Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
There are over 200 people signed up to attend The Journey Home Banquet on Saturday, August 26. We hope you are one of them! The numbers are great, but the real encouragement is that so many people will be able to hear what God is doing at TJH. Believe me, He has been working mightily.
TJH Staff and Board members are excited to share a plan that night to pay off debt (“to have no debt remain outstanding”). However, our primary focus is to share about the many ways God is changing lives at TJH. Sometimes our guests are motivated and move forward quickly towards healthy independence. Other times, they seem “stuck” and they are shown love and support as they are encouraged to make progress in their next steps. We love them because God loves us despite our own brokenness.
Elk Creek Church and The Circle of Love Foundation recently demonstrated love to the children at TJH by buying them the school supplies needed to start this new year. Praise God for their generosity to kids they don’t even know, but they do know the children need to see God’s love in action. Please pray for the seven precious children at TJH and the two at the Next Step home as they begin their journey through a new school year.
One of the women at TJH, a hair stylist, initiated a touching act of love. The night before school began, she cut the hair of the boys that wanted haircuts and put lovely strands of ribbon with glitter in the girl’s hair. This guest has made great progress this year and is about to graduate. She has grown in so many ways and I love seeing her spiritual growth as I lead our Bible study class. This kindness shown to others is a reflection of what she is learning and applying.
The children have enjoyed working in the garden this summer and are eating more vegetables as they watch the plants grow and pick them when ripened. There is a watermelon almost ready and they can hardly wait to taste it. Thank you for being a huge part of their personal growth as well – and their moms and dads – while at TJH. Your investment in their lives is truly making a difference.
Ed and Debby recently met with Congressmen Bob Good and his Field Supervisor, Chris Snider. They came to see TJH in person. It was a joy to show them around and share what God has done and continues to do at TJH. The best blessing was for the four of us to share of our faith in God and encourage one another in the calling He has given to each of us. We talked about the great need that so many people have for safe and affordable housing and how we want to be a part of the solution. We ended our time together in prayer.
Praises:
- For two new families coming in the next few weeks making for a full house.
- For the blessing of joining with you in God’s work as families and individuals rebuild their lives.
- For the abundance of our garden and the enjoyment of the produce.
- For the way God and His Word transforms lives as we abide in Him.
- For TJH staff and volunteers and for their commitment to the ministry.
- For TJH Board and for their spiritual leadership.
- For our faithful supporters of TJH.
- For the continued partnership in ministry with our community.
Prayer requests:
- For relationships among guests and staff to be loving and God focused.
- For our new families who have many obstacles to face in rebuilding their lives.
- For wisdom for staff as we try to assist families with their unique needs.
- For the planning of the Annual Fundraising Banquet August 26.
- For many people to attend the Banquet to learn about what God is doing.
- For God’s provision of vehicles and jobs for our guests.
- For God to give us discernment regarding applicants. Several are in the process.
- For us to be an example of Jesus as we love and encourage our families and point them to Him.
Blessings,
Debby
For TJH Staff
Debby Read, RN
Executive Director
The Journey Home
