We don’t necessarily struggle to believe Christ has compassion for us as sufferers, but do we realize his compassion, mercy and grace for us as sinners. I’ve come to realize that at a different level over the past few months through an incredible book entitled, Gentle & Lowly by Dane Ortlund. I wish I had heard more about this Jesus in my growing up years. Sin is deadly and serious, but it break’s Christ heart.
Let’s look at only one of many portraits God gives us in scripture. The book of Hosea is about God’s people forsaking Him through their sin and betrayal, and then you hear God’s heart in chapter 11:8-9: “How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.” It’s like God is having a wrestling match within Himself, his heart recoils at bringing judgment. He simply wants them to turn back to Him. |
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| For many 2020 and 2021 have been marked by grief and loss, and our counseling center suffered alongside the world. We began this year trying to figure out how to continue to help others with their burdens and sufferings while dealing with our own gaping wound. It has been a slow process, one with grief and laughter, guilt and joy and lot of recalling the gentleness and wisdom of the one who was a shepherd to us here on earth.
This year as counselors we sat with our clients (our friends as we like to call them), truly feeling their hurts, fears and doubts alongside them and when we said “I get it” it was truer than it had ever been before. Not because in the past we were inauthentic with those words, but because this year we were experiencing those same fears, doubts, and heartaches at the same moment in time. Surprisingly this is what began to heal us and our clients. You see, when grief is shared something incredible happens, grief is transformed and lessened. You become bonded, you feel safe and no longer alone. Authenticity and gratitude begin to flow out of you in spite of the pain. So, this year in the midst of so much sorrow for so many we still witnessed and experienced great healing. |
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| Before admission to The Joy House, I was struggling with my depression, anxiety, anger, and school. I didn’t have the best relationship with my family but especially with my mom. It had been me and my mom for the longest; my dad was never really there for me, and he was never around in my life. I arrived at the Joy House on June 1, 2021. During my first few weeks here I felt like I was trapped in non-stop misery. Every night I was restless, thinking that I was in a never-ending maze. I was still failing my tests and not obeying the rules. I admit that I have a really hard time expressing my feelings.
Once I started counseling with Mr. Darren for the first time, it was like I was in a small trapped room where I was feeling claustrophobic, forced to say something that I’d rather not say. Once I began to trust him, I became fearless, and I was able to let out my feelings without feeling like I was trapped inside a bubble. Just letting out my feelings with someone I trust has made me feel like I don’t have to keep all my feelings that were stressing me out inside me anymore, and that I can talk them out with someone that I trust. Living in a home with five girls and two house parents is a big change, but over time I have learned to deal with it. Sure there were some ups and downs I had to go through, but of course they’re going to happen regardless every once and awhile.
Over time living at the Joy House I’ve progressed a lot more. For example, having to deal with discipline has taught me to obey and follow the rules. With the house parents, however, I’ve gotten to gain trust with both of them in there own way. I have made great strides in facing my problems. I am succeeding in my school work. I feel like I am handling my anger, depression and anxiety way better than I used to. My relationship with my mom has gotten stronger and healthier than it used to be. I'm also not stressing out about my problems and situations that I am dealing with.
Comparing the things that I have done in the past to today, I have succeeded way more than I expected. I am now passing all my classes with A’s and B’s and am on honor roll as well. All the struggles that I have gone through are now disappearing as I am continuing my journey in the program, and I’m looking forward to what my future holds at the Joy house. |
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As we approach the year end I know many are making decisions about giving. Let me share with you briefly how your giving makes a difference at The Joy House. We have committed that we’ll never reject serving someone based on their inability to pay. This is true in both our teen residential program and counseling center. We are only able to do this because of the partnership of those who give and support us financially. We think it is important to have those we serve pay something, but it is based on ability. What we receive in client fees never makes up more than 15% to 18% of our total revenue. This means that 80+% of our support comes from our partners.
Often we hear from our clients in the counseling center and our teen-residential program that they could have never afforded to get the help they needed if our fees were not based on ability-to-pay. I’m so glad we are able to serve those we consider our friends because of our partners!!
A significant portion of our budget is met during year-end giving. Will you prayerfully consider if the Lord would have you partner with us through a year-end financial gift. Any gift given before year’s end is tax-deductible for 2021. Here are some practical instructions for giving.
If you are mailing a gift it must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2021. If you want to donate online, you may do so by clicking the “Give” button at the bottom of this email. You can also go to our website thejoyhouse.org and click “Give”. You can make donations online until midnight on December 31, 2021. If you want to give the donation to us personally, it must be in hand by midnight on December 31, 2021.
We will not be maintaining normal office hours from Monday, December 20th through Friday, December 31st. However, if you need to speak to Steve personally regarding a year-end gift you can contact him by leaving a voicemail or by e-mail at steve@thejoyhouse.org. He will be checking both of these and will be glad to contact you.
Thanks for your consideration and partnership. |
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| Progress is being made on our new girl’s home, slowly but surely. The pad was poured in early December. The framing package is due to arrive this month and we hope framing will begin soon thereafter. Once the framing begins we’ll really be able to see some visible progress as it rises above the ground. The Lord has shown Himself so gracious as many of the subcontractors are providing us significant discounts on the work. We look forward to serving more teen girls in this home. Please be in prayer that we can get this home finished in the first half of 2022. We are continuing to experience a great need from families seeking help with their teen daughters in crisis. |
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| We're looking for our next great house parents to serve in our girl's home. A mature Christian couple with a desire to share Christ's love with the teens and families we serve. You can get all of the details here. |
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