In creating any new ministry there will be mistakes made. Why? Because we all are human and if it is a ministry that we, as a church, have not done before, it is started as a learning experience as we go. We found that out almost from the beginning.

We were all gung-ho and excited about starting, looking at all the possibilities, and how best we could glorify the Lord. As time passed we began to encounter unexpected problems, which in reality, is to be expected even though we were unaware of just what those unexpected problems would be. For example, the couple we hired that I spoke of early on.

Then we had what pastor kindly called, “bumps in the road.” The furnace, windows, a stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher, that all need replacing plus so much more. Some expected, others not. The renovation needs have piled up and although a good bit has been done it is slow going and much left to be done.

When we first started, it was during the Covic hysteria and people were out of work so volunteers were ready and willing to lend a helpful hand, but now those same people have jobs and their focus is work and family. Oh, we still have a few that are willing to help here and there but nothing like it was at first. Pastor is doing almost all of it by himself and that just ain’t right!

People are still being loving through their donations of physical items. We received more towels, a much needed shower curtain, a couple of sheets, and when I walked into the home a week ago I was surprised to see furniture in the living room. Some generous person took the time to buy outdoor patio furniture.

That confused me because we are not extending the small patio so why patio furniture? Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate their generosity but patio furniture is not living room furniture and I realized that was what it was supposed to be used as! I’m hoping that pastor will suggest to this generous couple (if it is a couple) to exchange the patio furniture for living room furniture. Like I said, we all make mistakes and with the Lord’s help we have been able to rectify what mistakes we have made and hopefully this mistake will be rectified also.

Pastor was at the house today and was able to get more of the trim and base boards done as well as changing out a few of the electrical outlets. I have not been able to do any more than water the flower garden due to no edging. I have found that I will be forced to go with the paving stone blocks due to grey scalloped edging, that I had decided I wanted to use, cannot be found or ordered. Red just won’t cut it!

So that decision has been made and now its just a matter of purchasing them and getting them hauled over to the house. I can’t wait to get to work on that and then I can do the mulch. The largest section will then be complete and I’ll have to start on the other end where pastor needs to fill in with top soil.

A slow process? Oh yeah! And once again I have to remind myself it all takes time and cool my heels on letting frustration take hold. Any new ministry, especially where a home is purchased or renovations of a store front, a room, a church, or anything else that has to be done to prepare for whatever ministry is to be done within, is going to be quite an experience!

I’ll see you next time with news of a new delivery. Hmm I wonder what it is?

Blessings to you.

Into the Light Ministry

http://www.intothelightga.com

The time that we have had without running back and forth to the ministry house has been a time, for me, has been catching up on everyday tasks around my own home. We have gotten some rain so no need for me to go water. I’ve had time to grocery shop, buy myself a tomato plant, and do the usual things like laundry, etc.

I was told by my handy man about another ministry much like ours and I am absolutely amazed at the work they do. Yes, its helping women rescued straight out of the sex traffic horrors. The Sacred Roots Farm Ministry is much more than what we are planning on doing. Into the Light Ministry is a transition home. The women have previously gone through a year long program before they come to us. That ministry is a working farm and there is no time limit for the women and their children (if they have any) to stay to heal and recover. Milking cows, feeding chickens, and horseback riding can bring amazing healing.

These types of Christian ministries is desperately needed in Georgia. (All across the country actually) Georgia is one of the top sex traffic states. Last report we saw we have gone from number 1 (Atlanta) to number 3 in the U.S.A. and ministries such as this one and ours is less than a handful in this state. Out of Darkness is yet another one. (Atlanta)

From the very first when Pastor and I spoke about starting this ministry I have felt an urgency. Once we actually began the plans and searching for a house the urgency seemed to increase. Now that we have the house and have been doing the renovations it has caused me much frustration (not happening fast enough) and I have to keep reminding myself, “its all in God’s hands and in His timing.” I’ve had to do that this week while pastor is having himself a great time wading out into a flowing cool stream and casting that fly rod. I hope he and his honey had a big old trout dinner. I can hear that crackling campfire and smell those trout frying from here. Its making my mouth water. They both deserve the time away and I pray safe journey back home tomorrow.

In the meantime I’m getting a bit of rest too, but my mind is zeroing back in the direction of what I need to do to get the flower garden done. We still have the front steps and a walkway to install and pastor needs fill dirt to fill in next to the driveway before I can do anything with that end. I’m waiting for his return to get his opinion on whether to use the scalloped edging or blocks, plus all that still needs to be done inside.

I am excited though about a new delivery coming next week. Will it be delivered as promised?

Come on back to see what all the excitement is about. I hope to see you then.

Blessings to you.

Into the Light Ministry

http://www.intothelightga.com

Since my last post we all have been quite busy. As I stated before pastor has his plate over running with responsibilities and has not been able to work at the Into the Light Home for the past week. The man amazes me with all that he does. He’s like the Energizer Bunny whose batteries never run down. But they have this time, and so I think the Lord told him its time to take a break. He announced Sunday morning that he and his wife are going trout fishing. He was teaching her how to cast off their back deck and we all had a good chuckle because she proudly announced, “and I caught one.” Gerri popped up and said, “Yeah, a tree trout.”

While they are relaxing, and hopefully catching some nice sized trout, I have been playing in the dirt. I mentioned getting all the debre raked up and hauled off and now it was time to start digging holes and getting those Phlox in the ground and thankfully just in time.

Most plants are potted in dirt, not these. It was some kind of sandy kind of stuff I haven’t seen before and even though I watered them all the while they were sitting outside in my yard, they were dry as a bone and several of them were dying, to my horror!

I spent Monday working around the numerous small roots left behind and buried from those crappy shrubs we pulled out. I found two that were larger that I had to dig out. But I am not only a determined woman I am persistent and I got all of those medium sized potted Phlox in the ground and almost drowned them to keep them alive. The flower garden is really starting to look very nice and even two ladies at church have complimented me on it, even though there is still work to be done to complete it. That is always so nice to hear.

I did get frustrated this morning when I hauled one of my hoses over to the house to be able to water everything. The faucet is on the far end of the house and of course my hose would not reach as far as I needed it to and there’s too much to water with my big water can. Grab a bucket and start watering everything the hose wouldn’t reach. Why is it that a simple job always turns into a fiasco?

Problem solved though for next time. I beat it to Walmart and bought a 100 ft. hose!

Another problem was solved tonight. The shattered shower door at my house is now replaced with a whole new set of doors. Not cheap but I will not give the enemy the satisfaction of complaining. I’m blessed to have a handy man I can call and things get done, as well as the Lord meeting my needs financially and otherwise. Thank you Jesus.

With pastor off enjoying his time away I’ll have to wait on a decision of straight cement scalloped edgers or using the blocks for the flower garden, but that’s okay because we all need a rest.

Have a blessed week and see you next time.

Blessings to you

Into the Light Ministry

http://www.intothelightga.com

I apologize for running late on my Into The Light Home post but it’s been a heck of a week so far. Sunday night Gerri was up late and while doing whatever she was doing when she heard a slight thud coming from the bathroom. She has a suction cup thing on the shower wall that on occasion will come lose and fall. Thinking that’s what the thud came from she paid it no mind.

It wasn’t the suction cup hitting the shower floor! Walking into the bathroom to get ready for bed she discovered the glass shower door had completely shattered and the glass piled in the bottom of the shower! There was no earthly reason for an entire glass door to shatter into a million pieces. There were no cracks, small holes, or any defects what-so-ever to cause this.

As Christians we all know there is an enemy of God that hates us with a passion. You can believe this or not but both Gerri and I have been being obedient in doing what the Lord is calling us to do and when we Christians are serving the Lord, trusting Him, and being obedient to His call, satan doesn’t like it! On occasion he will manifest himself through demonic activity in various ways, like shattering a perfectly fine shower door at 1:00 in the morning.

The second manifestation took place the very next day. We had been to the ministry home working and when we came home Gerri was standing at the front of the car and I was unloading items from the back when I hear a loud crash. “What was that!?” I asked looking toward the front of the garage.

On the floor was a foot long rod that had been on the far back side of a shelf with items in front of it. Gerri watched as that rod lifted off the shelf and slammed to the floor hitting a couple of metal buckets. It did not roll off the shelf! It was thrown off the shelf. We looked at each other and I said, “Somebody isn’t happy.”

I really don’t care if you think I’ve lost my marbles or not. The enemy of God makes himself known, and his anger known, if we’re just aware of some of his tactics. There is no question in our mind what has taken place between the shower door and the “flying” rod and he has been bound from any further manifestations.

My wonderful handy man showed up that evening and the shower door is being ordered and will be replaced, and we move on. What is meant for evil (supposed to scare us to death – but didn’t) God will turn for His glory.

With all that said, I spent this morning cleaning up the mess I raked out of the flower garden and have prepared to get to play in the dirt some more tomorrow morning. The border is marked and I have bags of dirt in my car and 2 flats of Phlox that will finally be planted. Pastor has finished a few rooms with the trim and base boards but with 2 weddings and a funeral the rest will have to wait.

Next step is getting the edging. Will we use cement scalloped or blocks?

Come back next time to see.

Blessings to you.

Into the Light Ministry

http://www.intothelightga.com

I spent two days working on the flower garden for the Into the Light Home and as I was leaving pastor said he’d like to have flowers around one of the trees in the front yard. That put me on a search for plants that need mostly shade. I found some and the third day I got to play in the dirt some more.

While getting all dirty I remembered a place on the way to Helen, Ga. that sells all sorts of yard decorations, handmade bird houses, and the best ice-cream! So Saturday I used the excuse of wanting to go there to get a bird house for my garden at the ministry house, but what I really wanted was a double scoop of their chocolate ice-cream in a cone. Long story short, Gerri and I came home with a cool bird house, a small cement fawn deer, and a belly full of chocolate Ice-cream. That’s the first time I’ve driven almost 45 miles for an ice-cream cone. 🙂

I spoke with Pastor Sunday telling him what I got and he said he’d be working at the house today. Boy howdy did he ever! Gerri met with him and we learned he’s still working on the trim work, he’ll be putting new ceiling fans up, we had a donation of some much needed items delivered today, and praise be to God he had two fellas helping him.

He said he worked all day and during their conversation he leaned toward her and whispered, “Don’t tell Sue, but I had to use one of the new kitchen towels in the drawer. It was hot working in there and I was sweating and needed to use one but I’ll be sure to wash it.”

I guess he remembers me yelling, “Don’t touch the towels!” And yes, she told on him. (I’m laughing)

Pastor and the two helpers got a lot done today but there is still more to do. We thank the Lord for the help, for all the work that has been completed and we are so much closer to completing the renovations than we were in the beginning. We’ve come a long way, and thank God we aren’t where we used to be.

See ya’ next time.

Blessings to you.

Into the Light Ministry

http://www.intothelightga.com

As many times as I have worked at the Into the Light Home, there are only a few times I have actually taken pictures, which I now regret. I had taken some early on but the rooms were not brightly lit and like an amateur I didn’t use the flash, but since then I do have a few pictures to share, as I promised a little while back.

Remember how I just couldn’t wait for pastor to get rid of those crappy shrubs? Here’s why…

The house is a four sided brick home but you sure can’t tell it. Well, actually there’s very little showing behind those shrubs to see anything.

As we continued to work inside, I continued to want those shrubs gone! I like brick homes. They are more solid and yes, older homes, but to me they have a character all of their own.

The day finally came when even pastor was ready for them to be gone. Are you ready for a real “WOW?”

WOW! What a difference! We found a whole house hidden behind that mess of bushes!

The inside work has continued. Pastor has been doing most of the work himself, as I have stated many times. He’s been ripping out, replacing, and now trying to finish the base boards and molding around the ceiling.

The day after he tore out the shrubs he said to me, “Go get your plants,” So I did and then you all have heard me griping and complaining about this happening and that happening, or the weather, or, or, or and I didn’t get to plant anything. The plants have been in and out of my bedroom more times than I can count but the weather has finally warmed and no wind chills to speak of, and the rain has stopped.

Ohhhhh Sue is a happy camper now!

Yesterday I spent a good part of the day digging roots up, raking the garbage buried and exposed, and trying to fill in some holes and low spots. Obviously there are no stairs to even get to the front door so I marked off where stairs will be installed and once I was too tired to work anymore I left and came back this morning, with a car loaded with dirt, shovel, rake, water, and whatever else I needed. Once I finished raking, digging up more roots I headed home and came back with plants!

The line of trash is what I dug out, raked off, and will be gone next week. Do I look happy? Oh you bet I am. There’s nothing better than playing in good old dirt. You can’t see it but my T-shirt says, “I love to play in the dirt.” A dear friend gave it to me as a gift and I wear it…to play in the dirt.

Do you like the bird bath? The Rose of Sharon is at the end past the bird bath,but it’s just a stick with some tiny leaves right now, but that won’t last for long. They are fast growers.

I brought four Azalea’s with me and a Rose of Sharon. I can’t plant the Phlox or Hosta’s until the line of trash is gone and the border I will be doing is done. I’m one pooped gal but I am a contented pooped gal. That part of the garden is done for now. Pastor needs to get some fill dirt for the area closest to the driveway so asked me not to do anything with that other than the one Azalea. But next week we’ll be back at it and I can’t wait.

There have been people praying for good weather, after my “frustration” article and for the help pastor needs. Prayers are being answered. Next week, pastor has a whole crew of men coming to help him! Praise be to God and thank you Jesus, and thank you for your prayers.

I hope this post has been more uplifting for you my readers. Will that “crew” show up? Will I be able to get the border done and all those Phlox planted before they completely take over their pots with roots coming out the bottom?

Come back next time for those answers. We’ll see what happens.

Blessings to you.

Into the Light Ministry

http://www.intothelightga.com

Praise be to God the Father for His most Holy Son who died and arose. We just celebrated His resurrection. He calls each of us to various “duties” (for lack of a better word at this moment) all for His purposes. Some He commands, others He asks, and other’s He gives assignments to. My calling for 28 years was The Elah Ministry where I ministered to women, and some men, that had been sexually abused as children.

He assigned me to minister to various women, some lived in my home for a time as He and I helped them grow, heal, and get on their feet. That’s what my new assignment is now, my new calling.

Some months ago I was instructed by the Lord to shut Elah Ministry down and to be a part of this new ministry, Into The Light Ministry. We have bought a home and as many of you know we have been renovating it for ministering to women that have been rescued from sex traffic which includes drugs and prostitution. We will be a transition home to help these ladies transition back into society in a loving and healthy way.

But I have to confess, I’m frustrated! Pastor is doing most of the work himself and with everything else on his pastoral plate he can only devote 2 days a week, if that. With the past holidays, lousy weather, and trying to use the donations given with wisdom we are not able to hire the help to help him. I wish I had that M-I-L-L-I-O-N he keeps hoping for, I’d hire the help we need, but I don’t.

I’m also frustrated because the weather has prevented me from getting to play in the dirt and with a wind chill of 23 degrees I’ve once again hauled the purchased plants back into my bedroom. They’ll be there 2 nights so as not to lose them to the cold.

I’m angry and frustrated so I’m heading to the house in 43 degree weather this morning to start raking and clearing out what roots I can for the flower garden. After the rains we’ve had the ground will be soft (mud) but it must be done because the plants are getting root bound in their pots. A tiller has not been found nor a volunteer to help, and the inside of the house still needs work. So Cass is fed up and going to do what I can, when I can, and how I can. Anyone want to help?

Check back next time and maybe I’ll have a praise and hallelujah to report.

Blessings to you,

Into the Light Ministry

http://www.intothelightga.com

BECAUSE HE LIVES

WE CAN FACE

ALL OF OUR

TOMORROWS.

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY

Into the Light Ministry

http://www.intothelightga.com

“He received 39 stripes because 40 was known to kill a man. They wanted him alive.

They held handfuls of his beard, and hair and pulled it out by the roots. They wanted him alive.

They kicked, punched, and spit on him for hours. Until there wasn’t a single spot on his body not covered in blood. They wanted him alive.

They shoved a crown of thorns down on his head so harshly it stuck in his skin. They wanted him alive.

After hours of being beaten, mocked, whipped, flogged, and tortured they made him walk with a cross. They made him carry it. A rough piece of wood with splinters digging into fresh wounds. They wanted him alive.

They wanted him to feel every ounce of pain they could bring.

He had to feel it in order to heal us.

Crucifixion was historically one of the cruelest most tortured deaths a human could face. Hours upon hours of torture. Torture most of us can not mentally think of because the cruelty isn’t normal. It isn’t something our minds can comprehend.

We celebrate Easter with pastel colors, happy children hunting eggs, and chocolate. Truth is there was absolutely nothing happy about the day Jesus died. It was cruel, bloody, and nasty.

He could have stopped all of it. He could have called every angel in heaven to demolish every person standing and shouting “Crucify Him!”

He didn’t. He knew in order to have a Sunday you have to have a Friday. He knew in order to have joy you have to carry your cross. He felt everything that day. He felt how your heart broke wide open when you had to watch your baby die. He felt how heavy your life was when you were staring down the barrel of a gun wondering if the man you called husband was going to shoot you. He carried the weight of the burden you have felt since your spouse died and life just doesn’t seem right since. On that cross he held the rapist and murderers, the sinner and the saint. He leveled every playing field and said ALL of you are worth it. He knew he had to carry the cross. He never promised the cross you carry in this life would not be heavy. His wasn’t. His promise is that Sunday is coming.

No matter how heavy Friday is. Financially, emotionally, mentally, or physically. Friday is heavy. That cross is weighing you down and you are about to crumble under its weight.

His promise was simply this. He won’t make you carry it alone.

What kind of king would step down from his throne for this? Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God did. For you.

He did every bit of it for you and me.

Oh yes it is heavy. So heavy sometimes you do not think you can take one more step.

But look up, because Sunday is coming.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(I copied this from FB and don’t know who penned it)

Into the Light Ministry

http://www.intothelightga.com