May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

This verse from Romans 15:13 is on The Journey Home entrance sign. It was chosen because the Board of Directors believed it reminded all those who drove up the driveway that God is the source of hope as well as the giver of hope. In this uncertain time of the Covid-19 virus, so many people are feeling hopeless and afraid. They are concerned about getting very ill, the loss of their income, the loneliness of isolation, and the list goes on and on. We have all been affected in significant ways. This is truly a time when folks need hope.

I woke up last night with the burden to pray for individuals who are struggling now. My pantry has food and my shelter is more than adequate. Yet, I know there are so many people in need that I know personally and many whom I am unaware of. Please pray with me that we are able to connect with them, move in those who are a match for TJH when this crisis has passed, and introduce them to the God of hope. I know many of you are touched by the great need of others. Your compassionate heart is part of your reason for being involved in TJH and we are so thankful for you!

Despite the “staying in place”, much has been happening at TJH. Many details were completed in January and February to get the units set up, interview potential guests for the home, get the computers up and running and the operating procedures in place. Most of March was spent with the painting, cleaning, and furniture arranging for the Next Step Home. Ben, Virginia, Bruce, Ed and I worked together to have the home ready for a single mom and her two daughters who were in a desperate situation. The home they were in was dilapidated and had no electricity or running water. They were forced to live in a hotel with little means to pay for it. Thank you for making it possible through your generosity to have this lovely home available for them. I wish you could have seen their smiles on move in day, March 30. Each time we visit (with social distancing of course) they talk of how grateful they are for a safe and comfortable place to live. We are doing our best to show Jesus to them in word and deed. They will be moving back into the main building when we are able to begin our programming there.

Another single mom is ready to move into the main Journey Home as soon as it is safe to do so. She is so ready to be in a stable environment and work towards having her daughter back with her as well as getting her life back on track.

I pray continually for TJH and am so grateful that so many of you do also. Your prayers are greatly needed and greatly appreciated. In February, I often found myself asking God why it had been so hard to find a House Manager (after several possibilities didn’t work out). I kept going back to needing to trust in Him and rest in knowing He had led in every detail of TJH and was not going to abandon His plans or His vision for the people of our community now. Recently, I find myself once again praising Him for His perfect plan. If the House Manager was there and TJH was full, it would be so difficult to keep everyone safe and healthy. The common kitchen and living areas that are shared would have required isolation during this highly contagious virus. PRAISE God once again for His provision for TJH. He has truly been faithful in every step of the way.

He will provide the right House Manager at the perfect time. Please pray with us for a family, couple, or single person that has a heart for ministry and who would like to have a rent-free place to live with most of their food provided. They can even have a daytime job as their presence would be needed mostly at night. This would be a great opportunity to build relationships with people and truly make a difference in their lives.

Thank you for the many of you who are volunteers that are in the process of completing the Redemptive Compassion Course and the Child Protection videos (required for insurance). It is so important to stay engaged and be ready to minister to our guests once they have moved in. Virginia has done a great job contacting each volunteer to inform them of how they can be prepared for when the guests are in. In the interim, some volunteers have been busy with lawn care (thank you Ben, Ed, Bruce, Wayne and Ken) and sewing projects (thank you Linda). The fundraising committee (thanks Nadine, Irene and Joy) has been planning for our one fundraiser this year. Please save the date of August 29, for a celebration dinner, testimonies from our guests, a slide show and a few silent auction items. We are hoping not to have to postpone the day and will keep you informed.

There is another exciting opportunity we wanted to make you aware of. You may be familiar with Giving Tuesday which happens in November. There is a special Giving Tuesday event planned due to the Covid-19 virus. We will be participating in this worldwide event Tuesday, May 5, and ask every person who has a Facebook page to like The Journey Home Facebook page and then post it on their page and ask their friends to share it with everyone they know and likewise when they share it ask them to share it with their friends. There is going to be a national match and a state match. You will be receiving more information soon.

May you be filled with hope, joy and peace despite the uncertainty in our world. May we all be preparing to reach out to those without hope as we minister in Jesus’ name through TJH and wherever else God places us.

Stay healthy and safe. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Blessings,
Debby
for TJH Board of Directors