The Journey Home Quarterly Newsletter: October 2016

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

We imagined by now that we would be writing about the progress on the construction of the building. However, God continues to remind us that His ways are infinitely better. So, we wait for His perfect timing. Lots of headway has occurred as we have finalized the architectural drawings after making significant changes to make the building more economical to build and more efficient for ministry (including adding another living unit). We are so thankful for the builder, Howard, and the team that has been assembled to work on all the tasks involved before the construction phase. We praise God for the favor He has given us with local and county officials. Hopefully, we will soon have a date for ground breaking.

Meanwhile, we continue to work on many other details. A great committee of volunteers put together a very successful fundraiser on September 24th. Over $7,500 was brought in through a yard sale, raffle, silent auction and food. There have also been many generous donors that we are so thankful for. Praise God! We have begun to sell memorial bricks for a $100 donation that will be used as pavers for the walkway to the building. (Let us know what you want engraved on yours!) We continue to apply for grants as well.

Planning for the interior is happening, too. If you are aware of anyone wanting to donate gently used furniture, please let us know. Our church has generously agreed to allow us to use storage space until the building is ready. We have already collected some useful desks and dressers.

Pastor Mark Batterson, in The Circle Maker, stated, “…the God who gives the vision is the same God who makes provision”. We firmly believe this. It has been an amazing faith journey for us as we see God provide every step of the way. Please continue to pray for us as we make presentations about TJH to churches and organizations. There has been tremendous interest and a desire to be involved as people see the great need. One man, from a local church, told us that he had heard about TJH and thought “it was the best thing he had heard about in Louisa County in his 46 years of living here”.

We are thrilled that Ben and Kristi Reid are now in Virginia. They are settling in and Ben is beginning to network for the outreach ministry he will have in renovating homes to assist residents in obtaining permanent housing as part of an exit plan from The Journey Home. This will allow us to continue to care for residents as they leave TJH and stay involved in their lives.

Two new Board Members have agreed to serve. Darvin is a pastor/lawyer who brings much wisdom and compassion. Ben has been added as well and brings his talent and his heart for the outreach of TJH. They join with those already serving including us, Joy, a banker, and Jennifer, a social worker.

Please pray with us for funding; wisdom as we make many decisions for the interior and the exterior of TJH; discernment as we finalize the application process and house rules; God’s leading in find the perfect couple to be the “house parents”; partnerships with churches and organizations in our county; training of life coaches for the residents and for the future residents of the home.
Your prayers and donations are making a huge difference and we are so thankful for them. God will use you to transform lives as people are cared for in Jesus’ name and He becomes their Redeemer. We are all broken and in need of healing. What a joy it is to partner with you in bringing hope and healing to others who desperately need it.

Trusting God with you,
Ed and Debby