Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

January is often a time to reflect on the past year and make some resolutions for the new year. We usually are aware of changes we need to make, but are resistant to changing. I love that God not only empowers us to change – He also transforms us when we yield to Him. Indeed, “His mercies for us are new every morning”. With Him, a fresh start is possible. Recently, several of our guests “hit a wall” where they experienced setbacks they have had in the past. However, with God’s strength and lots of support from staff, they are seeing a need to change and are making progress on a much better path. Old unhealthy ways of thinking and acting are being replaced and positive progress forward is being made.

We all struggle to replace negative ways of coping or acting with God’s ways. Thank you for your prayers for the guests of TJH and for the staff as we seek to equip those God has entrusted to us through counseling, budgeting, life coaching, parenting and Bible study classes. We are grateful to have you join us in this ministry as we together seek to show people Jesus and their need for Him.

This past year, TJH has received thirty-nine phone inquiries. Those persons who are not appropriate for TJH are directed to other resources/places that would better meet their needs. In 2022, seven families went through our application process and were accepted for the opportunity to participate in TJH program. Five guests moved in with most guests staying 12 – 18 months. We currently have four families in the program (one family is in the Next Step home). They are thriving and doing well. That means we do have some open units and are welcoming individuals/ families that are in need of hope and healing. (We do have two applicants currently in the process that will likely fill two of the vacant units.) If you know of someone who needs a place to rebuild their life, please send them our way. We are greatly encouraged that we are able to keep in touch with our graduates who are all living successfully on their own.

One recent applicant who was accepted had a major health issue come up that prevented her from coming to live at TJH. Her sister was able to care for her at that time and we were able to continue to check in with her regularly. She often called and asked me to pray for her. C called last week to share the good news that she had found a place to live that allows her to be there despite the physical issues she is experiencing. I loved that she said “Miss Debby, I just wanted to let you know that God has provided a place for me to live that meets my needs. I knew you would want to rejoice with me and I wanted you to know how much your prayers have meant to me through a dark time.” Thank you for making it possible for us to even help people who contact TJH but may not actually live there.

Praises:

• For those who gave so generously at the end of 2022 to TJH ministry. Praise God for your faithful support financially and prayerfully!
• 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, in His time.
• 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
For TJH Board