The Shepherd’s House
November 8, 2007
Hope, Heal, Restore. These words, which are words we use on all of our materials, have very much become action words over the last three weeks. Since we began to fill the beds two weeks ago, we are once again in an intense learning process. You might even call it a crash course!
The Lord laid something very heavily on my heart last week as I was talking with one of my staff about an issue with one of our guests. Many of these people that we serve grew up without ever experiencing unconditional love. Perhaps they were never nurtured with parental love. Many grew up without the love of both parents, and some without the love of even one. To expect someone to understand God’s love when as a child they may have never experienced any form of healthy love, is asking them to just trust that God does love them. If we as Christians are not being the example of God’s love to them, then who will be? We are to be the hands, the feet, and the arms of love to these whom are considered the least. Many of these precious people have been considered throwaways, worthless, unlovable most of their lives. Our purpose within the mission is to be Jesus to them. At all times. In all situations. Regardless of our own personal issues with them individually. God does love each one of them!
Now that we have men sleeping in warm, safe, comfortable beds each night, we are seeing even more the change in their lives. The mission has become a home, and the people there are becoming family. It is very exciting to be a witness each day to the transformation in these lives. Seeing a man smile throughout the day whom may not have smiled much before touches our hearts in such a deep way. It is the first glimmer of Hope restored. Having them come and ask to talk to one of us about his life fills us with joy. It is the beginning of the Healing. Seeing one of the men go off to the first job he may have had in years is like watching your kindergartner go off to school on the first day. It is the first step in Restoration.
Thanksgiving is almost here, and we at The Shepherd’s House have so much to be thankful for this year. We will be having a Thanksgiving dinner with our Shepherd’s House family at the mission. Many of our staff, volunteers, and friends will be gathering together to celebrate and give thanks that day. If you would like to join us, or would like to help with the meal, please let us know. We have a sign up sheet at the mission for needed dinner items, or you can call Debi, our volunteer coordinator at the mission (771-4940) and ask how to get involved.
We are very blessed to be able to give 32 men a home for Christmas this year. We would like to invite you to become a part of making this Christmas a time filled with the true meaning of this very special day. Give us a call and ask how you can give a special gift this year.
If you haven’t been in to visit the mission yet, or if you haven’t been in since everything has been completed, I would invite you to make it a priority to stop by. If you receive this letter, this is your mission, and it is here because of people like you.
One of our greatest needs is for more mission staff and volunteer staff. This is an urgent and crucial need. If you might be interested in being part of the operational aspect of this work, please let us know right away. The pay is little, but the rewards are great!
May God bless you abundantly over this Thanksgiving.
Lynda Johnson, Executive Director