WHO DOESN’T LOVE AN OPEN HOUSE?

This Sunday, May 7 we will host an open house for the Transition House. For those who are new to James Island Baptist or are not aware, JIBC sponsors a “Transition House” on our church campus. It is the brick house located at 202 Plymouth Avenue.

Years ago we were blessed to be able to purchase this home from the Alton Parker family after the Parkers had both passed away. It was used to house a homeless family, for Senior Adult classes, part of VBS while we were under construction, emergency shelter during hurricanes and maybe a few more great causes. In 2011 we took a giant leap of faith and opened up a Transition House for women, with infants, on step down drugs who completed their time at the Charleston Center Alcohol and Drug Rehab Center. Our dear friend, Marsha Cline came to live with us while she helped to get the ministry up and running. Numerous people have helped in renovations, furnishing, repairing, etc. It was and still is a labor of love. It is a 3 bedroom, 3 bath home. It can house as many as 4 women but we have found the best results when it houses 2 women with their infants/children.

We have been blessed with welcoming 38 women and just about that many infants and children. We are not their last stop…we are their first stop on the road to recovery. For some, we are their first stop with a church family that shares with them the Higher Power named Jesus!

We currently have a Transition House/Opportunity House Team to help lead in this ministry. It is without a doubt one of the hardest ministries I have ever been associated with. I compare it to riding a bull for the full 8 seconds: it is not likely that you will last all 8 seconds, but when you do, there is a beautiful reward. God has been good to allow us to see some beautiful life change in several of these women. Some have become personal friends with many of us here at JIBC.

The house has been re-furnished and wonderfully cleaned. It is ready for you to come on by, drop in to see the resource you offer to those in great need. We have some little gift items for you to pick up when you drop in.

TWO MORE ITEMS FOR PRAYER

First, we are expecting a prospective Associate Pastor to visit JIBC on Mother’s Day, May 14. This is not the more official visits, it is kind of a “let’s get to know each other a little better” kind of visit. If this visit goes well, then we would, sooner, rather than later, have some more official visits. We have had maybe 4 or 5 visit JIBC so far. Having them visit JIBC has proven to be a good method of discerning the Lord’s will and making decisions. Please keep us in your prayers.

Second, by popular demand, we are planning a trip to Israel, the Holy Land on February 23, 2024. We have already had almost 40 express a strong interest in going. We will have an information meeting on Wednesday, May 17 at 6:30; the second will be Sunday, May 21 at 6:30. Both meetings will be the same and will meet in the Fellowship Hall, Room F102.

See you Sunday, Pastor Tom