Our residents and educational staff spent the day at Cove Creek on Friday, May 19th participating in the Pickens County Sportsman Club's Annual Fishing Rodeo. They had a blast taking a break from their school books and getting outside to enjoy the outdoors while doing some good. Friday was a special fishing day dedicated to senior citizens, and the residents were very helpful in assisting the elderly with catching trout. Fun was had by all. 

We are excited to introduce one of the newest members to the Joy House team, Abby Elam. Abby joined our staff in April of this year in a new role as the Counseling Center Assistant. 

I was unaware an older gentleman had been observing how I interacted with my Dad who had visited our church for a special holiday function.  A week or so later my friend brought up the subject with me and said, “I think you do, but I really hope you know how special it is … the relationship you have with your Dad, I mean.”  He went on to describe his father who had passed some years before.  His father had been hard, distant, abusive, uncaring, with no interest in his own son.  My friend went on to explain that it had taken many years of prayer and healing for him to be comfortable with referring to God as “Heavenly Father.” 

This week is bittersweet as we say goodbye to a lovely couple, the McNatts. The McNatts have served faithfully over the past two and a half years as the house parents in our girl's home, despite many personal health challenges. They loved our girls well and poured out their hearts for this ministry. We trust God will bless them for their perseverance and devotion to spreading the Gospel through their relationships with the Joy House girls. We wish them the very best and look forward to seeing them around town as they plan to stay in Jasper. 

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 ESV