God's Calling: How a Cheap Cell Phone and a Homeless Teen Transformed My Life and My Faith

I thought I heard God's call. I was on the path to religious Brotherhood. Life was going smoothly, and then suddenly, I met Robert, a teen whose life was filled with trials never faced by people decades older. Yet he was the epitome of generosity and unconditional love. Little did I know the inspiration and complete change of direction that would result.

The author comes from Standish, Michigan. A one stoplight town with a Mayberry-type feeling. Everyone knows everyone and when tragedy strikes, this little town does great things for each other. He grew up with that philosophy & take care of your neighbors. His roots are there, even though he has been away for 25 years. Over the past 25 years, he has served in many roles. A juvenile probation officer, a hospice social worker, a youth minister, a camp counselor, and a volunteer recruiter. All of these positions have allowed him to be surrounded by very generous and caring people. He has mentored several youth and has learned so much more from them than they learned from him. In the back of his mind, he had a feeling that he might end up in a religious order some day- he fought the urge and made many excuses. About 18 months ago, he began the application process. For over a year, he felt that was his destiny. Then everything changed. A chance meeting with a teen ager. He knew from the moment they met, that it was going to have an impact on him. After mentoring many others, this was the first time God said to him "have faith in me- do everything you can for this young man.