CHAPTER 13
TAPPING ME ON THE SHOULDER
In April 1994, I was nearly at wit’s end because Bill’s mother had broken her hip while vacationing in Florida, so his dad was living with us while she rehabilitated at a nearby Burlington skilled nursing facility. It was time of great stress for our family. I look back at this time and realize how thankful I am that both Cindi and David managed their own lives so well when we had little or not time to devote to them.
For nearly three years I had been working at least 60 hours per week and when Bill’s parents problems began, I realized I couldn’t take care of everyone and work long hours. But I had no solution…nor did I have the time or energy to figure out how I was going to get help at the office.
The Sunday after Easter, Bill and I went to our church (Elon Community) as usual. I was thankful to be at peace during worship. But the strangest thing happened…
While our pastor, Arch, was giving the benediction, “someone” tapped me on the shoulder. It was a peculiar sensation; I knew there was no human being that close behind me. The “angel” that tapped my shoulder certainly got my attention and I heard a voice say to me, “Go talk to that tall man with a short haircut who is across the aisle.” I looked and there he was. I had seen him before but had never had a conversation with him.
Very calmly, I said to Bill at the end of the service, “I need to go talk to that fellow over there.” Bill gave me his usual look like “what in the world do you want to do that for ??” but, in his normal supportive manner, made way for me to move towards the aisle.
I was “on a mission” but I had no idea what it was. I met “that tall man with a short haircut” in the aisle and said “Good morning, my name is Mary Ruth” and I noticed his nametag said Kevin Batten. Kevin said, “I know who you are.” (and I still don’t know how he knew me). I said, “I don’t know why, but I need to talk with you.” Kevin’s wife gave me the oddest look, of course. Suddenly, these words came out of my mouth, “Are you looking for employment?” and Kevin raised his eyebrows in surprise and said, “How did you know my job ended on Friday and I was planning to go to a temporary job agency tomorrow morning?!”
My heart sang as I knew then God was sending me help. My response was, “Can we talk further outside?”
By now I knew I wanted Kevin to train, coordinate and supervise my three night managers. But how was I to convince him? My experience was that people are not anxious to work at a homeless shelter. The Holy Spirit must have hovered over us because Kevin, I think, surprised himself when he said, “I don’t know what I can do to help, but I’m available to try.”
The ANGELS opened doors and guided us for the next few days. Kevin had a tour, volunteered overnight, wrote a job description was hired by the Board of Directors within 72 hours. God had indeed sent me help!
It was no surprise that Kevin was perfect for the job. He was a retired Army major, had great people and management skills, commanded respect and authority, but best of all, I think Kevin realized that the ANGELS placed him at the shelter to help out for reasons only he knows.
