Working in ministry can be exhausting. The task at hand can be daunting and even more so when we want to see the results of our work. We want lives to be changed and happy endings for all that pass through Haven of Rest’s doors, but God has a way of reminding us that only HE knows the end result. This is very humbling when we once again are reminded that He is at work and we are only called to show up with open hearts, listen to Him, and act accordingly.

I came across this passage from a favorite writer of mine, Richard Rohr: “Our ordinary lives are given an extraordinary significance when we accept that our lives are about something much larger, our pain is a participation in the redemptive suffering of God, our creativity is the very passion of God for the world. No longer do we need to self-validate, self-congratulate or self-doubt–our place in the cosmos is assured. I do not need to be the whole play or even understand the full script. It is enough to know that I have been chosen to be one actor on the stage. I need only play my part as well as I can.”

This is a great reminder that I don’t need to know the whole story. The greater act of faith is to trust that the small part God has given me to play will be worked out through Him.

Matt Pryor

Development Assistant

The post Trusting God appeared first on The Haven of Rest.

⁵ The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade on your right hand.
⁶ The sun will not smite you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
⁷ The Lord will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.
⁸ The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and forever.”

We must and need to rely solely on our Heavenly bodyguard for strength and help in the midst of this life’s journey. We must be immediate in rejecting the weak “strength” which comes from creation and seek exclusively the One who is the Creator. Does our strength come from our family, friends, career, success, good works, kind words, and sunny days? Shall we choose to find strength in the things of this passing and weakening world? Let it only be in the One who is everlasting, most powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth. For God will not doze off or become distracted. He is vigilant, ready to act, and watchful; allowing our lives to stay grounded through the slipperiest of moments.

Each day at Haven of Rest we put our hope, trust and strength in the Lord. As the many challenges arise throughout the day, we confidently know that God is in control. What a true blessing it is to not only know that He is for us, but to pass that message along to the many men, women and children that come through our doors.  This is a life changing message to many who have felt isolated and alone their entire life. As God is our strength, we show those in need that He can be their strength as well. Praise our Wonderful Lord.

Jesse Schlabach

Client Services Dayroom Assistant

The post God Our Bodyguard appeared first on The Haven of Rest.

This past weekend Future Story (which is part of Harvest Home programming) took part in the Artisan Fair located at the historic Hower House in downtown Akron. This beautiful three-story Victorian home held crafters and artisans from all over. The participants and volunteers of the Future Story job training program prepared a variety of items, such as aprons, necklaces, scarves, and beaded bookmarks. Market Bags and Shop Totes from Lydia’s Purse were also displayed. Many women work hard to pick out the colors and fabrics of recycled material, to create these beautiful totes, each uniquely created. Two tables were set up on the third floor of the house for the Artisan Fair, which took place on Friday and Saturday. It was great to see the women who had work so hard to create a beautiful display table and beautiful items!

A volunteer and one of the participants of the program shared with the many people that stopped by the table about Future Story and how it is making the difference in the lives of women going through or have gone through homelessness. They shared how women were learning that they are creative, they have value, they have the ability to make items that others will be interested in buying. They shared how barriers to employment are being broken with each purchase. Women are growing in confidence and finding ways to create a small income for themselves. Customers loved hearing about the program and the wonderful things the participants are learning. Many items were purchased and all of the proceeds benefit the program and the women that are participating in them.

Future Story is continuing on this journey to build skills and confidence in women. Bringing resources and skills to the forefront allows the participants to discover abilities in themselves they never imagined. The women give their best in what they do and slowly begin to see possibilities for their future, and that is where their future story begins.

Aimee Pryor

Assistant to the Director of Harvest Home

The post Future Story appeared first on The Haven of Rest.

What motivates us? Each of us has a motivating factor that runs our life. That motivating factor can be any number of things: money, approval from others, success, fear, etc.  The question is, what gets you out of bed in the morning to continue to do what you do? As Christians, our motivating factor is love.  As I read the Gospels, I’m always struck by Jesus passing on love to ALL people in all different circumstances!

The love Christ shows is unconditional. Even if we have heard the term “unconditional love” quite a bit growing up in church, it never ceases to amaze me just how powerful it is. By this kind of love, Jesus is telling us, “I love you not based on who you are, what you did, what you have achieved or not achieved, but simply because I AM love, and that’s what I have to give.” When we begin to experience this kind of love, we pass it on. If we have not yet experienced this kind of love, then all we pass on is our knowledge of love which can only take us so far.

Here at Haven of Rest we are called to pass on unconditional love (the same love God offers us) to the men, women, and children that come here.  This love is the motivating factor we need to receive those who come to Haven of Rest. Even as we provide food, counseling, job preparation and other resources to those we are called to serve, our hope is that unconditional love will permeate all of our efforts, and point others to that Source of love.

Matt Pryor
Development Assistant

The post Motivated by Love appeared first on The Haven of Rest.

One of the greatest joys I’ve experienced during the events through the years has been getting to know men and women from other missions. We learn so much from each other. We are encouraged by one another in our work and our personal walk with the Lord. This event is a time of refreshing.

This year, one of our speakers was Dr. Donald Lichi from Emerge Ministries. He shared on the topic of compassion fatigue. Almost every evaluation form from the event that I read listed his session as the favorite. Here are a couple of the enduring thoughts that he left with us. Proverbs 4:23 states, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” As ministry and the demands of life pull at us from every direction, he urged us to not confuse your work for the Lord with your walk with the Lord, a timely reminder to rest and walk with our Savior.

Another thought that struck a cord with me related to how people change. When we share the gospel, we are asking people to respond to God and allow Him to change them at their very core. In rescue mission work, this is a daily conversation. The challenge can be to remember that the people that need to change are not only those we minister to, but ourselves as well. We have to continually trust and submit to the Lord, and as we walk through that process, we can guide others in it as well. Without the Lord, compassion fatigue/burnout is inevitable.  Dr. Lichi reminded us that our will is not sufficient to bring about change, but our will must show up.

The aforementioned phrase struck me as a great way to describe the interplay between the Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts and our responsibility. We can’t do it on our own, but we are not without hope. As we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. That is good news for you, me and our guests here at the Mission.

Jim Cole
Director, Men’s Division

The post Men’s Training Institute appeared first on The Haven of Rest.

In chapter 4 of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream regarding a remarkable tree that reached to the heavens, could be seen throughout the earth, and produced abundant sustenance for animals and people. This tree was then specifically declared to be chopped down but left to its stump and roots. God reveals to King Nebuchadnezzar through Daniel that this remarkable tree was he and that this will come upon him in order to make known that “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.” We see a few verses later that King Nebuchadnezzar praises himself for the great kingdom he has built for his honor and majesty. Incredibly, an hour after these words came out of his mouth, the dream is fulfilled. He is cast out of his kingdom to live like an animal for seven years.  We see after the seven years Nebuchadnezzar’s heart and mind are transformed and redeemed. He begins to praise and give all glory and honor to the Most High. God miraculously protects King Nebuchadnezzar and restores everything back to him.

The passage about the tree (King Nebuchadnezzar) being chopped down really caught my interest. Why was this passage so precise in the way they wanted the tree to be chopped down and handled?  In the past, trees were chopped down and often banded with iron and bronze to keep the trees from decaying and also made it possible for them to grow once again. This metaphorical discovery really opened up a whole dimension of God’s protection and redemption not only in King Nebuchadnezzar’s life but also all mankind.

Many men and women have gone through a “Nebuchadnezzar” or “chopped down” experience while at the Haven of Rest Ministries. Life as they know it is chopped down to the stump and roots. Many feel that everything they have worked for up to this point was for nothing. However, just like the tree in the dream was bound with iron and bronze, so are the lives of these men and women that come into the doors of the mission. God has a great and distinct purpose for each man and woman and sometimes it takes a chopping to allow God to provide redemption in our hearts. God uses these chopped down moments to cut out unrighteousness and all the while holding us tight by his mighty bands of protection. But God does not stop with just protection but provides redemption for our hearts to experience fresh growth of righteousness. Let us continue to place our lives and hearts in the bronze and iron band of God’s mighty hand and experience His fresh new growth.

Jesse Schlabach
Client Services Dayroom Assistant

The post Gods Great Purpose appeared first on The Haven of Rest.

Just now, as I am writing this blog, I received a call from a former volunteer. He volunteered here after his company downsized and let him go in 2008. He now has new work and a growing family. He called because his former company, which sold seasoning products, had lots of samples that they no longer needed. He wanted to bring them in for Haven of Rest to use. Just another example of how God supplies the needs of this ministry. I could go on and on about the faithfulness of God. From finances to food to clothing and goods, needs are met so that the Gospel can go forth and hurting people can find help and healing.

Thank you to everyone who helps make these miracles happen.

Jim Cole
Director, Men’s Division

The post Miracles appeared first on The Haven of Rest.

As I write this, it is the day after Christmas. Jan, our Volunteer Coordinator, shared with me many stories of people who at one time in their lives were hurting and changed that hurt into a blessing for themselves and others. Let me share a few of those true stories with you.

There is a married couple whose son at one time came to Haven of Rest for help. Their way of fighting the blues at the holidays is helping here at the Mission. Even though they could have been depressed, they started helping here when their son needed help and have just continued doing that every Christmas. They spend their time making beds in the client men’s dormitory. It allows the Resident Men, who would normally do that job, to enjoy their Christmas more.

Do you think you would be depressed at Christmas if your wife or husband was going through chemotherapy treatments? A man and his two teenage sons still came in to volunteer despite his wife, their mother, going through her chemotherapy treatments. She usually helps as well but was sick and weak from the most recent treatment and couldn’t volunteer this Christmas. Rather than feel sorry for themselves they looked for ways to give back and be other focused.

Another true example is of a married couple who used to volunteer here with their teenage daughter faithfully each Christmas. Because of the daughter’s work schedule, she can no longer volunteer. However, the parents continue that family tradition of volunteering here every Christmas Day and enjoy the experience very much.

So thanks to all those who made such a difference in the lives of the poor this December 25^th by volunteering at Haven of Rest Ministries. You already know and live the secret of making a difference. It is a wonderful example to us of “giving” in this culture of “getting,” especially at the biggest “getting” time of the year.

Mike Solosky
Donor Relations Coordinator

The post Beat The Holiday Blues appeared first on The Haven of Rest.

Recently, a man called Haven of Rest from a hotel room. He explained to me that his money had run out, and he would soon be on the street. He had no clothes but those on his back, no identification, was illiterate and had no hope. The odds seemed stacked against him. I encouraged him to come in, and we would do the best we could to help him. When he came to the Mission, he was greeted by a caseworker who was able to listen to his story. That same evening during our chapel service, he followed the invitation of the chapel speaker and came forward to accept Christ as his Savior.

This man’s situation had not changed yet, but something inside him had. We were able to assist him with clothing and identification, and he began to look at life differently than when he first called the Mission. Over the course of a month, he joined a local church and was baptized, made amends with his family that he had been estranged from for years, and moved into his own apartment. He has called us several times to let us know that he is doing well. He is quick to say that God used the Haven of Rest as a turning point in his life.

I wish every story worked out that way, but not all of them do. Yet, I am honored and privileged that God works through ordinary people like me and you to do extraordinary things in peoples lives. So often, the problems with insurmountable odds are God’s platform to show up and demonstrate His power. I am grateful for the “opportunities” in my life and in the lives of those He brings across my path, even if I do not realize they are opportunities when they first arrive.

Jim Cole
Director of Men’s Division

The post Opportunities appeared first on The Haven of Rest.

A man phoned me. I will call him John, for he chooses to remain anonymous. He’s the manager of a local retail store. He called to tell me that they had collected some fresh bread for Haven of Rest. When I went to pick up the bread, they had collected over 90 loaves. What a blessing! A few days later, he called again and again he had over 90 loaves. A third time he called me, all within the same week, and once again had over 90 loaves.

They have continued to ask each of their customers, as they are checking out, if they would purchase a loaf of bread for Haven of Rest. The total is now about 700 loaves in a 3 week period! To me this is an absolute miracle! What makes it even better is how fresh the bread is and how obvious the love of their customers is for this ministry and those we help!

God knows the needs of Haven of Rest. He also knows your needs and my needs. Trust Him for He will never fail you. Who knows, He might send you your own miracle of increase.

Michael Solosky
Donor Relations Coordinator

The post Miracle of the Loaves appeared first on The Haven of Rest.