April 2010 Newsletter

April 2010

“At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me.  My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me.  Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice.  And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.”  Daniel 4: 36, 37

Greetings in Jesus’ name,

I recently taught on this passage.  It is made to order for men and women struggling to overcome addiction.  I noticed, perhaps for the first time, that God’s messengers gave the king a year's grace to reverse his course.  I have found that many addicts who have lost control and ended up distraught and disoriented, have experienced God speaking to them through a parent, grandparent, or friend, around the time they first embarked on their dark trip.

God is a God of grace, always.  But he is also a God of boundaries.  After a year passed, the King must have concluded that God wasn't serious, or perhaps would just overlook things.  Not so.  The axe fell!

The imagery of Nebuchadnezzar wandering in the fields, wet, sloppy, and mad, is certainly applicable to those who plunge headlong into sin and ruin.

For many, here at His Mansion, there comes that moment when "reason returns to them."  The scales come off and they see Jesus!

I've always been able to tell if the change is the real thing by whether the victim’s testimony is all about them-- with morbid details of dark experiences-- or joyous outbursts of praise and honor, extolling the virtues of the Savior.

Pulling our attention from the broken promises, alluring fantasies, and tempting lies is the key.  When we are looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith-- there's healing and renewal.

Mud, snow.  Mud, rain.  Mud, mud, mud!  We have traipsed around in mushy ice and mud for a month. I look at every small spot not still covered with snow, in hope of spying a crocus or some sign of plant life.  Birds are arriving and the songs they sing to each other signal the coming of spring.  I love it!

Our women’s therapist, Karen Hilliker, gave birth to a 7 lbs. 14 oz. girl, Lauren Grace, in March.  This is Seth and Karen’s third child.  I'm told not to expect more!

Paul Atkinson, who takes over the CEO position in September, is assuming responsibilities a chunk-at-a-time.  It is encouraging to see him grow in the position, and others honoring his leadership.  He and Robin had the joy of welcoming their second grandchild, a girl, named Charleigh.  Their two children, Paul Jr. and Lori, have delivered the best gifts a parent can receive.  Coming out of a Pastor’s role, Paul is somewhat of a stranger to His Mansion’s “walk of faith” support.  Please consider becoming a foundational supporter of the Atkinson’s.

My daughter, Sherrée and her husband are full-time Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship staff and manage the Northeast IVCF retreat center.  Their oldest, Ezra, is a varsity basketball player for their local high school.  They won the class “M” New Hampshire State championship this month.  Joan and I enjoy their games more than any industrially-produced entertainment, or big-league sports event.  In these days, grandparents can be such great sources of encouragement and support.  How involved we are, might make the difference between a Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar.

“Sugaring” has been the most exciting activity of the month.  Most of the men and women who come to His Mansion for help are urbanites and suburbanites.  They believe maple syrup comes out of a sugar factory in Thailand!  The day they are directed to drill holes in trees, hang buckets, and watch clear water drip out, is a shock.  Many think we are up to some weird prank!

 

Hanging empty pails on the side of a tree, picking them up the following day, filled, lugging them through the snow and filling large barrels with what looks like water.  It’s a mystery!  The steam pours out of the vents of the sugar shack.  Liquid simmers in the evaporator.  The water begins to turn an amber shade.  At some point they all dip a finger into the liquid and place it on the tip of their tongues.  Revelation!!  Shazzam!!  “Where’s the pancakes and waffles?”

You can work on your own analogy.  Blending experiences such as these with love and acceptance, Bible truth, and being in a safe place, creates a powerful elixir.

We are greatly helped and encouraged by church and college groups that schedule a week of service here.  It's a win-win for sure.  The tasks they complete relieve our staff to tackle other major projects.  For the "short-term missionary,” it can be a life changing experience.  Recently, we have had the privilege of co-laboring with teams from Wheaton College and Messiah College.

 

If you are a retired senior, and have practical skills, consider parking your RV here for a couple of weeks this summer.  We have hookups.  Your talents will be put to work in carpentry, painting, farming, canning and preserving food, and many other vital tasks.  Call to schedule, 603-464-5555.  Ask for Bill.

Local churches are forming up teams of young men and women to serve this summer.  Opportunities are limited, so call soon to get on the schedule.  Several churches have sent adult work teams to serve.  Their maturity and life skills are invaluable.  This winter, teams helped us complete the building of the new dormitory for men.  One guy named "Peaches" from North Carolina, saved our bacon with his sheet rocking skills.  As Sam Farmer, the GC on the job remarked, “This guy rocked!”  Now several of our men can do it.  Don't underestimate the contribution you can make.

We have a staff person taking vacation time in the Northwest (Seattle area).  If you have a passenger van in good condition that could be donated to His Mansion, Nicole could drive it back.  We must replace a couple of very old crates, which have served us well but need burial!  We are also in need of a large farm tractor with front-end loader.  Anything within 500 miles of His Mansion would work.

As for the residential program here, the beds are filled and the waiting list grows.  His Mansion’s services are increasingly sought out.  We are actively offering training for church groups in the area of Healing in the Context of Community.  The answer is not for His Mansion to grow bigger, but for churches all over the country to get training and inspiration to start similar works.  This is one of the purposes of His Mansion Institute.   Director, Dr. Tso, will begin screening candidates for whom studying at His Mansion, would be appropriate.  Visit our webpage for details.

The new dorm nears completion.  We will seek a Certificate of Occupancy by June 1.  The actual cost of the project will come in very close to our original estimate.  We are about $90,000 short at this point, but have confidence that when it is needed, it will be there.

As we shared in the last letter, financially we ended 2009 very near par.  Times are tough, and folks are understandably nervous.  However, your faithfulness to pray for us and to support this work, encourages us.

Once again I am able to praise God that all our bills were paid and we bear no burden of debt.  You, our partners in this work, are an active equal part of all that God is doing here.  Your gifts are appreciated and I thank you.

Joyful In His Service,

Stan Farmer, CEO

His Mansion Ministries, Inc.

www.hismansion.com