“No matter what our circumstances, we can find a reason to be thankful.” -Dr. David Jeremiah.
“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that, I still possess.” - Corrie ten Boom
Our hearts are filled up with such thankfulness for where God has us. Is everyday easy? NO. Is every situation perfect? That’s a BIG NO! Where we are in our journey with God, our ministry work, our marriage—we just can’t put into words. We are humbled by your generous gifts to our ministries, your generous financial support, your love, friendship and prayers.
Blessings definition - God’s favor and protection.
A blessing is a Redeemed resident graduating our program, getting a new job, given a car, furniture and so much more. The biggest blessing for me (Karen) in this is seeing her love God and give Him ALL the credit. She is grateful.
A blessing is being part of a team of women who daily give of their time, resources and heart to pour into the lives of the women we serve.
A blessing is watching a new resident start to trust.
A blessing is having donations from Bible study books, toilet paper, MP3 players, meals, clothes given to our ministry.
A blessing is celebrating 37 years of marriage.
A blessing is watching the men who come out of jail and get jobs and thrive.
A blessing is, although a struggle, knowing my parents are protected from the world and its chaos during this time.
A blessing is having a resident hug you and tell you she loves you.
A blessing is having a team of supporters around us making sure our needs are met.
A blessing is a national prison ministry event and 11 people made a commitment to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior and 5 re-committed their lives.
A blessing is having laser surgery and feeling no pain or have any restrictions right after.
A blessing is being able to give 6 more guys a place to live while starting their new journey in recovery.
A blessing is God’s continued provision for us & you!
A blessing is our health, ourselves, kids and grandkids.
NAME SOME OF YOUR BLESSINGS! WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Leave us a comment below and subscribe to this blog!
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Redeemed Home update from Karen...
On November 3, we are welcoming a new resident. Her name is Tiffany. When Redeemed program gets a new resident, several things happen. The current residents are very welcoming, but it breaks up the normal flow of what they are used to. There is now a new person to learn to trust, open hearts to, learn to live with. This will make the house having residents. Transitions are not always easy, yet we welcome them. Pray for Tiffany as she joins the home, for her to let go of her past hurts and actions and be still so that God can begin His work in her. We are excited! A ‘sisterhood’ is build with the women.
November will bring Katie Riley moving out into her first ever apartment. Date TBD on the completion of the renovation of the apartment. It is a BLOC owned apartment, where Katie will have reduced rent, continued accountability which includes random drug testing. Graduates are always welcome to join us for our weekly dinner and Bible study as well as a class we offer called After Care. After Care is a continued class on things like mindfulness, conflict resolution etc. That continues for our ladies in phase 2, 3 and graduates, our effort to keep them present in their recovery. Katie graduated on 10/23. She was offered a job with Aruna—which is a ministry that employs women in India coming out of sex-trafficking. Katie is their first US employee that has been rescued. SO COOL! If you didn’t read my facebook post from Aruna about her, let me know, I’d love to share it with you. BLOC loves partnering with other ministries that will help our women thrive. Katie’s dream is simple. She wants to share her story and travel. With Aruna—both of those will likely happen. She will also be part of any shows they have a booth at to sell the items these ladies in India make. Want to know more or shop visit arunaproject.com
Continued needs for Redeemed: Volunteers! Weekend volunteers are needed. Usually 4 hour shifts. If you would be interested in spending time with our ladies, just reach out to me! Want a tour? Let us know!
Physical ongoing needs are toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning products, personal hygiene product (tampons), ladies underwear, gloves and scarves for winter. As new ladies come, and if they need anything specific, I’ll update on facebook on the Redeemed page. Follow us to stay updated!
https://www.facebook.com/redeemedhomebloc
Some bigger wants/needs: outdoor chairs, plastic bins with lids for storage.
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Men’s & Jail Ministry with Jim...
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| People prayed to receive Christ! |
On October 31, I was honored to help organize and facilitate an awesome event hosted by Bill Glass Prison Ministries, Behind the Walls, and Ride 4 Life. They gave us a show of motorcycle stunts and presented the gospel. It was a beautiful day in Price Hill. 11 people made a decision to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior and 5 re-committed their lives. They offered free food and posters signed by the stunt men. It was a great day!
Visiting the Justice Center has been such a blessing being able to visit men. I feel like I give them hope. It’s so hard since clergy are the only ones allowed in—no family at all. One after another I’m asked to visit with someone’s cell mate or friend. I am humbled by this experience.
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We are so thankful for each and every one of you who are praying for us, for our ministries, for the men and women in our programs. We would love to give you a tour of BLOC - just reach out and let's make plans! Jim will buy you a coffee! 👨
Have a very blessed Thanksgiving!
Jim & Karen
A blessing is....seeing long-time friends find their place in ministering to those who need them most!
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