Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

The Journey Home has so much to thank God for and praise His name for. Just this week we have had exciting opportunities for several families to overcome huge hurdles. One mom went Monday to the DMV to take her driving test and the next day met with Adult Community Education to start work to complete her GED. Having a driver’s license and completing her high school education will give her many more possibilities in moving forward. Another guest was able to purchase a used vehicle with money she saved while living at TJH. She was delighted when she picked up the car on Monday. We have helped her obtain her learners permit and she has been driving with different staff members. The third reason to give thanks and praise to God is that another mom was gifted a car on Tuesday through Giving Words (a local organization we have been so blessed to partner with). In our rural community, a vehicle and furthering one’s education are huge in overcoming barriers to making progress on life goals.

Another truly significant obstacle guests face in gaining their independence is finding affordable housing when graduating from TJH. For this reason, we have developed the Next Step Program that gives our graduating guests an option for affordable housing while allowing them to remain connected to staff and resources at TJH. Our strong commitment to be debt free comes from our desire to further expand our Next Step Program and invest in more housing. Your generosity has allowed us to pay off most of our construction loans and we are continuing our Capital Campaign with the goal of paying off the remaining $100,000 debt this year. Last month we announced exciting news that TJH has received a generous pledge of $40,000 to match by the August Banquet. Please prayerfully consider how you might feel led to join TJH in this endeavor. Our website has details about the 2024 Matching Grant Campaign and information about how gifts can be designated. A flier is also attached below with the save-the-date and info about the August 24th Banquet. We would love for you to join us and hear about the amazing things God is doing and celebrate with us how God is working to pay off the remaining debt.

It is exciting to see how God has been drawing the guests of TJH to Him as we spend time with them in His Word. Their comments are so encouraging. For example, one woman described how she never understood how God worked in her life. Now she sees that only He fills the void that she has been looking to fill in worthless ways for many years. Another person has asked many good questions and is on the path to having a relationship with God through Jesus. Many are experiencing hope and peace for the first time in their lives. This Easter season has been a wonderful time to share the incredible story of God’s love for us all who believe in our redemption through Jesus.

We thought it would be enlightening for you to take a virtual tour of The Journey Home building. You can view the first part of a “Touring The Journey Home” series here. Some of you have toured in person, but we thought the rest of you would enjoy this chance to see inside the building. Seeing where God is at work through TJH may help you as you pray for us. Thank you for partnering with us in His work. Your donations, prayers, and volunteer work are so appreciated.

Praises:

  • For the growth in their faith and in their independence that many guests are experiencing.
  • For the recent provision of vehicles for several guests.
  • For the generosity of many who contributed to our Matching Gift Challenge.
  • For the blessing of joining with you in God’s work as families and individuals rebuild their lives.
  • 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 barriers to face in rebuilding their lives.
  • For God’s provision of another vehicle and jobs for our guests.
  • For God to give us discernment regarding applicants. Several are in the process.
  • For God’s provision as we work towards paying off the remaining debt.
  • For us to be an example of Jesus as we love and encourage our families and point them to Him.
  • For new churches and individuals to join in financial and prayer support of TJH.

Have a Blessed Easter,
Debby
For TJH Staff

Debby Read, RN
Executive Director
The Journey Home