Chris McNairy knows what it’s like to take risks.
“God called me to full-time missionary service, extending the kingdom through evangelism and new churches,” he said. “It’s scary when you move from a position of making a pretty good salary to no salary, but God has blessed me with some great relationships around the world which led me to start Urban Fusion Network.”
Over time though, as a result of personal and professional struggles, Chris’s health started to deteriorate.
“I didn’t slow down and pay attention to my health, causing my right foot to need amputation,” he said. “I didn’t have insurance [for the amputation]. I did have some funds and was able to pay some of the bill, but the hospital foundation took care of most of it.”
Chris took another risk by seeking alternative methods of help for his medical bills.
“My friends basically paid for my prosthesis, and those prostheses aren’t cheap – they’re like $20,000. The clinician was so moved [by their generosity] that he knocked a thousand dollars off the bill,” he said. “That took care of the artificial limb, but then I had to learn how to function. So, I began to give myself physical and occupational therapy.”
Despite all his success in teaching himself to live with his new situation, Chris faced a few setbacks.
“My problem was that I was really hurting my back and knee because I had to bend my leg in a weird way to reach the toilet,” he said. “It was the initial toilet that came with the house when it was built, and it’s so small – I think it was built for kids.”
Through these hurdles, Chris found the help he needed.
“I applied for a grant from Gwinnett County and didn’t get it, but looking for that grant is where I discovered Home Repairs Ministries. I sent them a letter of inquiry, and they sent me back an application. I thought I had some funds to get the equipment I needed, but that didn’t work out. So I told the executive director, ‘I’m going to have to put this off till next year. I can’t afford to buy the materials I need,’” he said. “She told me to fill out the application anyway.”
After that, it was all smooth sailing.
“Clarence, John and Mark came out a couple of weeks later. We prayed just outside the garage before they came in. They put in the new toilet and rails in two bathrooms, and then they handled the staircase. It was such a blessing, with me not being able to afford the replacement toilet that was needed,” he said. “I stayed out of their way while they worked, but we had good conversations along the way.”
Even after the workers left, the impression they made on Chris remained.
“I felt good when they showed up, and I still felt good after they left. Both the administration piece and the actual work that was done were very professional. It’s been a true blessing.”
He encouraged donors to consider the difference they can make in others’ lives by supporting Home Repairs Ministries.
“As a recipient from the organization, it’s a direct benefit to senior citizens who are often dealing with all kinds of issues,” he said. “For those who are able to give and support – I don’t know of a finer organization.