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Dec 2009 Newsletter
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December 2009
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” Luke 2:2-14
Greetings in Jesus’ name,
I don’t think we’ve ever witnessed such a concerted effort to scrub all symbols of our identity as a Christian nation from public thought as we’ve witnessed this year! Nearly every day we hear and read reports of laws and statutes being passed to prevent nativity scenes, menorahs, and any references to “Christian,” from the public domain.
Proclamation of the name of Jesus Christ is made to sound like an offense, and a danger to genuine intellect. Apart from the sovereign God, and the atoning work of His Son, Jesus, there is no real intelligence!
As the addictive powers of chemicals, alcohol, media, gambling, and sex become even more widespread and as the culture war deepens, secular psychiatry and counseling can only offer more psycho-tropic chemicals, hospitalization and incarceration to alleviate or dampen the pain caused by abnormal pleasure-seeking.
Meanwhile, a society that has allowed Divine spiritual power to be purged from the “caring professions” as an acceptable means of countering this addictive plague results in each wage earner working longer and harder to produce the tax revenues needed to provide these enslaving “cures.” These are measures without hope! His Mansion and ministries like ours are the only real hope for freedom and deliverance. Those who enter such programs and find freedom in Christ, can reenter the world and be part of the solution -- not continue to be part of the problem.
Their lives have been saved: friends and families are blessed, churches benefit and our country is better off. Regeneration through Christ, as facilitated by Christ-centered healing communities are great investments anyway you look at it.
Most of what we hear from the media is bad news. Well, the good news is that through the birth of the Son of God, Jesus, there is hope for the down of heart, the emotionally broken and those enslaved by addiction.
We have witnessed God’s desire and power to heal in the lives of many men and women this year. Letters, e-mails, and Facebook reports flow in, giving testimonies from those who were brought to faith in Christ, renewed and healed at His Mansion over the years.
Reporting on Thanksgiving was easy as there was so much to be thankful for. A picture is worth 1000 words, so we included photos of the feast.
 
Don Fuller is directing the annual Nativity play, which is held in the barn (c.1767) on Christmas eve. The men and women in the program comprise the drama team and present the play as a gift to the rest of the family. This event has been so moving in people’s lives that we have requests from people who were here years ago, to return and enjoy it.
The barn is 250 years old and houses chickens, pigs and cows. All the noises that would have been a part of the original manger scene are present.
Several residents (Angels!) are up in the rafters and at the appointed time soft lights come on and we are treated to the songs of angels heralding the birth of Jesus. After the dramaeveryone gathers in the dining hall to take part in Jesus’ birthday party. Angel food cake, of course!
New Year’s is also an exciting day. Men and their sons, who are Long Term Staff, arise early to prepare the breakfast. My son, my grandsons and I have been a part of this tradition for dozens of years.
Graduation
Graduations are the highlights of the His Mansion social calendar. Saturday, December 5th, two men and one lady graduated from the program. This is a very big deal for these men and women. They have spent the last 12 or 13 months going through one of the most grueling times of their lives. They’ve been refreshed by God’s Word and encouraged by His plan for their lives. They’ve dug deep into their own emotions and past in order to root out painful and corrupting memories, most of which are lies. Bryan Bliek is from Grand Rapids, Michigan and is going home for two months to work and spend time reconciling with his family. He will return to His Mansion as a short term staff member in February. Rick Nash is from Kalamazoo, Michigan and is returning there and will be working in a family business. Ruth Lily is going home to spend time with her family in Minneapolis, Minnesota and she will be attending Elim Bible Institute in the fall. All three were much like prodigals in that they had made choices and decisions that burntbridges and broken relationships with their Godly families. God is restoring these families and it will be wonderful to continue to hear about God being glorified in the reconciliation process.
Prayer Requests
There are several items that we could use to great effect which are not included in the 2010 budget. One is a used livestock trailer to transport large animals when we restock. There is also need for a heavy-duty welder (250 amp or higher). An engine-driven unit would be best but AC power would suffice.
And yes, we continued to gaze down the road expecting a tractor-trailer to pull up with a new medium-size excavator sporting a big red bow, in tow!
As we enter the New Year, I ask that you pray concerning any part you might play in support of His Mansion. If the promised funds are realized, the new building will be completed and paid for fully. The preparations for the new institute will also require special funding in order to complete. If you’ve been praying about a special project to support, look no further! Your help is vital.
His Mansion has been a member of the ECFA - “Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability” for over 25 years. This highly respected organization audits its members and applies the most stringent accounting requirements for non-profits. His Mansion is proud to be a member.
We have ended each year with all bills paid and no mortgage for over 25 years. His Mansion operates a 360 acre, 17 building working farm with 40+ residents enrolled in the healing program in New Hampshire. There are 10 couples and seven single men and women in management roles that oversee this facility.
In addition, we own and operate two large multi-family homes called “Christian Growth Centers,” for re-entry purposes – one in Connecticut and the other in Michigan. Each of these has a full-time staff couple in residence.
The cost of operating and maintaining all of this is only $450,000 annually! I know of few ministries that offer more value for the dollar than His Mansion.
I know that you work hard for every dollar you earn and His Mansion is dedicated to being very good stewards of the support you send.
Please pray about supporting missionaries you know who serve at His Mansion and be sure to include the overall ministry needs in your year-end giving. Your partnership with us is essential to pursuing the vision that God has entrusted to us.
Thank you so much for loving this family and for supporting us in prayer and financially. We will once again end this year free from debt and with every bill paid! You make this possible and we appreciate each one of you. Please accept all of our best wishes for a very merry Christmas and a blessed new year!
Joyful in His Service,
Stan Farmer, CEO
His Mansion Ministries, Inc.
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