Second Chances
By Mission Volunteer Amy Newcomer

Have you ever made a mistake in your life? Did someone forgive you for it and give you the opportunity to redeem yourself? Have you known someone who has been looked over or judged, based on a previous mistake or action? I can say yes to all of these, as I’m sure many people can.

This year, my employer, Trinity Transport, has started preparing meals for the Mission of Hope, a home for men who have “made mistakes.” Residents are allowed to stay for approximately three months (depending on the circumstances it could be longer), and they report to a man named Paul. They are required to find work, do chores, pray, take classes, and even wash their hands before every meal. Some may think this is a little extreme for adult males. However, seeing all these actions take place first hand, I can truly see the good from it.

At this time, there are at least 100 men on the waiting list. I feel that these men only need guidance; a second chance to get it right. They are being taught the values needed to succeed in life.

Mr. Ed Banning, who began Trinity Transport nearly 30 years ago, plays a huge role at this facility. I have recently had the chance to sit and really talk to him about their purpose and the great things they try to do.

Growing up, I always believed that if you made a mistake, you should be punished and never given another chance. I believed this all the way up until I started working for Trinity, and met Mr. Ed. I’ve had the privilege of seeing him speak to the residents of the Mission. I’ve seen their eyes light up when he speaks. I can see how much they appreciate someone coming in and giving them the time of day. All they need is someone to care.

Trinity serves dinner one Thursday a month at the Mission. Each time I have participated, I’ve left with an overwhelming urge to do more, and be a bigger part of the plan that Paul and Mr. Ed have.

I have felt such joy from seeing the men all go wash their hands, then hold hands to say Grace before dinner. Then, all of them, very politely, come to the kitchen door to get their homemade lasagna. They all say, “Please” and “Thank You.” Each time they walk by the kitchen, we get an appreciative smile and thanks. That warms my heart because I know that they sincerely are thankful that we have taken the time out of our perfect lives (compared to theirs), to come and do this for them. I know how appreciative I’d be, if complete strangers with no ulterior motive, did that for me.

During dinner, they all sit together at a huge circle of tables. They all talk amongst themselves, or someone will come in and speak to them. They are being spoken to about God, and the wonderful things he can do for them. Things they need to hear. The men need to know that someone is always for them, regardless. They just need and want people to talk to them.

After dinner, they clean up their plates, and announce that it’s chore time. They come into the kitchen and take over. They do the trash, the dishes, and clean anything that needs to be cleaned.

Now I’m sure that not all the men make it out of the Mission with a clear head and a new outlook on life. There are those who fall back into the same routine of mistakes. Should they be given another chance also? I think so. How can anyone change if not given another chance?

Do we not give our children several chances to learn? We don’t just throw them aside after the first or second time if they don’t get it right. We keep coaching them, guiding them; teaching them the right way. With these men, it’s the same thing. They just need people to keep teaching them the right way to do things; the right way to live. They need to be shown how much happier and healthier they’d be without the mistakes in their lives.

The definition of “mistake” is: a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention. How many of us can say we’ve never made mistakes? None of us can. Where would we be if no one had given us another chance? Probably not where we are now.

I encourage everyone to think about the popular acronym - WWJD. Just what exactly WOULD Jesus do? He would forgive, like He does everyday. He would and does give another chance. I can only ask that each of us do the same thing. Forgive and give other chances.