Have you ever had an unforeseen encounter at an unexpected time? For Tina Maben, a day car shopping quickly became a day that would mark the beginning of a beautiful heart journey. While at the dealership buying her daughter’s car, Tina engaged in a conversation with a woman who was also there. As it turns out, the woman was the president of the board of The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc. (The Bridge), a shelter that provides services to women, children, and some young men (up to 75 residents, some who are homeless) who have been impacted by domestic and sexual violence, and who need a safe place to get back on their feet and or learn a skill to support their family. Some stay 1 month, some for 1 year, but when most of them arrive, they have left all their belongings and their self-esteem behind. This is such a wonderful place for a new beginning.

As this woman told Tina about The Bridge, the Spirit began stirring inside of Tina to get involved. The next thing she knew she was on-site at The Bridge and touring the shelter. It really inspired her, and it was humbling, but it wasn’t glamorous. These women were hurting. One with chopped up hair. And the children were confused. But Tina understood them on a level some may not. Having been raised in Pasadena, Tina too had an abusive childhood. So the organization’s heart really hit home for her and she was sold on giving back to a community that is changing lives, securing a place for people in need, while offering a fresh start for those who seek it.

As a member of CCCC at the time, Tina was in her first small group called L.I.F.T (Ladies in Fellowship Together), and the opportunity to work with The Bridge inspired her to share with her group about helping. They began by calling the owner of Gringo’s to donate meals and fresh fruits and veggies for better health eating. They asked around for people who might be willing to donate tables and dry goods. Word got around both about this non-profit organization and the woman at CCCC with the heart to serve there, and soon after Go Missions Pastor Chad Clarkson asked her to be a Go Op ministry leader. This meant that Tina would be the go-to person for anyone or any group to either find out more information or to get involved in helping at The Bridge. She took the challenge, and their first big organized event for was the “Comfy Flip Flop” drive. During their stay at the shelter, no one can be bare foot; thus, there was a great need for flip flops! So one hot summer Saturday, the L.I.F.T. held a bake sale fundraiser at the Clear Lake Shores Farmer’s Market to raise money to purchase flip flops, which they then distributed to the women and children at The Bridge.

The Bridge has been servicing the La Porte, Pasadena, Deer Park, Jacinto City, Channelview, and Galena Park for over 30 years, and the agency’s philosophy focuses on empowering women and children to make healthy decisions to lead productive lifestyles. With the understanding that violence and abuse affects the whole person, The Bridge’s services and programs are offered to help their clients heal mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. There is day care, tutoring, Texas workforce training, counseling, and a 24-hour hotline.

While they are all so grateful for a place to stay, donations given, and the counsel they receive, the shelter is always looking for volunteers to donate time by serving dinner one day out of the week, babysitting on a Saturday morning, or planning a special occasion party (i.e. end of the school year party, Memorial Day Cook-out, Easter egg hunt, Christmas Party, etc.).

Through Tina’s leadership, multiple CCCC small groups have had the privilege of meeting with the women at The Bridge over Troubled Waters. One in particular was a co-ed group where the women cooked and served a Valentine’s Day breakfast, and the men presented flowers and gifts to each woman.

“What a blessing to see the eyes of both the women and children fill with wonder as they saw that there are men who desire and are able to love, respect and cherish women as Christ loves the church! Our God is a God who redeems and brings beauty from ashes! He longs to see our community transformed as we allow Him to love on us through one another!” –Thama McGregor

This past March, The Bridge relocated to an incredible new facility. Over seventy people from different churches and organizations showed up to move boxes and the food pantry delicacies to the brand new facility. This new facility houses both clients and their families while providing support groups for the clients at the shelter and one central location for staff to train, educate and equip volunteers and. It is unreal to see how God has provided this beautiful new home for The Bridge. The shelter will be able to house more women and children and better equip them to return to the community well prepared for the tough work of healing ahead.

The Room Blessings were also such a fantastic experience. Groups gathered pillows, twin sheet, a bathroom rug, and bath towels, and then they prayed over each room for healing, comfort for the women, young men, and children during their stay at the shelter, and to find strength and wisdom with their decisions for the future.

“Our group was really excited to be able to make a room look and feel more cozy and comfortable for someone in need of a safe place. The new facility is very nice. I hope that we get the opportunity to help in the future.” –Cindy Williams

Serving at The Bridge truly is an eye-opening experience for volunteers. It’s a different kind of place because you are not there to visit with the people.  Volunteers are taught how to love by being interested and concerned without being nosy. Many of the women and children have “triggers” so life at The Bridge is quite delicate. Many there are so angry. Like the lady whose son was molested. In a rare opportunity, a couple from CCCC had the privilege of praying with this hurting woman, and two months later she was said to be looking much better! There is such an importance of having a man and a wife go and serve here together. It is so good for the kids there to observe selflessness and the women to observe men who are gentle and who truly care for them.

When asked what really motivated her to get involved, Tina attributed her drive to God alone. “You can’t motivate people,” she says. In 2005, she was attending church and hearing a lot about being in a small group but not being a part of one. As she finally got more connected in group and began really reading the Bible, she began to understand more and more what we’re supposed to do as followers of Christ. The more she learned the more she wanted to give back. She had been watching other people in the church giving back and seeing that inspired her to do the same.

“I think the hearts of CCCC are changed by our pastors and navigators, as we are taught to “walk the walk” and make personal life changing decisions,” Tina says.  “Motivating others to be inspired to do what God has moved be to do has been a real joy for me, and being a witness continues to make me want to share the good news to others and give praise to Him for choosing me.”

Through serving, Tina’s relationship with God has been strengthened the most. Back at the car dealership, where it all began, Tina walked away with more than a deal. She discovered that serving is not a chore or task, it is life, and serving at The Bridge has been very healing for herself. The abuse she experienced in her past was a secret for years, and after many abusive relationships with men, she says she finally found one she trusts: Jesus.

Over the years, Tina has become good friends with the staff at The Bridge, and now we all watch and support her taking another step of faith: a new job in oil and gas which demands that she move to the Woodlands.

“I’m excited about this new adventure that God has planned for me. I won’t lie, I was a little scared… new job, new area of town, leaving my church, leaving my friends, leaving my daughter but, through prayer and trust in Him, I know we will be all right!”

Thank you Tina for your heart at Clear Creek and all your tireless good works at The Bridge! You will be surely missed and bless you in your path ahead.

Here are some photo highlights over the years: