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He has risen, He has risen indeed!
Easter, the feast day commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, is a time of rebirth and rejoicing in Jesus Christ’s victory over death. Easter is a wonderful reminder of eternal life that is granted to all of us who believe in Him, and new life is given to each of us with our faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. This hope that is found in the good news of the Gospel continues to give us faith and trust in Him to transform lives every day.
God has blessed many families with precious children who have developmental, physical and cognitive disabilities. These families have had faith that God would provide safety for their child, and they have trusted that God will sustain a future for their child once they are unable to provide their daily care. As the population of adults with disabilities grows, so does the importance of the homes we provide. When parents due to age and failing health are no longer able to care for their dependent adults, Protected Harbor provides a home where they can feel like they have finally grown up and become an active, self-assured, important part of their home, their church and their local community.
We see the work of the Gospel in the faces of the women who reside in Protected Harbor’s Women’s Home in Fort Myers, as their lives have been transformed with new independence and spiritual growth. The home is thriving with six women who are living with the comforts of home. These women are active participants in daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, gardening, exercising, working and volunteering. Staff is available to assist with daily needs, including financial, medical, and social, so aging family members are able to provide love and support as they are physically able.
“How blessed is he who considers the helpless; The Lord will deliver him in a day of trouble. The Lord will protect him and keep him alive, and he shall be blessed upon the earth; The Lord will sustain him upon his sickbed; in his illness, you restore him to health.” Psalm 41:1-3
This verse teaches us that God speaks His promise to those of us who serve the helpless. We rejoice that with your generous giving we have been able to sustain the Women’s Home that provides a Christian environment full of constant love, encouragement and acceptance in a safe nurturing home. Tiffany is blossoming with her communication and community activities, while Kim is thriving in her independence. Janie knits scarves and blankets for the church craft sale and leads worship and prayer in the church. The women participate in weekly flute lessons, participate in monthly social gatherings and Special Olympics. These opportunities are provided because many of you have prayed with us and have given generously to maintain the home and house parents that dedicate their lives to this ministry.
And now, we praise Him for new birth again this Easter with the groundbreaking of Protected Harbor’s Men’s Home. As many of you know, building start is imminent for the new home where Dennis, our longtime spokesperson, will finally make his dream a reality. Please pray with us for the men who will fill the rooms at the Men’s home and for their families as they trust that God will provide care for their loved one.
We rejoice in the recent groundbreaking of the men’s home, made possible through God’s gifts and your generous donations as well as the two grants from Florida Housing Finance Corporation and Lee County. However, we still need approximately $200,000 to furnish and support the Men’s Home and have the reserves we need for prudent operation. We ask that you prayerfully consider helping us open the doors to this home for the young men God has already selected. Your donation could provide a young man with a new bedroom, assist with contributions to the common area furnishings, or provide appliances for the home. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23,24
As we celebrate our Resurrected King, who has called us to help those in need, won’t you join our prayer team and prayerfully consider contributing to the building and furnishing of the Men’s Home so that new life can prosper for these men? We trust Him for the supply and do all things to glorify Him.
With great thanks and appreciation,
Alyssa Hayes
Board Member
Protected Harbor
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Wizard of Oz at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater in Fort Myers.
The event will take place on Friday, November 4, 2016 at the The Vineyards Country Club in Naples from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The cost of this event is $30 per person or $240 per table of eight.