PM - Testimony: Richard Knouse

One of God's Special Blessings
By Steve Schwartz

God can choose to bless us in many ways. Some would say he blesses us most often with material items or money. Others would say with good health.

God can and does bless us in the above ways. However, I strongly believe that God more often blesses us through other persons and our relationships with them.

One of the special blessings that God has brought into our lives at Paxton Street Home (PSH) is a man by the name of Richard Knouse.

Richard, who is in his early 40's, came to Paxton Street Home in September of 1998. He grew up on a farm in Linglestown (a suburb of Harrisburg) and has lived in the Harrisburg area for most of his life. Most recently, he had been living at the Harrisburg YMCA before joining our community. Richard does have some family and friends in the area, but due to his special needs none of them were able to give Richard a home at this time.

Richard’s first impression of PSH was that "it was big...with so many rooms." But PSH soon became Richard’s home and the walls and halls no longer feel as huge. "I’ve got a lot of friends here," Richard remarked as we chatted recently. He went on to say, "I enjoy the opportunity to have my own room, take walks, have good food, and have friendships that are there for me on a daily basis. My living situation is more stable than it has been in some time."

God obviously has been there for Richard at this difficult time in his life, but Richard has turned around and used his gifts to be a blessing in our community. We want each person at Paxton Ministries to be given the opportunity to use the gifts God has entrusted to them, and Richard is a wonderful example of this.

For example, Richard is one of the most joy-filled persons I have ever met. He regularly has a smile and a word of encouragement. I find my spirit being lifted just by being in his presence. This is one way God has blessed us at Paxton Street Home....through Richard.

Richard also has a servant’s heart. He can often be seen running errands or doing favors for other residents, such as making a trip to the local store for people unable to go themselves. For these people, Richard is a special blessing.

In the Spring of 1999, Richard was able to use his talents in a new and creative way. He toured with our play The Captain and His Crew, playing the part of John, one of the ship’s crew. Richard hadn’t had the opportunity to do much acting before, but he really enjoyed his part because he got to make the audience laugh. "I had a lot of funny lines and it really encouraged me when the audience laughed. I also made some new friends with the other cast members." As the person who ran the sound equipment for the play, I can attest to Richard’s new found talent.

Richard also enjoyed the opportunity to use his gifts and minister to others through the play. "I enjoy attending church at Paxton Street Home and I’ve gone with some staff members to their church, but this was the first time I’ve been up front at church helping to share God’s word." Richard goes on to point out that "my spiritual life has really grown since I’ve come to Paxton Street Home." It was interesting to hear how something as simple as a prayer before mealtime is meaningful to Richard.

In closing, Richard wants to point out that he has a couple goals. He would like to exercise more, and to be able to play in a band (Richard plays the drums and has played in several bands over the years). Pray for Richard that he would have continued opportunities to utilize his gifts.

As you can see, Richard’s coming to Paxton Street Home has been a blessing for him, for our community and for many others.

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