“...as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:15 Thankful for Community It can often go unnoticed, but there is a strong dynamic of community here at Strong Life and among the homeless population. Recently, we’ve seen our friends here at Strong Life pitch in on two important projects. One was sanding and painting a picnic table for use in the backyard. The other was sorting clothing donations. This was very helpful, as the clothing closet had gotten to the point of being unusable because it was so full of unsorted donations. We have also been encouraged by the way that folks chip in to clean at the end of the day. When closing time draws near, our friends are grabbing brooms, cleaning wipes, and the mop bucket! This is a tremendous blessing to the staff. We are incredibly grateful to see how this culture has grown in serving and respect over the past year. Our gratitude shines the brightest in the darkest of times. At Strong Life we have endured a difficult season of sadness with the unexpected loss of one of our dear volunteers and advocates for those in poverty. We cried as we sat with one of our dear homeless friends and prayed as she made her final journey home in the hospital. We continue to pray in regards to the ongoing terminal illness of another. In this time of sadness, we have seen our friends show deep concern and fervently pray for those in need. We realize we are blessed to share community and the journey of life together as we navigate through these difficult times. We are yet thankful that God is our Living Hope. Thankful for New Construction
It has been a year since we started the construction process of our multi-purpose building. We are happy to say that after we pour the sidewalks next week, we will be ready for our final inspection to complete phase one of our vision and allow this building to be available to us for the winter months ahead for overflow and storage. Would you please help us continue to make this happen? We need the partners of this ministry to get the word out for giving Tuesday to help others who might be interested in supporting Strong Life. Would you please take the time to forward this newsletter to those who might help? For more information about giving please visit our website www.stronglifenc.org and click on the giving tab or email us at stronglifenc@gmail.com. "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Matthew 7:24 A Firm Foundation It has been great to see the progress finally coming together for our new building. We have been praying to have it up by the winter for numerous reasons that would benefit those in need. We are happy to say God has it right on schedule. We are very thankful to Kelly Huffman with S&H Pools for doing so much to ensure we have a proper foundation for our building. This has been a lengthy process but we know a good foundation is what everything will be built upon. It is the same way with everything we do. What happens early on really sets the tone for everything else that follows. We take this approach with all we do with building relationships or programs at Strong Life Ministries. A Return To Service
Tony is our latest graduate from our Men's Program. He was gifted a car over a year ago that significantly helped him move toward his goals. We are even happier to say Tony has found his own place and decided to return to Strong Life to work part-time as one of our monitors. Tony is a great addition to Strong Life Rescue Mission and to the community now that he has reassessed some things and seen his value over the past year in our Men's Program. We are excited to see how God will continue to use his life as he serves others! We are looking for blankets and men's clothing as the winter approaches. Please keep us in mind. Feel free to call us with any questions about donations or dropping off items. You can reach us at 828-994-4321. "You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm, and a shade from the heat." Isaiah 25:4 A Shade For Rest With the Summer sun, comes a new set of challenges and bright victories for those in need in our community. Battling issues of heat exhaustion, sunburn, bugs, and another resurgence of the COVID-19 outbreak has not been easy. The bright side is the positive response we have had from the community to supply for the needs of those experiencing homelessness. From an outpouring of water bottles to tons of bug spray, sunscreen, and more, it has been a delight seeing how quickly needs have been met. Recently, we have been able to set up fans and pavilions outside to help with the overcrowding of our day center and help those outside stay cool, thanks to our financial contributors. Simply put, the beauty of God’s love and provision shines brightest the greater the need. We get to see this outpouring of love daily as we receive donations from loving and compassionate hearts desiring to help folks navigate through the difficulties they face. We are growing from the ground up as our construction for our expansion has officially begun. We are happy to announce that the foundation for the warehouse and office spaces will be ready to be poured by the end of this month. It is an exciting time for this ministry! Preparing a Foundation Although we have many needs as an organization, we are incredibly grateful to serve a God who provides. Pastor John was reminded of this as a young boy came in hungry last week looking for food. Shortly after he came in, he found a peach tree ready for harvest on the Strong Life property and asked if he could pick some. We gave him a bag and told him to take as much as he would like. The joy on the young boy’s face as he ate the peaches is a beautiful reminder of God’s providence. God meets our needs before we even know what they are. What about you? As you desire to help the needs of others, what is your need today? Perhaps it is not something you can see on the outside but a need in your heart or an emotional need. The beauty we have seen at Strong Life this past month is the continued reminder of God’s provision for our needs today, no matter what they are or how great they may seem.
To find more ways in which you can help the homeless during the summer heat reach out to us through our website: www.stronglifenc.org. "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6 Persevering to Serve Amidst Trials We have been blessed over the past 3 years to have walked alongside a great friend named Charlie. Charlie was a disabled homeless veteran whom we met in 2019. He was staying at the Salvation Army and looking to overcome a mountain of obstacles in front of him. Over time, we got to know Charlie well and then the pandemic hit! During the pandemic, he single-handedly helped Pastor John serve the homeless community in Hickory when almost all other organizations in the area were closed or in lockdown. Charlie showed a tremendous servant's heart as he helped tirelessly with the transition of the Life House to the new Strong Life location in the winter of 2021. Many that dropped off donations admired Charlie for volunteering his time to help others in the homeless community and often considered him a friend. Pastor John always enjoyed picking up Charlie and sharing a cup of coffee on their way to church on Sunday mornings. During his time at Strong Life, Charlie never failed to put a smile on the faces of all around him with a quick joke or a lending hand. Finishing Well
With the unfortunate passing of Charlie's good friend, Mark Doughtrey aka "Big Foot", and being forced from his camping location, things became quite dismal. After the great effort of our staff, we were finally able to reconnect Charlie with his family in the mountains. They were able to obtain an RV for him that would allow him to live right next to them. Last week we made the journey up the mountain with Charlie to be reunited with his family and said our bittersweet goodbyes to a man who inspired us all. We were touched to see his journey of homelessness end and help him transition to a place of restoration with his family. We are reminded in times like these that seasons of life come and go. Charlie's example shows us that we should be willing to serve in all circumstances. Whether we find ourselves in a place of comfort or need, just like Charlie we should strive to act in love. God is loving and faithful, and He will see to it that we finish well in the end. We ask that you pray for Charlie to finish well as he looks to serve his family during a time of trial when they need his help. It is a wonderful thing to see one of our homeless friends find their way home in more ways than one. To find more ways in which you can help the homeless find their way home, reach out to us through our website: www.stronglifenc.org. "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God." Luke 12:6 Caring For All Great and Small
The companionship of a pet has a special place in difficult times. Unfortunately, when someone becomes homeless, they often must choose between their pet or a place to stay. We get to minister to many folks who become homeless and have nowhere or no one to turn to in order to help take care of their pets. There is no emergency shelter available that will allow people to have their pets or emotional support animals unless it is a licensed service animal. Due to this issue, Strong Life has fostered or rehomed 7 pets over the past year. These animal friends deserve love and care as well. When someone in the homeless community tells us that they can no longer take care of their pet, we desire to show compassion in this difficult situation. The best thing we can do is help their pet find a good home. A small dog was brought to us in March by a homeless couple who said a random stranger in a car pulled up to them at a gas station and asked them to take this lame dog they didn’t want anymore. Their response was we can’t even take care of ourselves how can we take care of a dog? But, it was too late as the person was already pulling away. This couple made a homemade splint for the dog who had an injured leg and brought him to us. We took in the dog and kept him safe at the carport of our Men’s Program and began to call animal rescue shelters. There were no vacancies at a no-kill shelter so the guys at the Strong Life Men’s Program stepped up and said they would foster and care for him until we found him a permanent home. They did just that! They walked, fed, and played with this dog they named Lucky as he began to heal. "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10 The Trust in the Journey Staying on the journey with folks as they transition out of homelessness is something we desire to do at Strong Life. A glimpse of this is provided through the story of our friend Randy. Randy came into homelessness 2 years ago. He was living out of his car until he got sick and had to go to the hospital. It was during this time his car got towed and upon his exit from the hospital he could not afford the impound fees to retrieve his car. He was a long-haul truck driver unable to go back to work due to medical issues and the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, Randy continued to go through difficulties as he had lost his transportation and was staying at the Salvation Army. He was looking for work and the next step forward. We helped him apply for a trucking job. He got back on the road and successfully worked for several months until the company he worked for went out of business. Randy stayed in hotels until his money ran out then went back into the homeless community. After several months of camping in the woods and participating in Strong Life Rescue Mission’s Day Program, we developed a trusting relationship with Randy. We saw the integrity of his character and offered Randy a job with Strong Life during our busy winter season. We provided a place for him to stay in the Strong Life Men’s Program. He has been working his part time job faithfully for nearly 4 months and was praying through the next step when a wonderful blessing came his way. There was an incredible opportunity through the provision of a vehicle being donated to restore what Randy had lost and help get him to the next step. The Joy in the Blessing
Pastor Mark Myers of Marketplace Church in Hickory, NC had the faith and vision to hold a community revival this past month. Pastor Mark said he wanted to give away a car to show God’s love and provision for someone. He asked if we knew anyone who had experienced homelessness who they could bless. We recognized that Randy would be a perfect fit. Pastor Mark and his church paid for and saw to it the car had new tires, brakes, battery, and inspection to make sure it was in tip top shape to represent the love and provision of God. Randy received his new to him car on Easter morning with tears of gratitude and a smile that couldn’t be wiped away. He was told in this moment by Pastor Mark that this was an outward sign of God’s love for him “a blessing to help him on his journey”. Randy, who has been drug and alcohol free on his journey through homelessness, accredits his strength and persistence to his faith in Jesus Christ. He also recognizes the goodness of God in this gift and looks forward to seeing where his wheels will take him along his journey to serve Jesus. If you want learn more, please visit our website www.stronglifenc.org or email us at stronglifenc@gmail.com for more information. "According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation." 1 Corinthians 3:10 Paving the Way We have been excited to see how God has been moving and opening opportunities for us to grow as a ministry and the ability to help others. We have been battling the mud and potholes in our parking area for over a year. This past month, we had the opportunity to pour half of our parking lot with asphalt! This has provided us with a clean parking area and a much cleaner facility as folks do not have to walk through the mud before they come inside. Construction Brings Transformation
Last year, we moved from our location on Lenoir-Rhyne Boulevard to our current location on Fairgrove Church Road. One of the benefits of this move was our Rescue Mission doubled in useable space to serve the homeless in our community. However, our upgraded facility has already been maxed out with the number of folks that have needs to be met. Several days have been standing room only with people eating in our storage area as we have no more room to keep people out of the cold and wind. We demolished a condemned, old shed on the property to make room for the metal building that was purchased to expand our facilities and storage! The plans are under review, and we are ready to start on the foundation as soon as they are approved. As you may know, this is an expensive process as we are required to have architectural drawings and plans, cement for the foundation, and heavy equipment rental. We ask you pray for financial provision to upfit this building with insulation, electricity, and plumbing once it is built. If you feel led to give to this project, please visit our website www.stronglifenc.org or email us at stronglifenc@gmail.com for more information. "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12 A Prayer Birthed in Love The winter season has brought a rapid increase in the number of our friends needing help. The turn of the year has shown a sudden and desperate move in the homeless community for shelter and assistance. There is a disturbing shift in our area that has put many elderly and disabled individuals on the streets looking for emergency and permanent housing. This is mainly due to an extreme lack of low income and affordable housing. The solution to this will not be quickly resolved. In a time of extreme and growing need, we have made a conscious decision that, at Strong Life Ministries, we must grow in our love for others. We know that as the need grows our love must grow as well. Love that will show people hope in a hopeless situation. Love that will grant us patience as we help others who are struggling to wait. Love that will show peace and healing to the frustrated and broken hearted. We are fueling this through prayer. The staff members pray together and sharing burdens with one another. We have a prayer bowl to take prayer request from those in need. Prayer has shown us a greater strength and resilience to love others well in situations that cannot be resolved quickly. A Prayer Birthed in Love
The winter season has brought a rapid increase in the number of our friends needing help. The turn of the year has shown a sudden and desperate move in the homeless community for shelter and assistance. There is a disturbing shift in our area that has put many elderly and disabled individuals on the streets looking for emergency and permanent housing. This is mainly due to an extreme lack of low income and affordable housing. The solution to this will not be quickly resolved. In a time of extreme and growing need, we have made a conscious decision that, at Strong Life Ministries, we must grow in our love for others. We know that as the need grows our love must grow as well. Love that will show people hope in a hopeless situation. Love that will grant us patience as we help others who are struggling to wait. Love that will show peace and healing to the frustrated and broken hearted. We are fueling this through prayer. The staff members pray together and sharing burdens with one another. We have a prayer bowl to take prayer request from those in need. Prayer has shown us a greater strength and resilience to love others well in situations that cannot be resolved quickly. "Loving one another without deceit, see that your love is warm and from the heart." 1 Peter 1:22 A Warm Place With the winter storm blowing through, we were left with a beautiful landscape of snow for families to enjoy and have fun. Unfortunately, the snow doesn’t always create a pleasant situation for the homeless community. It presents some serious and even life-threatening issues for those staying outside. Some examples are below freezing temperatures, threat of falling branches, and tents that cave in due to the snow. It is during these times that Strong Life Ministries is available to those in the homeless community, especially campers and those outside, to provide a warm place. We received several phone calls in response to winter storm Izzy and were able to help several who were dropped off at our facility. Our friends were overjoyed to come out of the freezing weather to a hot cup of coffee, some food, a hot shower, and blessings by the warmth of God’s love. What A Year
On January 11th , we celebrated our one-year anniversary at our new location! The past year has been full of challenges and blessings. We have grown together on our journey with our homeless friends and matured greatly as a ministry under God’s direction. During the past year, we were blessed with several new volunteers and staff to helped with construction projects, sorting donations, daily operations of the Rescue Mission, and mentoring individuals in the Men’s Program. Our team was strengthened by the addition of Daniel Cotton as the assistant director of Strong Life Rescue Mission. All this growth has helped us meet more of the needs of those struggling within our community. We were able to see many clients find a home, get a job, obtain transportation, go to rehab, and be reunited with family. The Strong Life Men’s Program got off to a great start under Director Daniel Harkins. We had our first graduate in December. Jacob completed all 3 phases of the program, found stable employment and better transportation, was reconciled to his wife and children, and became stronger in his relationship and calling with Jesus. Looking forward to the year ahead, we are excited about the construction of a new multipurpose building. This building will offer adequate storage for our donations and future office space to bring on more team members, partners, and case workers to help those in need. It will aid in our mission to help the homeless find their way home. If you are interested in being part of Strong Life Ministries in the coming year, contact us at stronglifenc@gmail.com or call 828-944-4321. "The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world" John 1:9 We'll Pick You Up The homeless community struggles to find reliable transportation. Strong Life Ministries hopes to be a part of the solution. Our high top 15 passenger van has made a tremendous difference in the homeless community as it shuttles individuals to and from the Salvation Army multiple times a day. This offers our clients the opportunity for some routine and stability as they join our program during the day and return to the shelter overnight. Strong Life Ministries is blessed to have our own bus stop off the Greenway bus route. We provide bus passes to clients that need to get to work, interviews, medical appointments, and other essential appointments. We provide gas vouchers for individuals who need a little help when the tank is empty and they don’t know what else to do. When staff is available, we use our minivan to transport clients to appointments, resources, and opportunities that are not on the bus route. Another Day Out of the Cold
Strong Life Ministries was blessed by the volunteers who brought much cheer to struggling hearts this season by decorating the facility. There has been a renewed hope and loving anticipation that has spread across our whole ministry during this Christmas season. Our hearts have been moved by the generosity of those who have supplied clothing, food, and other essential items for those in need. Along with the encouragement, cheer, and essential items, it is important to have a space for our homeless friends to get out of the cold and stay warm. With this in mind, Strong Life Rescue Mission has extended its hours to be open Monday through Saturday during these cold months. Adding Saturdays to our normal operating hours can be wearing on our staff and accrues additional costs to heat the building an extra day and make more trips in the van. However, we all agree that meeting this great need in the homeless community is worth the sacrifice. We are thankful for the churches that provide hot meals every Saturday during this season. We appreciate any support you can supply this time of year. We ask for prayers for our staff and clients as the cold months bring their unique set of challenges. Pray for strength for the staff as we share the hope and joy of Christ. Pray that clients can stay warm and encouraged. If you would like to be a part of our vision to help the homeless find their way home, contact us or visit our website stronglifenc.org. |