Jim and I are doing well. I have to admit, 2020 has been hard. The whole situation surrounding my parents leaves me sad most days. Not being able to see them while selling their life-long possessions to now hearing they can't see each other. The facility where there are has confined the residents to their 'communities' within the facility. Mom is in assisted living while dad is in memory care. They get to skype each other, which is a joke. Their hair is long and they are lonely and lost. It truly breaks my heart. We put their home on the market and had a cash contract within 24 hours. A blessing. We've worked countless hours painting, repairing and cleaning. I'm glad that's over but it leaves a hole inside of my heart. I just want to see them. Jim's health remains good which we are thankful for. We are dealing with some unfinished business with the landscape company, which hasn't been pleasant. 2020 has been hard...YET, we continue to serve the men and women God has put in our path. For me, it's life giving. I'm thankful for the work God has for me to keep me focused. Remember my word for this year? Perseverance. Yes - I'm pushing through with a grateful and full heart. All for Him! Karen
State for welding, working part-time currently at BLOC Coffee Company along side her mama Jackie who graduated Redeemed in February. She is taking 1 summer class at school hoping she can return to on-campus classes in the fall. Next is Holly, our new 'sister'. Holly comes to us 2 months clean and sober and is so grateful to be with us. Next to her is Katie. Katie just finished up 6 weeks of chemo and radiation, she works part-time at Dunkin' Donuts and is very involved with a Crossroads Women's small group. She has a ton of support and is doing great! She would love to speak at events or schools about her journey and the hope she has found! She is 22 months clean. PRAISE!
We continue to pray for each of you. Is there anything you need? Can we help in any way?
I'm trying a new format using a blog versus a paper newsletter or Facebook. Let us know your thoughts!
Let's get down to business:
Men's Ministry Update from Jim:
God has transitioned me from the screen print shop to BLOC's new Men's Ministry which consists of me being able to have face to face contact with inmates Meet Eli! One of our board members has a lady working for her and she had shared that her grandson was incarcerated in the Lebanon prison. She gave me his address so I wrote a couple letters back and forth with Eli and got to know him a bit more. He was released the 1st of June. I finally met up with Eli at the BLOC Coffee Shop on Tues/ 2nd. He's a pretty shy 22 yr old kid that was probably nervous about meeting this ole man. I got to know him even more and asked several questions to see what his needs are at this point. I asked him if he had a Bible and he said he thinks his Grandma had one but wasn't sure. I told him I have one that I'd give him if he wanted and would use it, he said he would! I'm praising God the whole time! I shared Jeremiah 29:11 with him and we prayed together. Later in the day I got this picture from our board member who got it from his Grandma who was so grateful! Praise God! Please pray for Eli and more opportunities to share the Good News with former inmates who want to make a new start!
During this COVID-19 stay at home time, BLOC's volunteer maintenance man has stayed home. He's our right hand man who is always on call for repairs. We have missed him. I have had opportunities to fill in for him, fixing this and that for our many buildings. Also, once a week I pick up donated goods from Kroger in Cleves and pass them around to our ministries and the neighborhood as needed. Please be in prayer as I'm anxiously waiting for the prisons to open up so that I can meet these men in person face to face while incarcerated.
I was asked to be a part of starting up a Celebrate Recovery meeting here in our community with 12 other community leaders including Tonya, our recent Redeemed Home graduate. This is similar to AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) but faith-based. Please be in prayer for this much needed program for leaders and those who will be coming.
Each Sunday afternoon I attend a recovery meeting with the men that are or have been in the LIT program. Some live in the home, others don't, but it's a requirement for the program. It's a time I get to spend and develop relationships with these men who are learning how to live life differently.
BLOC partners with the LIT (Living In Testimony) program. We are in the process of converting Lower Price Hill's Weightless Anchor home to another men's home. This will be called the Ladder of Hope Men's Transitional Living Home, which I will be helping manage. Good news in this transition is in the last year, there has been less and less prostitution in this area so this Weightless Anchor home closed. There is still one other location on Mansion off of Warsaw Ave.
Each day I get more opportunities to learn, grow, meet and serve. #beavailable!
Redeemed Home Update from Karen: Hello Summer! June brings a resident moving out, one finishing up chemo & radiation, one back in college and a new family member. We want to introduce to you Holly. She comes to us with a broken background which led her to addiction, abuse & the wrong crowds. She has huge trust issues as she has never had any positive role models or friends in her life. We hope she will accept us as we pour hope & love into her and pray she wants a new life enough to be still and let the program work. Please pray for her. She is precious and we're excited to pour into her! Pictured here is Lauren, who is 10 months clean, is attending Cincinnati
My days are spent making sure these ladies have what they need and my staff are equipped. Much organization goes into each day. We begin each day with a morning devotion and end each day talking about what we are grateful for.
June 1, resident Tonya moved into her own apartment. Tonya is 41 years old and this is her very first apartment that she is paying for with her own upstanding earnings, doesn't owe anyone anything for it...in other words "it's legit!". She was asked recently to attend a Celebrate Recovery meeting that Jim is helping to facilitate. She spoke about her story and recovery. Tonya plans to speak at women's groups to help BLOC / Redeemed get volunteers and funding. Huge heart with a lot to tell. God is using her in a mighty way. She graduated in March and is 2 years clean and sober. Tonya works full-time at Wesley Community Services, packing meals for senior citizens to receive Meals on Wheels. She loves giving back.
Jackie who graduated will be moving into her new apartment as soon as some electrical issues are resolved. More pictures on that later. Jackie is 22 months clean and sober, works full-time at BLOC Coffee. She will return to the City Hall location as soon as it reopens. She is a blessing.
Jim and I are dedicated to #beavailable to where God leads. With your help that is possible. We are thankful for your prayers and support and know that with God, ALL things are possible. God can take a broken, hurting man or woman and renew their heart, mind, soul, body and spirit. The transformations we witness are remarkable. What a privilege it is to serve such a Great God!
