June 2011 Newsletter

June 2011
“And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen”.   -Luke 24:50-53 (NKJV)

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ,

The suffering of the passion is behind us, as is the crucifixion, burial and resurrection.  In the context in which we celebrate it, the Ascension has passed as well.   

The final condition of the Disciples finds them in the temple rejoicing--praising and blessing God.  Last month I shared the story of a young lady who was in our program several years ago.  She is suffering from a life-threatening infection that was contracted, in a hospital, while having minor surgery.  It was written from an anguished mother.  It was sort of everything short of the Ascension, as far as a human can endure.  In light of my article, the mom corresponded again:

Emilie and I were on our way to see a specialist a few days ago and had in our hands a bundle of medical records from various physicians she has seen. One common denominator in all of the narrations from the many doctors was the first line which states something like this, "Emilie, a 21 year old female with a history of severe depression, suicide attempts and cutting, presented in my office with... Emilie said, "I refuse to accept those words as a description of who I am. That is who I WAS, but I have been made new and whole and I am no longer that person...I am restored and healed!"

As I drove the car and she spoke, I could feel the tears well up in my heart because she was sitting next to me with dark glasses (because of severe photophobia) and her walker tucked under the dashboard (because she is unable to take even one step without the walker). I don't know how to explain what I felt...she sees herself as healed so much that even with the physical ailments that are consuming her body all day and night, she has been made SO new in Christ that these things seem almost like a slight inconvenience instead of a major disability. My daughter has taught me to have eyes to see even through the overwhelming tears. "Because" she said, "sometimes you have to become blind first before you can see."

Thank you for nourishing my daughter with the Word SO MUCH that when the physical well ran dry, she still was not thirsting for anything else!

This girl has seen the risen, ascended Lord in her own heart.  Emilie has discovered that she “is a soul,” rather than “having a soul.”  I hear her soul speaking truth by faith.  These are the circumstances in life that can, and do, give rise to doubts and even bitterness.  She has grasped on to precious promises that offer her frail body a faith to fuse with her professional health program.  Recent secular studies insist that trusting in someone greater than ourselves and believing in the possibility of “divine healing” ups our chances of survival.

Even those whose objects of faith are bogus, still benefit from the positive mindset--temporarily.  But Emilie’s hope has ascended with Christ and impacts her eternal well-being, even as she remains a powerful testimony here.

It is a privilege to be a part of a community that ministers to the broken and hopeless.  To see hearts and minds healed.  It is even better to watch as some enter the harvest as bold, faithful witnesses of God’s grace and mercy.

As I look out the window, it appears perfectly idyllic--lush green grass and flowers all abloom, birds singing and nesting, cattle grazing lazily through the knee-high pasture--until you step outside!  In the trees and shadows, lurks a sinister force here on the hill.  A silent, yet virulent army is observing you.  An otherwise perfect movie-set picture is horribly marred by…by…Prosimulium mixtum!

Yes, the dreaded New Hampshire black fly has invaded.  Those working in the woodlot and in the gardens can be seen with heavy screened hoods covering their heads.  Pant legs are tucked into socks and shirt sleeves are fully extended.  This little beast manages to offset the nature beauty God has provided.  (I tend to forget that He also provided them!)  “My ways are higher than your ways, says the Lord.”

The subject of gardens reminds me:  Supporters have graciously helped us maintain our 30 year-old John Deere tractor.  She has served nearly everyday of her life and is now having routine knee and hip replacements.  I think we must shoot her!  Seriously, if you have, or know of someone who has too many tractors with front end loaders or might be retiring one, please let us know.  It should be 50-50 HP; colors optional.  "HAVE TRACTOR?  WE'LL TRAVEL!" 

On Saturday May 7^th, we enjoyed one of the largest graduations ever.  There were one hundred and fifty people in attendance!  The chapel was packed.  Eight men and four women made it all the way through the year long program.  Each one gave a short personal testimony of God’s transformative work in their life.  Everyone was blessed!  One of the ladies has a wonderfully supportive family who had been caring for her two children.  The children were able to fly in from Texas to see their mom graduate.  What an encouragement to other men and women here.  We are seeing more and more married men and women, some with children, coming to us for help.  Thank God for strong, faithful families and churches willing to carry another’s burden.

Four days after this blessed event, His Mansion opened her doors to a new wave of broken, hurting souls.  Keep the beds filled!  This intake was made up of twelve men and seven women.  They came from as far as the Bahamas to as close as local Hillsboro, NH.  How many will stand in their graduating class a year from now?  Your prayers matter.
Earlier that same week, ten students accompanied by their professor from Emmaus Bible College, came to serve on the hill as a summer work team.  They stayed an additional week for the first Healing in the Context of Community (HCC) course designed especially for college and university students.  Two other students from Emmaus flew out to join the group for the latter week as well.  This HCC class was made up of 25 total participants, representing Houghton College, Wheaton College, Gordon-Conwell, Trinity International University, Central Virginia Community College and of course, Emmaus Bible College.

      
                         Emmaus Bible College                                                                                                      HCC Class of May 2011

                                              
                                                                           Congregational Church of Eastford, CT

Summers are very busy here on the hill.  In addition to the Emmaus group from Dubuque, IA, another volunteer team from the Congregational Church of Eastford, CT offered their help.  Both groups eagerly pitched in to help with all the work.  It has been our experience that these teams profit us greatly from the toil and work they perform.  It is also clear from years of testimony that many lives are changed and some inspired to enter the Harvest field through these summer visits.  Perhaps your church or college might benefit from a trip to His Mansion.

Now, a word from Paul…
Nicer weather is finally upon us.  The greenhouses are in full force.  Cucumbers, eggplants, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, cabbage and an assortment of tomatoes will soon be ready for transplant into the gardens.  We have already been enjoying fresh lettuce from the greenhouses at meals and hope to be harvesting and eating other green varieties and radishes in the weeks to come.  Garden work is a large portion of the busy summer schedule but it certainly is well worth the effort!

Graduations from His Mansion are a very special time here and this past one was no exception.  The emotions of the day ran the gamut; eager anticipation to rejoin friends, family and life outside of His Mansion, to fear of what will come next and the uncertainty to life off the hill.  There was sadness felt by the residents and the staff as close relationships had formed over the span of a year and saying goodbye was difficult.  But the focus of the celebration was on the incredible life changes that were evident as each graduate gave testimony to the miraculous work in their hearts and lives that can only be credited to our God.  I want to share with you some excerpts from one female graduate’s story that really touched me.

I grew up in a home where we called ourselves Christians but didn’t actually walk it out… My dad was emotionally and verbally abusive to all of us and at times he would become physically abusive, especially to my mom and the pets. I lived in constant fear of not knowing what would happen next and wondering when my dad would hurt us again. My parents went through many separations throughout my life so there was lots of change and no stability. I longed for love and protection but I couldn’t find it anywhere so I decided to pick up the role of protecting my family from my dad, or at least trying as hard as I could.

I felt so alone and was angry at my family… I didn’t understand what the point of life was because it just seemed so painful and awful…all I did every day was count down the hours until the day ended because then I didn’t have to feel or think. I could just sleep and not have to be in reality… I didn’t think things could get worse… then we found out my dad had committed suicide. For awhile I was in shock and could only feel relief in knowing that the nightmare was over.

I was diagnosed with depression in July of 2009…during that time, things became very dark and hopeless, I was ready to hurt myself and end my life.  But God wouldn’t let it happen. 

I came here (to His Mansion) without hope and easily overwhelmed by emotions. I now see that Christ is the light at the end of the tunnel and life is worth living. I have learned to trust…allowing others in to help me and finding out that I am not alone in my pain… My heart has become softer and I have learned to laugh and enjoy life more. I have experienced the importance and freedom of forgiveness and was able to forgive my dad. But most importantly, I have begun to see and experience what a real relationship with God is like. God has shown me that in the midst of my world being shaken and lots of changes happening, He will not ever change and He is the firm rock that I can always stand on… I have learned to wait on God and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me, instead of trying to do everything on my own and falling every time. I have realized that if I was the only one on the earth, Jesus would have still died because He loves me that much… I can now stand here and say that God has restored my life and has again brought me up. (Psalm 71:20)                              

                                  
                                                                                            Graduating Class of May 2011

Not only has there been recent change in the lives of our residents, but many of us on staff have been grappling with the decision for change by one of our senior staff members.  Fritz Maurer, Director of Counseling for the past six years, and his wife Gretchen, have served faithfully as they have poured themselves into the lives of the men and women on this hill over the years.  The Maurers have once again understood the call of God in their lives as they’ve decided to end their time of service here.  They have made a difference in so many lives on this hill with their counseling, mentoring, friendship, encouragement and selfless giving of their God-given talents.  Their presence will be greatly missed.  I, along with so many, will continue to pray and support them in their new pursuits.  Please be in prayer for us as well as we actively pursue our need to fill this role of Director of Counseling.  

In the midst of these transitions, I am excited to share the following news.  Todd Battles has now accepted the responsibility to serve in a senior staff position as Program Director of His Mansion.  Todd has been devout in over three years of service here, eagerly embracing each role he has been asked to carry.  From Mentor, to Recruiting, to Staff Counselor and Instructor, Todd continually displays a commitment and love to this community and a desire to serve God above all else.  Todd brings his skills in the area of administration and a heart for helping young men and women develop and grow as he now directs the program component of His Mansion.  I am confident Todd’s passions and gifts will continue to flourish in this new position. 

HIS MANSION ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION- 40 YEARS OF MINISTRY!
Saturday, July 30^th will be here before we know it!  If you haven’t registered to attend the festivities for our 40^th Anniversary Celebration, do so now!  The online link for registration is accessible from our website homepage, www.hismansion.com.  Once you complete the registration process, your name will appear at the bottom of the registration page in the “Attendee List.”  Spread the word by selecting to “share” your attendance on Facebook with your friends.   We still invite you to tell your His Mansion story and allow us to make it a part of our “Story” book to honor Stan and Joan Farmer.  Whether you were here on the hill this past year or at the Connecticut location back in 1972, we want your memories to be a part of this book.  Were you long-term or short-term staff?  A resident, or student as they were called back in the day?  Were you a child growing up here with your family?  Maybe you met your spouse here.  Did Stan marry you?  We want to hear it all!  Email your story and any pictures to sharethestory@hismansion.com and let us bless the Farmers by making your personal experience a part of this book.  I look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you here in July!