Jojo’s Story

God has a way of taking what seems little—small acts of kindness, brief conversations, or simple moments of care—and turning them into much. That’s what this year’s matching funds campaign, Magnify: From Little to Much, is all about.

Joe Sample’s life is a living example.

Joe grew up in the neighborhood around Impact. While his siblings joined Impact’s youth programs, he never did. His life became marked by hardship, crime, and addiction. When he first came to Impact, it wasn’t for worship—it was for a hot lunch, a shower, and clean clothes from the Homeless Ministry.

Through the years, Joe made several attempts to break free, including time in the Life House, Impact’s recovery program. Each time he stumbled, Impact remained there—showing up in small but powerful ways.

He remembers waking up in a hospital after being stabbed to find Doug Williams, who once led the Life House, standing at his bedside along with his wife Bethul. Doug asked, “Are you ready to come home?”

Years later, after a serious fall suffered during his addiction, he awoke to find Ron Sellers, longtime Impact elder, and his wife Linda beside him—a reminder he was never forgotten.

When Joe completed the rehab that led to his current sobriety, he discovered his new apartment wasn’t ready. With nowhere safe to go, Impact opened its doors again, letting him stay on campus until his housing came through.

And when Joe was finally scheduled for a hip surgery for which he had waited years, the procedure was nearly canceled over a $300 unpaid balance—until my brother Chris paid the bill over the phone.

Each of these moments might seem small. But together, they tell a story of faithfulness, grace, and transformation—where little became much.

Today, Joe is sober and thriving. He cuts hair weekly for those in our Homeless Ministry, volunteers faithfully at the Resource Center, and encourages everyone around him. His joy and humility are contagious.

Joe’s life is a powerful reminder: God magnifies every gesture of compassion, every visit, every open door. What begins as little becomes much in His hands.