Benjamin Scovern

Benjamin Scovern has only been volunteering with us since June, but has become one of our most committed volunteers, helping weekly in our food pantry and at our community dinner in Purcellville.  The road that brought him to Tree of Life has been filled with struggles, brokenness, and, ultimately, God’s saving grace… and we have been honored to be a part of it.

Though Benjamin grew up knowing about Jesus, his choices as an adult sent him far from God, much like the wandering sheep. He spent most of his adulthood addicted to alcohol and drugs, unable to hold a job and struggling with his mental health.  But God was at work in him and writing a story that he could not have imagined.

Even while he was still dealing with substance abuse, Benjamin says that God started working in powerful ways. He healed him from many of his mental health difficulties – taking away his thoughts of suicide and anxiety. Even at the point where he hit rock bottom – getting arrested for drugs and public intoxication – Jesus spoke to him in that jail cell and told him to give his life to Him. When Bejamin left jail, he went to church.

Shortly after that he was baptized and stopped all substance use entirely. His journey with the Lord was truly taking hold, bearing fruit as he stayed sober and leaned into his church community. Working at the restaurant across the street from Tree of Life in Purcellville, he was invited to come to the Thursday night dinners, where the meals and volunteers became a blessing to him and his family. He even planned to start volunteering with Tree of Life.

But his past was not done with him yet.  The incident from the previous year had resulted in a felony drug possession charge, and the police showed up at his door to arrest him.  When this happened, he struggled with his faith for two days, feeling that God had abandoned him.  But in his pain, God’s Word returned to him: “my grace is sufficient.” Benajmin was strengthened by this and knew that whatever happened, he had Jesus in his life now.

Through the anxious weeks that followed, Benjamin maintained his sobriety and focus on Jesus. He started volunteering with Tree of Life, now as part of his court proceedings, and was incredibly grateful to find a place to volunteer where he could “stay in fellowship.” He credits his service with Tree of Life as being where he “found his tribe,” saying there was nothing like being with “true Christians and seeing the fruit of the Spirit.” This connection helped Benjamin continue to focus on God and His Word.

When his day in court came, it also happened to be the one-year anniversary of Bejamin’s sobriety. With that information and the testimony of those who had seen such a change in him over the past year, the charges were reduced (soon to be dismissed!), and Benjamin was free to go. It was an answer to prayer!

Benjamin continues to volunteer with Tree of Life every week, feeling called to be the hands and feet of Jesus and share his testimony to whoever will listen.  He says the impact his fellow volunteers have had on him and his walk with Jesus has been invaluable and we are so grateful to be a part of God’s plan for him. Benjamin is truly a testament to the healing power of God, and the angels in Heaven certainly celebrated as this lost sheep came home to the flock.

Benjamin and his story have truly impacted us at Tree of Life, as well – it’s a reminder that God doesn’t promise that we won’t see difficult times, but that He will be with us in those seasons and His grace is sufficient.