support, I’m even eligible for Job Seekers’ Allowance!’