SUFFOLK, Va. — A Suffolk pastor brought his community together to renovate a home for a couple facing serious health challenges, creating what the family calls a miracle during one of their darkest times.
Pastor Karl Wilkins from The Mount Suffolk Church organized the surprise home makeover for Thaddeus and Gloria Stenson this summer. The couple was stunned when they returned from a brief vacation to find their home completely transformed.
The renovation came at a critical time for the Stensons. Gloria was recovering from a stroke, and Thaddeus was battling bladder cancer.
One of their daughters approached Pastor Wilkins about wanting to renovate their parents' home to ease the burden during their health struggles.
"We had partners from all over the community to participate in this moment," Wilkins said in the church’s video documenting the surprise.
The pastor took action to coordinate the community effort, bringing together volunteers for the surprise makeover while the couple was away.
"We took the liberty of transforming your home," Wilkins told the couple upon their return.
Gloria Stenson's reaction was immediate and emotional.
"Oh, oh God! Won't He do it! Oh, my God! Won't He do it! Oh, Jesus!" she exclaimed.
Thaddeus Stenson was equally moved by the gesture.
"Glory to God! Glory to God," he said.
The renovation included new carpeting and wall work throughout the home, creating a more comfortable environment for the couple's recovery.
"We're grateful, because church is supposed to change lives!" said Latisha, one of the Stensons' daughters.
Tragically, just a few weeks after the August surprise, Thaddeus Stenson died from cancer. But before his death, he told his wife of 62 years that he was at peace because of what Wilkins and the community had done for them.
"[He was] talking about how beautiful [the home] was and what Pastor Karl had done, [and] how God was so good and faithful, and how loving Pastor Karl was to do all of this for us," Gloria Stenson said through tears.
Wilkins' act of service required a significant sacrifice. He put the Stenson project above his own church's search for a permanent building. Several weeks after the Stenson surprise, his wife Jessica Wilkins says they were blessed with their own church building.
"What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you," Jessica Wilkins said.
For his community leadership and compassion, News 3 anchor Jessica Larche recognized Wilkins as a News 3 Everyday Hero. Wilkins also received a $300 gift card from our community partner Southern Bank.
"This is such an honor. I must say, the things that you do that God inspired you to do, you don't do for rewards. You do it out of obedience," Wilkins said.
The Stenson family remains grateful for Wilkins' impact on their lives during such a difficult time.
"I just want you to know that you've got angels behind you, and if nothing else, this family will forever be in debt to you. We will always support you because that is what my dad would want us to do," Latisha said.
Pastor Wilkins said the following organizations, businesses, and individuals contributed immensely in the renovation of the Stensons’ home:
- The Mount @ Chesapeake and Pastor LJ Brown
- Tidewater Investment 3 LLC (construction)
- Reeds Realty
- Walmart (College Drive location)
- Demetrie Williams & Loleatha Futrell (decor)
- Unique Little Hands Daycare
- JAS Kitchen, LLC
- MEEC Luxury Ventures
- Bridge the Gap Outreach
- Leon Williams
- Hampton University Cheerleaders
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
