Samrawit came to Methodist Children’s Home at the age of 15 searching for normalcy, security and support. Upon graduating from high school, Sam, as many of her friends and staff call her, said she was “determined to make something of her life.” To her, advanced education was a path to a bright future.
Through scholarship funds made possible by generous benefactors committed to helping MCH alumni, and with the support of MCH Transition Services, Sam attended Kilgore College in pursuit of an associate’s degree.
While at Kilgore, Sam’s life changed. During her second semester of college, she was invited to attend a church service with a friend.
Sam said in the service she felt the weight of the hurt from the past she had been carrying.
“My life felt chaotic because of my anger and it was then I knew I needed to get my life under control,” she said. “I had hit rock bottom and I needed hope. It was on that day in 2015 that God found me as I was, and I received salvation. It was a work in progress but since making that decision, I’ve been full in Christ.”
As Sam grew in her new faith, she also grew in her education. After receiving an associate’s degree she moved on in 2017 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business at the University of Texas in Arlington.
Since her move, Sam has found a church community and served as a college intern for her church. This summer, she was promoted to the role of a pastoral assistant.
“When I look at my life today, I feel very blessed,” she said. “I want people to know that there is not anything I did that got me to this place. I believe God’s hand has been in all of it, even while at MCH.”
Throughout her studies and seasons of life, MCH has remained a constant in Sam’s life. Crystal Anthony, transition services coordinator, has managed Sam’s scholarship and assistance and has met regularly with her for nearly four years.
“Sam is a loving and caring person,” Anthony said. “She is a hard worker and is passionate about the work she does. It is my hope that she continues to grow in her faith and use that as her passion in life.”
Sam plans to graduate in 2019 from UT Arlington. It is her dream to continue into full-time ministry, sharing with others the Good News of Jesus that has transformed her life.
Looking back at her journey, Sam recognizes that MCH provided her the support she originally sought out when she first came to MCH years ago.
“MCH gave me great real-world experiences,” she said. “While living at MCH I learned how to communicate with different kinds of people, learned about finances, how to cook and even learned how to fix a car. MCH has invested in my future and my education. I wouldn’t have anybody if I didn’t have MCH. I am so grateful for MCH and God’s goodness.”
Sam carries hope in her heart and clings to the promises of God.
“It took me a little while to realize God’s goodness,” she said. “In this world you can feel very alone, but I know God is with me. All of our lives are in His hands. We must remember that through it all, God is in control no matter life’s circumstances.” •
SAM THIS IS MS ANNETTE I AM SO PROUD OF YOU FROM WHERE YOU HAVE CAME FROM AND WERE YOU ARE GOING IT IS BECAUSE OF GOODIST OF GOD DON,T EVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAM LOVE YOU AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF