The Journey Home Quarterly Newsletter April 2018

The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

When county officials first confirmed the great need for The Journey Home, we knew of 66 kids in the Louisa County schools that were living in a homeless situation. A guidance counselor at the school says there are now 80 kids in a crisis situation leading to homelessness. Some circumstances are job loss, abandonment by one or both parents and a child aging out (turning 18) of foster care who needs a place to live until graduating in June. Though we do not personally know these individuals/families, we are becoming more aware of how many more persons are in need of the resources of TJH.

God is moving in the hearts of individuals and churches to want to help with these needs. It has been so encouraging to experience those who want to be involved in TJH. For example, in the past ten days, we met members of St. James Episcopal Outreach Committee at the land. They cheerfully handed us a check and gave words of encouragement. Several days later, The Church of the Incarnation invited us to their festival where part of the program was the recognition of and financial support for TJH. Then on Sunday afternoon, we were invited to present about TJH at the Goshen Baptist Mission Spring Meeting. They are giving TJH 25% of the funds they collect. The Louisa County and Vicinity Ministerial Committee gave us a donation at their MLK Day celebration. Praise God for the hearts He is drawing to join in His work through TJH.

Many are continuing to give of their time and resources. The grants and individual donations received for the Capital Campaign are getting us closer each day to the amount of money needed to break ground. Please pray about how God might want you involved in reaching TJH’s Capital Campaign goal. Thank you. Our last newsletter mentioned that, in early December, we were awarded a matching grant challenge of $250,000 where we need to raise $750,000 to receive this grant. A local family’s foundation pledged $250,000 in January. Praise God. We are doing our part while praying and trusting God for His perfect timing to begin to build. Our volunteer commitment has been so inspiring as evidenced by the wonderful participation in our monthly update and planning meetings. The next one is 9 am on May 5th at Mineral Baptist Church. Come join us!

Much has been accomplished during this quarter. The luncheon on January 30th for Pastor’s helped us to get the word out about TJH. Ben Reid has worked many hours in the past few months to transition the finances to Quick Books. It has been a massive job that we greatly appreciate his expertise in. We knew Ben’s skills for The Next Step program would be a huge blessing, but we were again so grateful for God’s unexpected provision in Ben’s business background that has been a great asset. I, Debby, attended a Mental Health First Aid course that will help prepare us to understand and seek the proper resources to help some of the future guests. Joy Hartman is attending a Financial Peace course to help assist future guests with managing their money.

A busy next quarter is in full swing with presentations and fundraisers planned. On April 24th Ed and Ben will be presenting to the Louisa Lions Club. The Live and Silent Auction Fundraising Committee has been hard at work under the leadership of chairperson, Nadine Garvin. This event will take place on Saturday, May 12th at Mineral Baptist Church Family Life Center. Dinner is at 6 pm (tickets are $20 and need to be purchased in advance from Nadine Garvin 757-274-5214 or Debby Read 540-894-5830), with the Live Auction, featuring the amazing auctioneer Col. Bill, beginning at 7 pm. Check out our Facebook page through TJH website to participate in the Silent Auction online from May 1st-10th. We are so pleased with the response from area businesses and friends who have donated great items for the auction. Please join us for this fun event to support a good cause. That night we will also have the drawing for the P. Buckley Moss “Remarqued” print. Shirley Collins has done an awesome job of organizing this fundraiser. Be sure to purchase your raffle ticket by then for this beautiful print. Please save the dates of August 18th for our Money-Give-Away event and October 5th & 6th for our yard sale. Memorial Bricks are also available – find out more here.

What a joy it is to serve our Lord with you as we seek to minister to others in Jesus’ name. Thank you for your prayers, involvement and monetary gifts. Thank you for offering that “drink of water to the least of these” who need both physical water and spiritual Living Water.

Joyfully partnering with you,
Ed and Debby