Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27

Thank you for your giving of faithful prayers, time and resources to “love your neighbor”. We are so grateful for the blessing of partnering with you in the ministry of The Journey Home (TJH).

God has amazed us in 2017 with all He has done to provide for and guide TJH. There were countless volunteer hours invested and over 160 people who gave financial gifts. Community support has overwhelmed us with comments like “I am 100% behind this project”. Wow. We are excited to next experience all that God has for TJH in 2018!

The Capital Campaign began in November with an outstanding response. So far, over $75,000 has been given or pledged. A few grants were received and in early December we were awarded a matching grant challenge for $250,000 – we need to raise $750,000 to receive this grant. A few individuals have expressed interest in helping to meet this match. Several more grant applications are pending or being submitted early in 2018. The need for the home has increased as we hear of more people in crisis situations. It seems God is bringing this all together and the time is soon approaching when we will break ground and build this home for those in need.

Please join us in prayer for the Pastor’s Luncheon on January 30th. Fifty Louisa County Pastors have been invited to come together to talk about poverty related needs they see in their congregations and in our community. There will be a brief update on TJH and a time of discussion of how the Body of Christ in Louisa County can come together to better meet these needs through TJH.

Jennifer, a social worker and one of TJH Board Members, has completed the application for potential guests. Ben, another Board Member, has spent much time helping Ed update our record keeping system to make our finances more efficient. Many other details for both the structure and the running of the home are underway. It is a huge project with many specific decisions to make. God has brought so many faithful and committed individuals to help in many different aspects. There are many more areas of need, so please let us know if there is something you feel led to be a part of.

Opportunities are available to invest in TJH including buying a raffle ticket for a chance to win a beautiful P. Buckley Moss signed “Remarque” print that Shirley has arranged – with 100% of the profit going to TJH. Tickets are $1 and will only be available until May. There have already been 1,000 tickets sold and we have 800 more to hand out. Please let Shirley (or us) know how many more tickets you want and please get sold ticket money to her ASAP. Thanks.

The brick fundraiser ($100 for a memorial brick) has continued to be a great way to support TJH and honor a loved one or friend or family member. The engraved brick path will bless the future guests of TJH. A form can be sent to you electronically by emailing your request to [email protected]. A greeting card fundraiser is a fun way to support TJH, too. Nadine can help you with all the details.

We hope you can join us on Saturday, March 17th, from 9-11 am at Mineral Baptist Church for our next update and planning meeting. We will be planning for our May 12th Live & Silent Auction. Please prayerfully consider how God might be leading you to participate in His work through The Journey Home. Thank you to those who are already involved!

Blessings,
Ed and Debby