The families are still amazing: children resilient and full of joy, parents hungry for change and growth and healing. Our volunteers, and there are more of them now, still come and bring encouragement and grace just by being here.  The staff still cares for each other, still cares for these residents and tries to honor Christ in all we do.  Nothing has changed at all…its just all bigger and there’s more love being passed around.

Today I got to tell another family we have a place for them; they’ll soon join the others here working to rebuild and move into a new life as a family.  This is what My Father’s House is about.  The building is different and the organization is growing, but God still does what He does…and we’re honored to watch Him do it here.

Christ be with you,

Sam

This is what sets My Father’s House apart. We meet the immediate needs of our residents, we motivate and hold them accountable, and we teach them life skills: parenting, budgeting, communication, and much, much more. But, most importantly, we share the experience of life with them. We work tirelessly to build healthy, deep relationships with every family who stays with us. And in this context of true community, grace is free to enter the story of each individual who passes through here.

I’m absolutely convinced that real change: the kind of change every person who comes to stay here needs, the kind of change I’ve needed, inevitably takes place through relationships…in community. It can be difficult to face those things in life that cause us shame or despair. Facing our weaknesses and struggles, and sharing them with others takes great courage and faith. Yet, this is what happens here, time and time again. And what a gift to be a part of it!

It’s not just me, either. There are countless others involved in changing lives through My Father’s House. From office help to mentoring, from modest monthly pledges to earth-shaking financial gifts, from the giving of food or clothing to faithful prayers offered in churches and living rooms across the city and state. Every beautiful thing that happens in the life of a family here is a shared joy.

I love watching it happen, day in and day out, in the lives of the moms, dads and children who live here. And through it all, I’ve been changed as well. The stories of these families have entered my story, their journeys have become a part of my journey…and I will never be the same. So, to you the reader: consider how your life might impact the life of another… how your journey may be enriched through touching the life of someone in need. For each of us has something to give, and in giving ourselves away, we have very much to gain.

Peace be with you,

Sam Pierce