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drugs. It was as though the Lord was saying, "Take
them home....feed them...." And I said, "Huh? You have to be kidding...maybe You
have me mixed up with someone else, Lord." Well, as is always the case when He
makes up His mind, I started taking them home with me. First I had to buy a
house, so I did. Five weeks later, I had my house and the first woman was there,
literally helping me unpack and settle in.
I prayed in teachers and the Lord brought them, one by one. They are still
teaching to this day. After a while, we formed a Board and incorporated as a
not-for-profit. After six years, we outgrew that house. I sold it, and Wings of
Hope purchased a large home. We had help from the community, of course! It is a
community ministry, reaching all segments of the population. And ours is the
community to which they return, upon release from incarceration.
They need not to go back into the same environment.
So after the Courts began to see changes in people they had sometimes dealt with
for years, they began to sentence people here. It took a little time to build
the relationships with Court divisions, but not long, for the Lord went before
me!
Security is a main factor with the Courts, as is accountability. I made certain
that I would provide security always, in order to serve the people that I
committed to help. I report to each woman's case manager at least twice monthly.
Often we are in contact more often than that. I love the Scripture that says
very clearly, "Obey the laws of the land." (Romans 13:1-3)
As the women learn
about forgiveness, mercy and grace...there is no stopping them! Those that
commit to trust Jesus are awesome in their life changes. I am so blessed that
the Lord allows me to watch Him at work.
I did learn that there are
things like paperwork, fundraising, and speaking, that I hadn't counted on....
But when I consider that in light of the testimonies
to the Lord's miracles in people today, it is a small price. So with shaking
knees, I speak...and trust Him to give me the Words!
There are normally between 12 and 17 residents (plus their children on weekends).
It is a family, not an institution. We teach the ladies how to live Godly
lives...and to cook, clean and sew, plus basic computer skills, parenting,
budgeting and other life skills. We teach them to do it as though they are doing
it for Jesus...and they do. We now have employers who call regularly for our
women. They are becoming women of integrity, and the community is noticing work
ethics that are above reproach.
Unfortunately, most jobs are minimum wage, and the ladies walk in all weather to
get there. Sometimes we have bus passes, and that is a little easier for them.
But they do not complain...they are grateful, so grateful for the opportunity.
Thank you for supporting us and keeping a prayer cover over us. It is not easy
sometimes, but God is bigger and faithful in all His ways. We depend on Him for
everything! Well, this is turning into a book! I still get excited about what
God does here! Oh, did I mention the baptisms? There are so many each
year...Celebrate Jesus, Celebrate!
Thanks for sharing in my joy...and loving us. We love you back!
Linda K
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Greeting
in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ,