Holy and Humble Transformation: Frank and the Beanstalk
Frank and the Beanstalk
Originally penned by Joseph Jacobs in 1890, Jack in the Beanstalk is a childhood tale that most everyone knows. This iconic, classic tale demonstrates the value of trust. The Salvation Army Orange County offers a modern twist on this classic story, which is also rooted in trust that is made possible only by faith: Frank and the Beanstalk.
Frank, a resident of Anaheim Emergency Shelter (AES), is a character who is almost too good to be true. He's like a slice of humble pie.
That’s because Frank has always revered God even in his darkest moments. The most significant of these dark moments was when his drug addiction landed him in jail. His troubles were compounded when his exhausted family decided to end their relationship with Frank. They were sick and tired of his constant lies, excuses, and broken promises that consumed Frank’s addicted life.
Frank’s eyes were opened through a seemingly surreal experience that happened one night while in jail.
Unlike a particular guard who never missed an opportunity to violently nudge or shove him, Frank shares how God literally shook him into sobriety, and set him straight onto a pathway that changed his life forever.
“It was like God shook me to my core. The experience is still so vivid to me, but I can’t explain what exactly happened that night,” said Frank. “God literally shook me out of my bed. In that moment, I became a new person. I changed my way of thinking in a way that I was absolutely incapable of.”
God caused an earthquake in Frank’s heart that removed the self-destructive impulses and behaviors that made him a danger to himself, and everyone around him. He also felt an overwhelming need to repent, and sought nothing but to be delivered and walk wholeheartedly with God.
Frank has since devoted his life to the spiritual teachings and principles of Jesus Christ, deepening his faith through service to others. Frank is a humble and honest man who allowed God to change his heart.
Humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up. James 4:10
Frank has grown to play a significant role in our small, yet powerful church at the Anaheim shelter. He is a mentor, leads a ‘Come to Jesus’ Alter Call and Closing Prayer at each church service, and is evangelizing on a daily basis.
The fruits of Frank’s labor, repentance, and service to Christ, have bloomed into blessings, at levels never imagined. Frank believes this second chance of life was inspired through that divine intervention he witnessed while in jail.
Not only is Frank sober, he also volunteers with the I love Anaheim program. He reconciled a long list of old fines from City of Anaheim, paid three years of back taxes, attends court-ordered classes, now diligently taking direction from the court, rather than avoiding it. To top it off, Frank recently accepted a full-time position as the Lead Maintenance Technician at The Salvation Army’s Anaheim Red Shield.
However, the biggest blessing Frank shares about his journey is the long over due reconciliation with his sons and ex-wife. Frank made amends to his family who forgave him, and shortly after, invited him to be at the hospital to watch the birth of his grandson.
The change in Frank’s life truly represents an incredible transformation. You see, Frank’s story only happened because he trusted God and never gave up.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Today, Frank doesn’t do anything without seeking God first. Through his daily devotions, prayer, and service to others, Frank is transforming into a spiritual giant, climbing God’s beanstalk of recovery, service, and ministry that has provided countless blessings for Frank, and others like him.