Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; Psalm 37:7

“God’s timing is impeccable isn’t it? He’s never late. He’s never early. God is right on time all the time! I believe there is a God in heaven who directs our steps, who prepares good works in advance, who causes all things to work together for good, who fights our battles for us! Don’t lose heart. Don’t lose hope. Don’t lose faith. Don’t lose patience.”

Pastor Mark Batterson

Spring has sprung. Such a special time of year! It is a joy to see the earth come alive again with lush leaves and vibrant flowers after a bleak winter. As we waited patiently, knowing God would bring forth this beautiful season, so we wait with hope and trust for His perfect timing for The Journey Home. Many prayers, much diligent work and thoughtful planning have transpired over several years and now the Home is “budding”. God has continued to amaze and encourage us as He leads in this process. We hope that you are as excited as we are to see the architect’s rendering of the building (above). The picture makes TJH seem so real. Can’t you envision people in need walking up to the door and finding a place of hope and healing inside? And, picture with us the volunteers arriving to experience the joy of serving others in Jesus’ name.

At a recent meeting with leaders of the Department of Human Services, they told me the story of a woman living in her car with her children. They were going to have to take the children away and place them in foster care due to their “endangered” situation. If this mother had a stable place to go to, support to help her care for her children and help getting back on her feet, they would be spared the heartbreak of separation and hopelessness. The Social Workers commented that they really wish TJH was completed so that there was a nurturing place for this family to go to.

Much has happened since our last newsletter in January. We now have a price for the building. $1.8 million! Yikes! A huge amount to us, but God has given this vision and we know He will provide all that is needed. The amount includes all building costs and furnishings. We are finalizing materials with our graphic designer to begin the Capital Campaign. We will be contacting you when we have more information, but ask that you begin now to pray about possibly being involved in this opportunity to build God’s Kingdom through the ministry of TJH. We hope to announce the groundbreaking date very soon!

We are so grateful for many of you who are regularly making monetary gifts. There have also been many, much appreciated, donations to help us furnish the building. Please let us know if you have couches, tables, chairs, dressers, beds, linens, etc., (in good condition) that you would like to give to TJH. Our church has given us a storage area and we have gotten lots of exercise taking items up the two flights of steps! (Local volunteers to help with moving/storing would be much appreciated.)

Any items that we are unable to use for the home will go to our Yard Sale Fundraiser to be held October 7th at Louisa Baptist Church (with items accepted there on October 6th). Please remember TJH Yard Sale as you do your spring and fall purging. There will be a Kona Ice fundraiser on May 13th in Mineral (near the ball field and Farmer’s Market), so come enjoy some cooling flavored shaved ice and 20% of the profit will go to TJH. Save the date of August 19th for a Bingo Give-Away fundraiser at the Mineral Fire Hall. Tickets to the dinner will be available soon for $100 per person or $150 per couple for a great meal, a chance to win $5,000 – $10, 000 with the other half of the proceeds going to TJH. So far, we have 23 donations for the ongoing brick fundraiser to honor or memorialize someone. It would be great to have you join these 23 people in the blessing of TJH residents with a $100 donation to purchase a brick to be used near the entrance of the building. Nadine is coordinating greeting card party fundraisers. Let us know if you would like to host one of these. (Debby did and it was a good time with good friends for a good cause.)

Many new presentations have been made in the last few months to let area churches and organizations know about TJH. Last week, we presented to the Louisa Board of Supervisors and were so thankful for their supportive comments as well as their willingness to grant us exemption from property taxes. God has continued to give us favor. It has been such a blessing to experience great support from our community. Ben is actively looking at potential properties to renovate for the Next Steps outreach. Affordable housing is a great need for the residents as they graduate from TJH.

Since January, we have submitted four grant requests or letters of inquiry and have identified another 15 – 20 to apply for. Please pray for favor for TJH with these potential grants. Also, if you are considering a donation, check with your employer about “matching gifts” as we have had donations “doubled” by Dominion & Bank of America.

Many of you have attended our monthly meetings. We are so thankful for all your ideas and involvement. What a joy it is to work together to accomplish all God intends. Our next update and planning meeting is Thursday, April 27th at Mineral Baptist Church. The following meeting will be Saturday, June 3, also at Mineral Baptist.

Happy Easter. We pray you have time to reflect on Jesus’ death and resurrection and are once again filled with awe of God’s gift to us. We have been given such an incredible gift of grace to know God and to make Him known to others. Thank you for joining us in making Him known through The Journey Home. We are so blessed and encouraged by your partnership. We treasure your prayers for TJH.

Blessings,
Ed and Debby