By Cindy Fertsch
Sometimes people just need to be shown love to regain a spark of hope in their life,” explains Terry Luma.
Terry and his wife Susan founded “If Not for Grace” ministry that offers mobile showers to the homeless and a whole lot more.
For over a decade, Terry and Susan frequently volunteered their time and resources to help the homeless. Susan earned the name “the Cocoa Lady” at Brown’s park in Atlantic City, as she is often found handing out hot chocolate on cold days.
Two years ago, while serving the homeless, Susan found herself overwhelmed with the concern about where those she was serving took showers. She began to ponder where they get hot water, soap, and other resources to stay clean. This thought sparked something in Susan and she knew that it would be her mission to offer a solution.
The Lumas scoured the tri-state area searching for a mobile shower unit. Only two weeks later, in November of 2017, their unit was in their Egg Harbor Twp driveway. The 12 feet long shower unit includes two shower areas, each with a stall, toilet, and sink.
Several days per week, Terry and Susan along with many volunteers take the mobile shower to various locations. They make it their daily mission to meet the basic needs of the homeless, including food, showers, clothes, and resources. However, Terry and Susan strongly believe the most important thing they do is point people to Christ and let them know there us hope.
Terry and Susan know first hand the power in their mission because they both have experienced homelessness in their lifetime. Terry is a recovering addict and has been sober for 25 years. They have a great compassion for the homeless and an even greater faith in Christ.
Another component of what they do is wound care.”These people are left out to die. They are modern day leapors,” says Terry. He recounts the story of an 85 lb. young woman, a prostitute, beaten and battling addictions. The “If Not For Grace” team is certified in Narcan and has saved several lives.
“Each one of these people is someone’s daughter or sister and they need to be reminded that they matter,” said Terry.
“If Not For Grace” is a volunteer based organization. You can contact them at www.ifnotforgraceministries.com or call 609-432-7463.
