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A Teen Residential Program and Community Counseling Center

I enjoy the Christmas season. Much to the chagrin of Wendy, my wife, I typically begin listening to Christmas music in October. One of the many reasons to enjoy Christmas is hope. With the coming of Christ the first time, hope arrived in a dark world. The long-anticipated Savior from sin had arrive. His arrival marked the beginning of the end of sin and heartache. That work is not yet complete, but because of his life, death, and resurrection we have a “living hope”.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead – 1 Peter 1:3
I’m reminded of hope when I think about Jesse who I heard from earlier this year. He was part of the teen-residential program many years ago and is now a father himself of twins. He just reached out thanking us for the difference it made in his life. There is Angela & Eden who were both part of the program in the last couple of years and both began college this fall. Make sure and read Riley’s story which is included. These lives changed attest to the reality of this hope!!!
Just a couple of months ago we hired Andy Craddock, to be the new director of our counseling center. There is great work being done there by all of our counselors. We’ve seen many teens and young adults find hope and freedom from anxiety and depression. We’re seeing marriages strengthened and restored. Andy is already having an impact in the short time he has been here and we look forward to all that God has in store through his leadership in sharing hope.
We are able to continue sharing the hope of Christ because of partners like you. All of our services are based on ability-to-pay so that we never reject anyone because of financial considerations. Often we hear those we serve share how grateful they are to be able to get the help they need at an affordable price. That is only possible because of you. Thanks for your continued partnership and my desire for myself and you is that we experience the hope of Christ in new and refreshing ways during this Christmas season.
Merry Christmas,
Steve

If there are ever any guarantees in this life, it is the fact that there sure are no guarantees. It has been a year since my daughter, Riley, has been in the Joy House program, and what a year it sure has been; for both my daughter, as well as for myself. While life still does continues to happen, with its own brand of obstacles alongside its ever changing facets and array of challenges. I find my daughter facing all of these head on, with a better understanding of herself and her faith, and the role it plays in decisions she not only needs to, but has to make.

Its not always unicorns and rainbows, that’s for sure, but her experience in the Joy House has adequately equipped her with necessary life tools required in enabling her to become the woman she was destined to be. She has found solace in her faith and music and has been actively involved with her school’s honor’s band as well as their marching band.

She is an exceptional musician unafraid to share her talent with the rest of the world and she is an even better young woman; all thanks to the Joy House and its staff. We are thankful and grateful for our amazing experience there and have made lifelong friendships.
-Jessica (Riley's mom)

It’s that time of year again where we reminisce about the past year and celebrate with anticipation for the next. Driven by curiosity I dove into Wikipedia (don’t judge) looking for a simple, harmless “year-in-review” synopsis. Not my best idea for the day. I made it through July’s events before I double-clicked it out of there. Depressed and saddened by the volumes of human tragedy and events involving political corruption, I decided to focus on something lighter and brighter: people and their belief in God during 2024.
Leaving Wikipedia in my wake, I was interested to see the latest trends in Christian faith for the year. You know, something uplifting. I opened articles from various sites and ultimately landed on the Pew Research Center (https://www.pewresearch.org/religion). The websites I visited all stated basically the same thing: U.S. citizens professing Christianity is declining. Church attendance? Down. The perceived importance of Christianity in government and the public? Down. There seems to be a national decline in our pursuit of God. This is not the direction I was hoping for. However, I did find something positive in my searches. Christianity IS increasing in China and several other countries. Many of these countries outlaw the expression of faith in Jesus Christ. How can faith grow amid serious (sometimes lethal) governmental suppression? In America we have the Constitutional freedom to openly follow our beliefs, and yet it looks like we’re choosing someone or something else. Most of us live in comfort, have all our basic needs – PLUS wants – and a church close by (especially here in the south). Is there something that could turn this trend around? I’m glad you asked.
I believe it starts small. Each of us courageously examining our life. Ask some questions like, “How often do I read Scripture alone?” “How often do I pray outside of church?” “How often do I seek solitude with God?” If the leaders of the family could take a moment this New Year and consider working on these tough questions, families might see a change in the troubling trends reported. As we celebrate this time of year, my hope is that each of us can rekindle any areas of Spiritual decline. May God bless you, your family, and your efforts in 2025.

What:
The Joy House invites you to THE JOYFUL HOME CONFERENCE
focused on Fortifying Your Marriage and Family.

Join us for a weekend of inspiration, encouragement, and practical advice to

strengthen your marriage and family. Come and relax as we join in meaningful

worship and remember God’s call on us to be a Family Fortress.

When:

• Friday, February 7 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

• Saturday, February 8 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Where:
Pleasant Hill Christian Church

36 Camp Dobbs Road

Jasper, GA 30143

Topics:

• The Battered Fortress

• Enemy at the Gates

• Guarding the Gatehouse

• Fortifying the Family

• Feelings or Fixing

• Listening and Hearing

Meals: Dinner, Donut Breakfast and Lunch provided

Cost: $25 per couple

Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your marriage and family!

We’re looking for our next great husband and wife team to serve as house parent’s in our boys home. We need a couple who have a demonstrated passion for teens and for Christ. This is a vocational opportunity filled with great challenge and great reward. Interested couples can find all the necessary details at the link provided and how to apply. We would be blessed if our partner/friends can share this in your social networks and pray with us for the Lord to bring us the exact right couple.

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Copyright © 2020 The Joy House, Inc., All rights reserved.
Our contact information is:
P.O. Box 247
Jasper, GA 30143
Phone: 706.253.7569
Fax: 706.253.7570
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