God's LOVE never fails...

Love is the theme for this month! We want to focus on God’s love for us.  I ran across a good devotion, “God’s Love Never Fails” from Psalm 136: 1-26. Here’s a bit from the article.  What lasts forever? You may be hard-pressed to think of anything that matches that description. But today we know of one thing that is never-ending: God’s love. In this passage, this same phrase is repeated 26 times: “His love endures forever.”

Those words bring such peace especially in a world full of chaos. Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.

Here’s the link to read the whole article as we focus on love this February. To love Him and love each other deeper.

https://www.todayintheword.org/issues/2019/4/devotions/18/

We want to take a moment to mention recurring giving. There have been some possible glitches. There are many staff members who are raising funds and it’s a lot for our one financial person to catch if a payment doesn’t process, which could happen for many different reasons. To stay up on this is a challenge for all of us. I am processing through a couple of options for myself to keep better track for those of you giving monthly and have checked recurring. For you, if you switch credit cards or want to make any changes, please contact us or Jenna Martin directly. You can reach her at jenna.martin@onebloc.org. We truly appreciate all of you and your selfless investing in our mission.

Prayer requests. Good friends of ours, Eric and Rachel Helfenstine, contracted COVID-19. Sadly Eric passed away about 2 1/2 weeks ago. His wife Rachel remains hospitalized, but doing better. Please lift up Rachel and their family during this most difficult time.

A former resident at Redeemed passed away a few weeks ago. This was tragic and hard. She left Redeemed too soon and fell back into life. Please lift up her parents and daughters. This was a first for our program, to lose a woman we loved. She loved Jesus, so we rest in the fact that she is now at peace.

It’s been a whole year since my moms stroke, which dramatically changed their lives. They are settled into their new place at StoryPoint Fairfield. The care is so much better and they both seem settled and engaged.  Mom’s heath and state of mind are declining. She seems comfortable, yet more confused. She has Vascular Dementia caused by her stroke, which we’re told is a more aggressive form of dementia. Dad, being a social man, is engaged in daily activities and staying more occupied. We are thankful for StoryPoint and look forward to someday soon being able to visit them. Please continue to pray for their state of minds, comfort and peace.

Men's & Jail Ministry from Jim...

As I mentioned last month, everyone I meet seems to know someone who is in active addiction or jail, LITERALLY EVERYONE is touched by the epidemic of drug addiction or sex trafficking.  It’s so painful and exhausting but we know that God has us here for such a time as this even though we weren’t professionally trained. God can certainly qualify the called, RIGHT??!!  #BeAvailable!! 

It’s such a joy to partner with another ministry that has the same passion as Bloc!  The LIT (Living In Testimony) Movement has such a passion to help men in recovery. The Executive Director (Tyler) has been in similar situations as a lot of these guys that we serve.  He goes out of his way to help them in everyway possible. He is constantly finding ways to make their stay as productive as possible and complete the program and return as the most Christ-centered man they can possibly be!!

More and more requests are coming in for me to visit men in the Justice Center.  It is such a privilege to share the hope that I have in a risen Savior with these men. As they serve their time, they are often transferred to  other state prisons to finish out their time. I continue to communicate with them through what they call the “JPay” email system with costs money.  I try to make sure they all have bibles so that they can be in the Word as much as possible so the Holy Spirit can help guide them along their way.  It cost money to ship them.  If you happen to have a business or know someone that does that may want to make a contribution, this would be a great opportunity to be helping to change a life for the Kingdom of God! 

Redeemed Home update from Karen...

What we want most for the ladies that we have the privilege to pour into, is for them to love the Lord and love themselves. To find love in a world where they have never known love. To find and learn how to  honor, respect themselves and others. Danny Gokey, a Christian artist has a song called Love God, Love People—it’s a simple yet catchy tune that says is all.

Haven’t heart it?  Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-29WLQ3trA

When we meet for our weekly staff meetings, about once a month we write notes to each resident and put it in their rooms, to encourage them, lift them up,   telling them we’re proud of their journey, that they  are loved.

This Valentines week—we will be filling bags with notes like this. It really does make them feel special, knowing they are prayed for, thought of and loved.

If you’d like to send our ladies a card of encouragement, let me know!  I’ll send you their names and the address. Like a card shower!! Or if you see me, you can give them to me and I’ll make sure they make it into their Valentine bags! Candy is also welcome! :)

We currently have 3 full-time residents, all in phase 2 and doing well. A forth resident, Olivia, recently had her baby. She and Silas live in another program called the Madonna House. They specialize in moms and babies. She comes back for Bible study, Celebrate Recovery meetings, continues to meet with her life coach and stays in touch with the other residents and staff. So she is still a part of Redeemed and is working hard to graduate our program. She is doubly blessed having 2 communities pouring into her! :)

We are in continual prayer for new residents, as God leads them to us. Beds are ready and we are waiting!

This month we celebrate with resident Mollie on her 1-year of being clean and sober. We celebrate each monthly mile-stone, but 1 year is HUGE! We take them out to dinner at a place of their choice. Watch for pics!

More GREAT news!  Resident Christine was offered and she accepted a job with Refresh Collective (formerly BLOC Screen Print). Christine has been working for them during her phase 1 training and they worked hard to find a way to hire her as a permanent employee!  We're so proud of her and so excited for her next phase of her journey!  

Here is what Refresh Collective shared on their Instagram page. FOLLOW THEM to keep up with all the great work they are doing! 

"We are so happy to welcome Christine to the Refresh team here in Cincinnati. You are exactly who we needed to grow into 2021 and we are so thankful to be continuing this journey with you! Christine has already played a key role in the growth we experienced in 2020 as an intern in our workforce development program, and now, she will be joining our team as a printing and embroidery production assistant :)" - Lee Harrill, owner and operator of Refresh Collective. 

These ladies make the hard but good choice daily to stay, to sit still, engage in the program requirements, to listen and learn. It’s not always easy. We as staff are encouraged by their brave choices. It’s not a job for me!  I get to do this. Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement and your support. I know you’re here with me!

Continued needs for Redeemed:  Ongoing needs @ Redeemed, are simple every day things like toilet paper, paper towels, Clorox wipes, laundry soap, dryer sheets, murphy's oil floor, hand soap, zip lock baggies (gallon and sandwich), Lysol spray and cleaning products, tampons, socks and ladies underwear (sizes 6 - 10).  

💗 Happy Valentines Day! 💗