The one true God gives me strength; he removes the obstacles in my way. Psalm 18:32

Happy Fall y’all! What a beautiful season this is as God’s creation is aglow with the radiance of the changing leaves – clearly showing Him as Majestic Creator. In a world of chaos, it is so comforting to know that He is in perfect control. The seasons show us His majesty, His orderliness, and remind us of His faithfulness – season after season.

Psalm 18:32 reminds us that this one true God also gives us strength and He removes obstacles that are in our way. Our newest guest has arrived with her toddler son and a long list of obstacles that she needs to overcome. J intensely desires to rebuild her life. She recently overcame two obstacles by getting her driver’s license and securing daycare for her son. She has been diligently applying for jobs and praying for one that allows her to get there by Jaunt transportation until she can afford a car or one is gifted to her. J has been actively involved in her life coaching, budget counseling, mental health counseling, Bible studies, healthy meal preparation, and parenting classes. Most importantly, she has deepened her love of Jesus and is faithfully attending church. Thank you for joining us in being a light for God to people who need Him.

After spending 17 months at TJH where S overcame many barriers, she graduated and her family is moving to our Next Step Home as the current family moves on. Another family is moving to an independent living situation as she has been provided with a good job and resources to move ahead while at TJH.

TJH is facing a huge obstacle due to the great difficulty in finding affordable housing for our guests when they graduate. This has shown us the enormous need for the Next Step Home option to help these families in their journey to independence. You can help by prayerfully considering contributing to the TJH Matching Gift Challenge. We are rejoicing in God’s provision of $31,500 so far towards the $50,00 match to pay off half the debt on the building ($225,000 left on the $2.1 million building) by the end of 2023. 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.

Thank you for your sacrificial gifts and your commitment to prayer. God is using these now for people to come to know Him personally as their God who gives them strength and helps them to overcome hindrances to their progress towards independence.

There are several other opportunities we would like to inform you of. One is our Memorial Brick fundraiser. For a $100 donation to TJH you can purchase a brick that is placed on the walkway to our building. This allows you to honor or memorialize a friend or family member with an engraved brick. You can request a form with engraving instructions and we will add your request to the bricks we are having engraved in November. Your prompt order is appreciated.

Another opportunity to support TJH and receive a treasured book is to order ‘Twas Christmas Night. This amazing book contains an inspirational poem written by a local pastor and supporter of TJH, Richard Sandberg, telling the story of Christ’s birth. The words are poignant and the original artwork is beautiful. Pastor Richard has generously offered these books to TJH for $20 each ($25 if shipping to you is needed) and for $45 (includes shipping) you can purchase a book and donate one to a child who needs to hear the true story of Christmas – such as a child at TJH, a child at another local non-profit, or your own child or grandchild. You will be able to go to his website TwasChristmasNight.com to preview the book and place an order. The preorder campaign is November 12-December 12.

Praises:

  • For the ways in which God gives us strength to overcome obstacles.
  • For our newest mom and her son who are truly motivated to improve their lives.
  • 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 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.

Blessings,

Debby
For TJH Staff

Debby Read, RN
Executive Director
The Journey Home