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February 2010 Newsletter
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February 2010
“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.” Matthew 14:22-24
Greetings in Jesus’ Name, Welcome to a new year! 2009 was a great year and this year should be even better. For sure there were bumps in the road, even crises, but that’s all a part of the walk of faith. While recently attending a church in Florida, the pastor made a comment about the value of crisis and it got me to thinking just how that fits in with life “on the hill.” It is very common for Residents of our program to deny their past, cover over and minimize, or to outright lie about it. It’s as if they want to remember a good start and then fast-forward to the present. The pastor used Matthew 14 as an example. Let’s read verse twenty-two:
“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.” Now let’s make believe that verse thirty-four, follows immediately: “When they had crossed over they came to the land of Gennesaret.” It makes for a very uneventful story: “Get in the boat; get out of the boat!”
If all the messy stuff and crises were omitted from the Bible it would be a thin book! In this passage we’d have missed seeing all the people who had witnessed a miracle, depart. We’d have missed the lessons of the disciples floundering upon high seas, being rescued by Jesus, and experiencing the seas being calmed. We would have missed the safe arrival to the appointed place.
Everyone has crisis in life. There are places along the road filled with shame, jealousy, envy, arguments, loss, and disappointment. But all the stuff between the start and the finish is important to the finished work. God will, and does, use every adversity in our lives to polish and complete us.
Yes, His Mansion had a few setbacks in 2009. Several promising candidates blew out of the program. Plans to take on certain projects had to be sidelined because of the economic uncertainties. Coworkers that we had come to love and rely on completed their commitments and moved on. Donors who have been blessed by God experienced their own crisis resulting in severe cutbacks in their ability to give. Individuals on staff have struggled with interpersonal relationships. No crisis; no growth!
But again, I declare: 2009 was a great year and 2010 should be better! I wouldn’t want to miss the storm-tossed boat ride for anything. This is where Jesus shows up and His Holy Spirit performs miracles. Several men and women surrendered their hearts and minds to Jesus in 2009. Residents who graduated found life partners and married. Others have entered the mission field. It is the “stuff” between the first and last verses of our lives that constitute an adventure and miracles.
Staff Updates
Here is another example of God supplying during the toughest of economic times. We have been praying for a well-qualified counselor to assist Dr. Tso in getting the His Mansion Institute up and running. These are days when, if you have a good job as a professional, you hold on to it. We kept our standard high as we prayed and God has provided—once again! In April Nick and Kate Clark, together with 1 ½ year old Noah, and another to be born any day, will move to His Mansion as a part of the team.
Nick enters service at His Mansion as the Program Administrator for His Mansion Institute.
Nick earned his Bachelor’s degree in psychology/sociology with a focus in criminology at Southern Connecticut State University, and his Master’s in Biblical Counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary in 2005.
At 6’8” I assumed a basketball background but discovered he was nationally ranked in track and field as a hammer thrower! Nick is presently employed as an inpatient crisis counselor at a New Jersey hospital.
Kate is a graduate of Gordon College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and English, and is a fourth grade teacher. Her dad is Senior pastor at an Evangelical Free Church in Connecticut.
The Clarks come trusting God to provide their needs by faith. Nick and Kate leave job and security to offer their lives and gifts to rescue the broken and battered, and to train and equip others to be effective healers in the communities where they live and serve.
God is not limited by the economy and other extenuating circumstances. We welcome the breadth of experience and maturity Nick will add to the staff.
2009 was a tight year. We had construction expenses above what we planned and several donors suffered the effects of a down economy. When all the numbers were in, HM ended the year 5% in the "red". Because we do have a small reserve we ended 2009 with every bill paid and no debt.
The below photos illustrate our continuing progress on the new men’s dorm. The drywall is going up and the plumbing is being installed. If you have some time and the skill to volunteer, we would certainly appreciate a team from your church lending us a hand or two – thank you.
We trust that our government will change direction and our economy will strengthen, but no matter, our God will provide. I appreciate your standing with us in these tough times. You keep it up and we'll continue to "rescue the perishing."
Healing in the Context of Community Classes
We are preparing for our 2010 HCC (Healing in the Context of Community) classes, to be held March 13-19, June 12-18 and October 9-15 here at our New Hampshire campus. The cost is $100 for the entire week, which includes room & board, and all course materials. It is a week where those wanting to learn more about serving Fourth World Citizens receive basic training, where an overview of what we do here is taught, where basic counseling techniques are reviewed, and where many lasting friendships are begun. God always has something unique and special for each who attends, and much is done in hearts and minds. There are still openings for this course, but please contact Bill Kurtenbach as soon as possible if you wish to attend, by calling (603) 464-5555.
Summer and fall are great times to schedule church or family outreach teams to serve on short-term projects at His Mansion. There are harvesting, maintenance, woodlot, grounds, and building projects providing ongoing challenges for everyone. We can accommodate a limited number, so talk to us soon.
I invite you to go to our website at www.hismansion.com and view the new video of the ministry. You are encouraged to share the video with friends and those seeking a place of healing, and the end of the video is also a great opportunity for you to see areas of potential involvement with the ministry. Enjoy!
2010 will present challenges for sure. With the increase in sexual addiction, eating disorders, and chemical addiction, the beds remain filled and a three-month waiting time is common. As the times get tougher people surrender to irresponsible quick-fixes, quality, Christ-centered alternatives are very scarce and many that were available have closed their doors.
If not for His Mansion’s faithful supporters I might be tempted to worry, but you have always been there through good and bad. This year will be no different.
His Mansion has again finished the year free of debt and with every bill paid. I am extremely thankful and appreciative of your love and support.
Joyful In His Service,
Stan Farmer, CEO
His Mansion Ministries, Inc.
www.hismansion.com
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