On May 9, 2020, Gilgal will celebrate 15 years of restoring homeless women with addictions. At the start of this journey, I never would have dreamed where God would take us as a ministry.
Our vision to assist women in breaking the cycle of defeat that lead them to drug and/or alcohol addiction and replace it with a cycle of victorious living through Christ Jesus has not changed.
We remain a Christ-centered, long-term, recovery residence for women experiencing homelessness due to drugs and/or alcohol addiction.
Our mission to educate, equip and empower women to embrace a future free of drugs/alcohol by utilizing their fullest potential in a God honoring way through day treatment, counseling, and life skills development remains the same. Through our one-year, two-phase program, we seek to transition women from crisis and homelessness to stability and independent living. We continue to provide food, clothing and housing, as well as a full range of recovery services, spiritual nourishment, workforce development, life skills training, and aftercare programming.
In the past 15 years, we have seen over 500 women between the ages of 18 and 60 come through our doors. We’ve watched God deliver many from the bonds of addiction. We’ve seen Him heal broken lives and reconcile families. Many, unfortunately, chose to return to their former lifestyles.
For some, that decision proved fatal. We know of 23 former Gilgal clients who have died since 2005 – some from the drugs and/or alcohol; others from the lifestyle it brings or health complications after years of abuse. Their stories are individual, but the root cause is not unique.
Many still believe the lies that they can’t change, that they don’t matter, and that they require anything other than Jesus Christ to meet every need. For that reason, our resolve to stay on mission is needed now more than ever – and so is our partnership with each of you.
The numerous volunteers, donors, churches and friends who have come along side of us are too many to mention. Whether you prayed with me as God was launching His ministry, or you physically held us up throughout the years with your prayers and donations of time, talent and resources, you are a part of our story. For that I say THANK YOU! This 15-year milestone is only possible because of your support, and I hope you will stay with us for this next chapter in our history.
Because while it has been exciting to watch God transform lives since our inception, what excites me even more is that I know He isn’t done yet. In fact, I believe He’s only just begun! I believe He is doing a new thing and Isaiah 43:19 has become a guiding promise for our future:
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Yes, God is doing something new at Gilgal and throughout the coming year we will share stories to highlight His goodness toward us.
They say that 15 represents deliverance, restoration, healing and rest. And as I continue to believe God for my own personal healing from cancer, I look with hopeful anticipation to the rest He has promised to all who will believe in His unfailing love.
Change Happens at Gilgal. Thank you for being a part of our story.
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