Christmas 2012

We Rely on God's Promises
Deborah Lamb, Executive Director

Once again, we enter the season of miracles when we celebrate the birth of our Savior. In this season we see the end of one year and the beginning of the next— a new year for which there are dire forecasts, as well as promising predictions. So, we continue to “walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7).

One thing I learn again and again: When we rely on God’s promises, even difficult circumstances become opportunities for blessings. This year, despite the significant drop in monetary donations to ministries nationwide, God has provided!

Working with less has forced us to evaluate where we place resources and to ensure our good stewardship. As we have cut back in some areas, God has provided other ways to minister to us there through our volunteers, who give of their time and resources to meet our needs. We have moved to an all-volunteer staff, so all donations go directly to the care and maintenance of the residence and residents. With your help, we have been able to meet our financial responsibilities each month.

Our Autumn prayer requests are being answered with two wonderful staff additions. We now have a resident manager and a groundskeeper/project manager .

With the upstairs of MFH completed, we are able to minister to more women. What a joy it is to see God working in the lives of those willing to take advantage of what we offer! Most of our women have never experienced living in a community or going to a church where they feel safe and accepted. Most have never trusted God to meet their needs, and it is exciting to see God minister to them through our faithful volunteers and donors.

In the last few months, more churches and organizations have learned of Stand at the Crossroads. First Presbyterian Church brought their Vacation Bible School students here to do service work. Recently, we enjoyed a visit from members of Leadership Aiken County, who toured our facilities. Cedar Creek Church Home Groups have helped us keep up with yard work; and, of course, we still have our “Thursday Guys” who take care of construction projects.

Yes, we have much to be thankful for. While it seems that our work is never finished, and as our prayer requests are met new ones are added, I know that this is what God intends for us—joy in obedience to and reliance on Him. In return, He gives us the greatest gift we could ever imagine: His grace, his Mercy, His love and life everlasting with Him.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Welcome Sharon Irby, Our New Resident Manager

Before Sharon joined the ministry in June, she didn’t know what she would do with her life. But she knew from the moment she interviewed with Debbie, our executive director, that she was meant to be there.

Sharon has had a long journey to Stand at the Crossroads, struggling with recovery for several years. During her last stay in rehab, she volunteered to be a leader and found strength in helping others while she helped herself.

Sharon loves working with the women and showing them that they, too, can have hope. “My life changed because of my faith in God,” she says.

Sharon, who came to the ministry with nothing, now has her license, a car and a job. Most importantly, she has reconciled with her children and has the great joy of seeing her three grandchildren. “God is awfully powerful.,” Sharon says.

During her work in the ministry, Sharon sees angry women, who don’t want God, transformed into women who ask for prayer for themselves and their children. “I get to see miracles every day."

A Big 'Thank You' to Businesses!

We appreciate the donations of funds, materials and time from the following businesses:

Our 2013 Project Goals

1. Install and repair siding on my Father’s House and the storage cottage at Crossroads Community.
   A siding donation almost covers both of these, but we need the corners, j channels, soffit materials and the remainder of siding.
   Estimated cost: $5,000
2. Purchase signs for My Father’s House and Stand at the Crossroads Ministries.
   Estimated cost: $1,000
3. Extend our parking area in back of My Father’s House. We need five loads of fill dirt and gravel.
   Estimated cost: $2,000
4. Build a fence along the back of the Crossroads property to increase security by preventing
   pedestrian traffic.
   Estimated cost: $1,200
5. Pay off the property at Crossroads. We have paid $82,000 in two years and owe $53,000. When we pay off the mortgage, we plan to build more cottages and/or open a resale store and restaurant to generate funds and provide immediate employment for new residents while they are looking for more work.
   Cost to pay off property: $53,000
   Estimated cost of resale store/restaurant: $150,000 to buy building and property.
   Improvements to above: $5,000—$10,000
   Estimated cost of each additional cottage: $50,000

A Special Prayer Request

For employment for the women. Some, who have records, are turning their lives around and need a second
chance.
 

How Can You Help?

We always welcome donations of funds, items and your time! Here is a current list of our needs for supplies. Please see our online donation opportunity, below.

Now You Can Donate Online!
Stand at the Crossroads can now accept your donation online. Simply click "Donate" for making your contribution by credit card or PayPal. God Bless You for your help!

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