See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1
We celebrated Valentine’s Day this week. A day when we think of love and adorn all things with hearts. How truly grateful I am for love of family and friends. As my heart is often burdened for those at The Journey Home, I am also truly sad for those who do not have people in their lives who love them.
With your prayers and financial support, you allow us to show hurting people God’s love as we do our best to be “His hands and feet” to them. Love is shown through teaching the truth of His Word in classes such as Bible study, devotions, parenting, budgeting, counseling, and life coaching. Often, it is a listening ear, an encouraging word and times of building relationships. Sometimes, tough love is shown when a guest needs to be held accountable or challenged to consider consequences of their behavior.
In many cases, the hearts of our guests have been hardened from past hurts and untrustworthy relationships. We rejoice when a guest begins to trust us and trust God. We then see great progress in a positive direction for their life. We are filled with sorrow when a person continues to choose unhealthy ways and refuses to accept help—often feeling undeserving of the love of God or the care of staff.
Please pray with us for these hearts to allow the healing that only God can bring. Pray they will accept the help and support that staff and volunteers so compassionately show them. We are well aware that you cannot make anyone choose healthy choices for their life, but we can pray that they desire to follow God’s path.
The tag line for TJH is “transforming lives for the road ahead”. It is a journey with many bumps along the road. Thank you for partnering with us as together we love people who truly need hope and healing.
Praises:
- For guests who are beginning to trust God to do what seems impossible in their lives.
- For the joy of building relationships with our guests.
- For God’s provision of jobs for our guests.
- For TJH staff and for their commitment to the ministry.
- For TJH Board and for their spiritual leadership.
- For the continued partnership in ministry with our community.
Prayer requests:
- For God to give us discernment regarding applicants. There are two new families currently in the process of becoming possible guests at TJH.
- For God’s provision in filling the House Manager(s) position. We interviewed one candidate last week and are interviewing another candidate this week.
- For a guest who is having surgery this week. That the surgery and recovery would go well.
- For us to be an example of Jesus as we love and encourage our families and point them to Him.
- For staff to balance loving the people living at TJH while also holding them accountable as we interact with them.
- For our ongoing devotions and Bible studies to help them build a deep relationship with God.
- For more churches and individuals to grasp the vision to be involved in TJH prayerfully and financially.
- For godly relationships among staff and guests.
- For staff and volunteers to “not grow weary of doing good”, but allow God to refresh and renew us daily.
Gratefully joining with you in God’s work,
Debby Read
Executive Director
The Journey Home
