Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
There are so many things to give thanks to God for at this time of Thanksgiving. We are grateful for the lives He is transforming through The Journey Home, for the families whose lives we get to touch, for the jobs God provides for our families, for the car gifted to one of our moms through a partner ministry, for a graduating family, and for families moving on to independence.
There are many blessings we rejoice in. For example, we wish you could experience the joy of watching a child go from clinging to mom and turning away from staff to now running to us with open arms. “E” is learning to trust us and see TJH as his home and his family.
It is harder to be thankful for difficult situations. Giving thanks in all circumstances is a test of faith and a challenge to our human nature. We commit to thank God for the opportunity to impact the lives of our guests even when they choose unhealthy ways and refuse the help offered. When someone chooses to not work at a job, not work on their life issues, or to not do the tasks necessary to move forward – they are choosing not to stay at TJH. These individuals break our hearts…especially when there are children involved. With over 70 inquiries about TJH this past year, we need to discern and give preference to those who want the benefits of what TJH program has to offer and are motivated to strive towards their life goals.
We thank God for the time we get to spend with each person, however long they are with us, and the seeds God allows us to plant as we point them to Him. Those who commit to the program at TJH are successful in moving forward to independence. We rejoice with them and continue to support them as “family” when they move on.
TJH is especially thankful to God for each of you. Your faithful prayers and generous gifts have been used by God to bless many lives and enable them to grow in their faith and independence. Thank you so much!
We are pleased to inform you of God’s provision through your generosity. So far, we have received $38,000 towards the $50,000 match to pay off half the debt on the building ($225,000 left on the $2.1 million building) by the end of 2023 (learn more). We hope to pay off the remaining debt by the Annual Banquet next August. We believe God wants us to be debt free so that we can focus on building/renovating more homes to be used for our Next Step Program. Our one Next Step Home has been a blessing to several families already.
Praises:
- For the growth in their faith and in their independence that many guests are experiencing.
- For the generosity of many who have 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 our newest guest and her fifteen-year-old daughter.
- For two families that will move in during the next few weeks.
- For staff as we prepare units and our hearts for these new guests.
- For the provision of half of TJH debt to be paid off by December.
- 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 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.
- For new churches and individuals to join in financial and prayer support of TJH.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Debby
For TJH Staff
Debby Read, RN
Executive Director
The Journey Home
