DALLAS (ABP) — Two formerly homeless Dallasites found food and shelter through a Baptist church — and much more. They found each other, found a new life together in Christ, and now have found a way to bless others less fortunate.
Last year Deidra Stribling and Carl Wafer were homeless and in search of a warm meal and shelter. They each happened upon a Thanksgiving dinner organized by Cornerstone Baptist Church of Oak Cliff in Dallas.
“I had nowhere to go,” Stribling said. “My mom was in a nursing home and my father had passed away. I came to Cornerstone and they gave me dinner, a blanket and a coat.”
That serving of turkey and dressing became a spiritual turning point for the couple.
“I was raised in the church,” Stribling explained, “but after graduating from high school, I began turning to the wrong things, like spending time with the wrong crowd. I was in jail a couple of times.”
Wafer was a truck driver who saw Cornerstone's outreach meal and decided to stop that day because it looked like a “nice crowd.” After meeting each other at the meal, Wafer and Stribling soon started dating, joined Cornerstone and became Christians. They now sing in the choir.
Stribling credits Cornerstone and Wafer with playing a significant role in her faith journey — from living in the streets to living for God. Others have noticed the change as well.
“Amongst the hundreds of volunteers [we have], the two who really touch my heart are Carl and Deidra,” said Chris Simmons, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church. He said he was shocked when he found out they met last Thanksgiving during Cornerstone's meal for the homeless.
“In less than a year, God did an amazing work, and this couple that was served last year was serving this year,” Simmons said. “They made a commitment to follow Christ.”
Wafer now drives Stribling to church every Sunday, where they are active Sunday school participants. But their true passion emerges in community outreach work. Not surprisingly, it holds a special place in their lives.
On Thanksgiving Day 2006, Wafer and Stribling helped feed 1,200 people and gave blankets and coats to homeless people living under bridges in South Dallas.
The meals came from First Baptist Church of Richardson, while nearly 200 volunteers came from Park Cities Baptist Church, Lake Pointe Baptist Church, the Heights Baptist Church, Wilshire Baptist Church, the Village Baptist Church and Cornerstone Baptist Church, all in or near Dallas.
And the commitment to community work isn't just a passing trend for the couple. In a few weeks, Stribling and Wafer — who are now selecting their wedding rings — will serve a Texas barbecue for a Christmas celebration. They'll serve homemade baked goods and nutritious meals, and they'll share the story of how Jesus' advent offers hope.
Stribling now has an apartment and a job, and she said she will not soon forget who to thank.
“It was the Lord who took care of both of us,” Stribling said.
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