II Samuel 22:31 “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” ESV
Cooler weather, blaze orange (hunting season here), turkey cooking, kids out of school, it can only mean one thing, Thanksgiving! We sure do have a lot to be thankful for, too much even to list! God’s way is perfect and His word proves true, He is our shield and refuge. I see it here every day. We are truly blessed.
This fall has seen the shelter very busy, up to eleven people here at one time. The addition of our Transitional Housing apartment units have proven their worth as overflow beds for Emergency Shelter purposes. We currently have two families and two single males staying with us. A family of three just checked out. Some of our residents have been able to find temporary seasonal work making Christmas Wreaths here in the area but that has come to an end this week.
Finding steady employment, stable housing, dependable transportation, and consistent food can be a challenge to do in 90 days, even if you’re motivated. Some of our residents do well, while others struggle to fight off old habits, addictions, or manipulative mentalities, falling back into the same destructive ruts to be dragged down again. Our purpose is to provide a stable platform from which to grow, without the stress of making a choice between rent or food or gas (assuming there is money for anything!). We provide the temporary shelter, help with transportation and food, then help get people to the other resources in the area to arrange more permanent solutions. My challenge is figuring out how to shake up those old bedrock mindsets that prevent growth, encouraging people that there are other choices and that to get something you’ve never had, you must do something you’ve never done.
We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to you, our local community, friends, and supporters from across the country as we continue to help our residents find employment, housing, transportation, clothes, food and counseling. We are also grateful for recent donations of many other supplies including food, laundry supplies, gift cards, and cleaning supplies we’ve received these months to serve and maintain the shelter. The Lord is blessing us every day.
Please join with us in praise and prayer about this fall’s State Shelter Subsidy Grant application and continued fundraising efforts. Please keep in prayer our staff, community service volunteers, and our residents as we are presented with the opportunity to help share the Gospel as well as meet the needs of the families in our area.
Thank you so much for both your prayer and support, we are operating and able to remain open and helping people in need because of your generosity. We are truly blessed to be doing His work with your help.
Thank you for your continued prayer and support!
In His Service,
Micah Dewing
Shelter Director