When Matachia begins telling her story, she reveals she is one of 23 children! Yes, 23, and Matachia is number 20. Growing up in a Pentecostal church, Matachia has fond memories of her mother and quotes her often. “My mom always talked about the importance of being humble,” she remembers. Matachia also went through hard times like a lot of people, but she never lost faith.
The year 2,000 was pivotal for Matachia. Her mom passed away and she bought a 7-bedroom home. Unfortunately she lost her home two years later, which was followed by a short, abusive marriage. This started her homeless issues. Matachia has been able to stay with her youngest daughter at times but she is raising her own four children. “My biggest supporters through everything have been my children and my pastor for over 20 years.”
“God has always brought the right people into my life at the right time.” Surviving bad relationships, abuse, and losing everything she owned, Matachia found herself at Good Samaritan Rescue Mission. She is very grateful, “All the women at GSRM are beautiful. They all help me. I love them so much.” Matachia leans on several scriptures and can quote them all. One favorite is 2 Chronicles 7.14, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
“My disobedience got me here, but my obedience got me out.” Matachia acknowledges it has been her disobedience to God that has gotten her into this situation but putting God back at the center of her life and being obedient, she is now back on His path for her. “Jesus was always my Savior, now He is my Lord. I would never accept Him as my Lord before.”
Matachia is a great example of how keeping God first and working hard can reap a Harvest of Blessings, no matter the obstacles. Matachia has moved into her own apartment. She continues working with Bay Human Resources who have been very supportive of her work as an in-home care giver. And she continues to have a great relationship with her children and grand-babies. “God never allowed me to sleep on the ground. He always provided a roof over my head. I’m so grateful, happy and content,” she says humbly.