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OK, I'm now at Set Free Church of Denver. In April I was voted on by church membership to become the Director of the Men's Discipleship Program. This Program is for men who have been homeless, are recovering drug or alcohol addicts, just out of prison. We offer a live-in program that is a year long where they receive acceptance, spiritual training, guidance and nurturing on their road to recovery, productivity and maturing in the Word of God. The men, we only can house 8 at a time, attend Bible based classes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as well as Sunday morning.
The men are encouraged to find work. To use a slogan of another program - work works. We charge the men $8 a day for rent, and then give them credit of $8 an hour for work that is done for the church, ie, mow grass, clean parking lot, help when food distribution takes place, going and loading food donations, and similar work. This credit comes off their fees for rent. They do 'chores' which are cleaning restrooms, kitchen, auditorium, class rooms, and other similar work. These are normal duties without pay.
The men struggle with addictions and we pray with them and show them in the Word how they have the victory in Jesus. These addictions come from a drink taken at a high school party, or a joint, or a hit with something that will make them feel good, or have more energy. These 'innocent' slips can many times turn into full-blown addictions that may last a life-time. It still amazes me how strong these addictions are. Satan gets a foot hold at a young age, then it becomes a stronghold. There are consequences to our choices that can lead to a life-time of pain and suffering. Most have lost jobs, family, children, self-respect, their health.
The hard part for me and Pastor Bob is to see someone get clean and appear to be turning their life around, then one day they fall and are too ashamed to show back up here. It is heartbreaking. They are afraid they won't be accepted one more time, that grace, love and acceptance won't be extended one more time. They have a hard time accepting that we love them and will always extend forgiveness and acceptance. There are consequences to their actions, but love, acceptance and forgiveness is always given.
We could double, triple, quadruple this size of this ministry because the need is so great. We are limited by space and resources, ie, money and personnel. In fact, there is a desire on some women's hearts to do the same ministry for women, but with the same limitations.
Pray for us as we are His hands extended in Love.
I remain with you in His service in love,
Troy
Pray for me as I am truly a missionary in an inner-city ministry. I am completely depending on the Lord to meet my financial needs. Thanks for your continued support of the journey the Lord has me on.
