"For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building." (1 Corinthians 3:9) Building People
Renovation, repair, and new life are all themes of the work that takes place here at Strong Life Ministries. Our goal is to serve as a place those who have been deeply damaged by the turmoil of this world can rebuild and begin anew. One of the ways we do that is to make laptop computers available for those who are seeking to apply for employment, fill out necessary forms, or further their education. Recently, one of our clients used a Strong Life laptop to enroll in an online degree program. Beginning this summer, Lisa will start the journey toward a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration! Another of our clients, Andre, used a laptop to find a job opening at Wingstop, complete the online application, and schedule an interview. Now, he’s a full time employee! Way to go Lisa and Andre! (Editor’s note: names have been changed to protect privacy.) Building Our Campus At the same time that Strong Life is helping rebuild people, we are rebuilding parts of our campus. The building that houses our Rescue Mission was designed as a single-family structure. It is now being used to provide restrooms, laundry, and showers for as many as 30 people a day. Not surprisingly, the existing septic system is insufficient to support these services. We are now having to run over 350 feet of new underground line in order to connect to the City of Hickory sewer system. This is one of many reconstruction projects that Strong Life has faced in its ongoing efforts to build and rebuild structures and lives that will make a difference for all eternity. Support Strong Life This Month As many of you know, whether it is a new building or renovations, construction is expensive! Would you prayerfully consider partnering financially with Strong Life as we work to build the Kingdom of God among the homeless in Catawba County? Most people in America take for granted their access to toilets, showers, and laundry. This is not the case for the people we serve. By making these basic necessities available, this is one of the tangible ways we demonstrate Christ’s love. The plumbing project is essential if we are to continue to do this. But at this point, it is not fully paid for. We need your help to complete the work. Also, the laptops we allow our clients to use have seen better days. At times they move very slow, and sometimes they freeze and have to be restarted. If you have a laptop in good working order that you are not using or are ready to replace, would you consider donating it to our ministry? You can be certain that it will continue to be put to good use helping people rebuild broken lives. To assist with these projects, or to make a donation toward our ministry’s general fund: Public Invited to Open House on April 11 The homeless community has a variety of needs on a number of levels. There are physical needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. There are life needs such as assistance with replacing ID’s and finding jobs. There are spiritual needs such as having an opportunity to hear the Word of God and receive Christian counseling. For nearly ten years, Strong Life Rescue Mission has been working to meet all of these needs and more. Through the Life House facility located next to the Salvation Army Center on Lenoir-Rhyne Blvd., Hickory’s homeless have seen the love of Jesus consistently put on display. Now, with the acquisition of the new property on Fairgrove Church Road, Strong Life is positioned to dramatically expand its existing services. Beginning this month, a much-needed additional ministry will be offered: Strong Life Men’s Transitional Program. One of the greatest challenges faced by those who wish to come out of homelessness is finding a supportive environment that not only offers the resources they need to go on that journey, but removes them from the various harmful influences and temptations that they face regularly on the street. The new Transitional Program does just that. A separate home on the new property has been renovated to provide supervised, structured living for ten men. These men will be carefully screened, gainfully employed, and dedicated to making the right choice it takes to succeed in their shift toward productive citizenship. Come join us on Sunday, April 11 at the Strong Life Men’s Program Open House and see for yourself this exciting next stage in the ministry’s development. You can tour the facility, meet some of the first residents, and learn first-hand how your support of Strong Life is making a lasting difference in the lives of Hickory’s homeless. Drop-in hours for the Open House are 2:00 – 5:00 pm at 1211 Fairgrove Church Rd. SE, Conover, NC 28613. Support Strong Life This Month
One of the subjects in our morning devotions this past month has been the life of Abraham. God called Abraham to step out and trust Him on a long, challenging, and sometimes perilous journey into faith. In the same way, these men are heading out of homelessness, trusting that God will accompany them and make a way through their wilderness. It is only through your prayers and support that Strong Life is able to partner with these men as they move out of darkness into light. Would you prayerfully consider being a part of that work this month? |