The Shepherd’s House
October 15th, 2007
After 13 months, 4 appeals, uncounted hours of prayer, many sleepless nights, and enough tears to fill a river, it is finally a reality! I f you haven’t been by the mission in awhile, you really need to stop by. You will be impressed by what has been done. The shower room is finished, the fire alarm system is in, the handicap issues have all been dealt with (again), and the beds are up.
We have, through faithful commitment of many, accomplished what God has called us to do. There will be 32 men who will have a home for Christmas this year!!! What is ready to take place now is the beginning for 32 men. They will be presented the opportunity to experience a life-changing journey. The plan is to take 32 men through the winter. They will take part in a very intense discipleship program. We have a sign-up sheet for those interested in getting serious about changing their lives, and it is almost full.
We have had 11 people come to know Jesus Christ as their personal savior since opening in March. Most of them are now involved at the mission in some capacity. Those of that number who are men will have the first opportunity to have a bed.
There are 8 churches who are now part of The Shepherd’s House at some level. There seems to be a new church each week that inquires about what we are doing, and they are excited about getting involved. Our monthly chapel schedule is full, and requests are still coming in from those interested in adopting a night. It is very exciting for us to see the family of God coming together to do this vitally important work for the Kingdom of God.
Because of the commitment of The Shepherd’s House to not take any government funding, the financial need is always a pressing matter. Thanks to those who give so generously each month, we are able to do this work.. Our overhead runs about $20,000 each month, and with that we are able to operate three facilities. We are very intent on being good stewards of the money that God supplies, and we keep our costs down to the basics. Please tell your friends, neighbors, and family members about us, and ask them to consider becoming one of our financial supporters.
The thrift store which opened two months ago, has outgrown its present location already. We are moving the thrift store to the facility which has served as our group home for the last two years. The group home will no longer operate as a separate entity, but will become part of the mission. Most of the men who have been living at that facility have moved into their own residences now, and the few who are left will either remain on the property at Reed Lane or move to the mission. The address of the thrift store will be 20255 Reed Lane on November 1st.
On Friday October 26th, at 6:00 pm, there will be a celebration potluck at the mission. We will be honoring those who have worked so diligently to supply the work needed for our overnight stays to be possible. We would like to invite you to join us for some much needed fun and fellowship.
If you haven’t visited the website yet, please do. Brand Navigation and Smart Solutions did a wonderful job for us, and we are excited about having it up and running. You can check out upcoming events, read a new testimony from one of those we serve, or even donate online now. Go to http://www.myshepherdshouse.org and send us some of your thoughts and ideas. We would love to hear from you.
As the Executive Director of this ministry, it has been my honor and privilege to get to know some very special people throughout this process of opening of the only faith-based mission in Central Oregon. I have learned that there were 9 attempts to open a mission in Bend over the years. What an amazing and committed group of God’s people were brought together by His hand to do this work. I am so very thankful to be serving with them. If you haven’t met all of the staff, board members, and prayer warriors involved with this ministry, you should. I am thankful every day for their support. Because of their commitment, endurance, prayer, and faithful walk with the Lord of their lives, God’s plan has been accomplished. Never once throughout the battle did I ever hear even one of them waver in their commitment. To each of them I would like to say thank you, you have touched my life in such a deep and lasting way, and I will cherish the time I have spent with you always.
If you would like a tour, or would like to make an appointment to talk with us, give the office a call at 388-2096. We have been able to present ourselves to many churches and organizations in Bend, and if your church or organization is one that we have not visited yet, we would like to do a presentation about The Shepherd’s House sometime soon. Just let us know, and we will supply the information to your pastor or whomever would need it.
I would like to thank you for your continued support,
Lynda Johnson, Executive Director
PO Box 5484
Bend, Oregon 97708