The community built within the walls of Seacoast Church have always been faithful to use their skills and experience to help others when they need it most.
As a Spanish teacher who traveled every day to five different schools, Andonia relied on her car. But when her car’s battery rusted to the frame, she was told she needed a new vehicle. Since that wasn’t an option for her, she carried a portable recharger with her everywhere. When Seacoast announced an offer to help single mothers with car repair assistance, her son said, “You need to call them, Mom.”
So Andonia filled out the form and Seacoast extended the help she needed. A miracle worker mechanic got that battery out—breaking and welding the frame back together so she could continue to work.
Upon hearing Adonia’s story, several Seacoast members worked together to provide her with a brand new car, which was presented to her during a weekend service.
“My son reminded me that I needed to be okay with asking and receiving,” Andonia said. “So I’d like to say to all the other single moms out there, you are worthy. You are strong. But accept help graciously. You’ll get your chance to pay it forward.”
Andonia McKinney, prided herself on handling things—whatever life threw at her. But in 2011, she experienced tragedies that no mother should ever have to go through.
“But in the darkest of situations, in the darkest corners, God shines through in a way you would never experience otherwise.”
~ Andonia McKinney
“What I’d like to say to other single moms out there? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Being a mother is the most important and difficult job in the world. You are worthy and powerful, and you take care of your family. But learn to accept something you need…graciously. You’ll have a chance to give back later, just as I have. I’m so glad I asked Seacoast for help with my vehicle,” Adonia said.
A Month Later…
“I love my new Jeep! I drive around in a cloud of gratitude. But I still cart around the portable battery just in case someone needs help like I did. That recharger is similar to one the tow trucks use. No vehicle is too much for it. Anyone who gives me a skeptical look when I pull out the cables and charger, I tell them, “Watch me connect!
“On a more serious note though, I’ve started to meet with a couple of women in the church who have also experienced great loss in their lives. They said they wanted to talk with me because I have something they don’t: peace. And it truly is a peace that surpasses understanding. So where did I get it after losing two of my sons?
“When I was notified that my middle son, Peter, had a heart attack, I rushed to the hospital. He never regained consciousness, yet I heard his voice in my head, saying, ‘I’m fine, Mom. I know where Ryan is and it’s where I want to be.’ If that hadn’t happened to me, I probably wouldn’t have believed it. It was the most profound experience I have ever had. I know my sons are in heaven, and I know they’re happy. I accept that I’m never going to be the same.
“I like to think of it as becoming a new person—like a pearl forming from something sharp and uncomfortable—shaped into a new creation.”
