None of us can live without hope. One of the things I enjoy most about celebrating Christmas is the hope that it brings. However, all of us need help sometimes seeing that hope. Listen to what Paul prayed for the Ephesian believers: “… that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of you hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe…

Paul prays that the eyes of our hearts would be opened to see the great hope we have been called to. That hope is Christ and we celebrate his coming on Christmas. We see that hope on display as he heals the sick, frees people from demons, controls the elements in calming the storm, and ultimately raises the dead and then goes to the cross for our sins ultimately triumphing over death himself. He has reversed the curse of sin. In Him we can have great hope. We know that hope in part now as we still live in this sin broken world, but we will know it in full when He returns or we go home.

We are privileged here at The Joy House to continue sharing Christ’s hope with all those we serve in both our teen-residential program and our counseling center. 2022 has been another year of seeing lives changed here through Christ’s love. We also are anticipating with hope the opening of our new girl’s home in early 2023 and the opportunity to serve more hurting teens and families. In the following pages please enjoy a brief snapshot of some of the lives changed this year.

We are only able to continue sharing the hope we have in Christ because of partners like you. Thank you for your faithful partnership. As you contemplate all that we have in Christ may you have a HOPE filled Christmas.

When I was just nine years old my parents passed away. Later my Aunt took me and  my big brother into her home out of the kindness of her heart. I was lost in depression and anxiety and I began to act out based on my emotions. After seven years of this, my Aunt decided to look for help. After much searching she found The Joy House.

At first I was very angry and upset but deep down I knew that something needed to change and that I needed help. Overall, I was willing to accept help. That frame of mind opened up the opportunity for me to meet some great people. The amazing people at church, loving and encouraging House Parents,  understanding and helpful counselor, caring and dedicated teachers and the good principal. All of these people have helped change me through their love and support. Because of all these caring people around me I have begun to flourish academically, spiritually and morally. But the most important thing that has happened, is that I met God again. I was a lost Christian who needed guidance  and He found and rescued me from my darkness. I was finally able to feel happy again. Then a wonderful opportunity arose. I was able to be baptized in the ocean! This happened during the Woodstock Church of Jasper teen beach trip.

The changes in my life have been drastic. I am doing great in school. I am setting goals and accomplishing them. Things at home are way better than they have been in years. I am spiritually drawn to know more about God and to become closer to Him. I am just so different, and in a good way.

Now I have high hopes for my future. I have many privileges that I didn't have before.  I have faith that great things are to come because of The Joy House. Thank you to every single person on staff and anyone else who has helped in any way.

"The Joy House Counseling Center has been such a blessing to our family. We have been attending sessions as a family for several years now and the counselors there have made such a difference in our lives! It has meant so much to us to have a Christian Counseling Center in our community to help us through the tough times and to rejoice with us through the good times. This holiday season, we are thankful for all of those at the Counseling Center and know that the relationships that we have formed there will make a lasting impact."

- Anonymous