Christmas at The Way Homes
Dear Friends and Partners,
Another year at The Way Homes is coming to a close, and as we look back on all the Lord has done and anticipate the celebration of our Savior’s birth, we are also grateful for the gift the Lord has also given us in each of you who contribute by prayer, giving, and service to this ministry.In this letter, we’ve asked our Way Homes staff and volunteers who serve on a regular basis to share their thoughts with you about the privilege of serving those in recovery.
Campus Pastor, Paul Butler
I’ve been serving as campus pastor at The Way Homes for the past year, and what a privilege it has been to encourage individuals who are so open, humble and sincere in their desire to grow in recovery, in relationships, and in their walk with God. It’s easy to look on the outside and judge someone who is struggling, but when I hear the stories of where some of our residents have come from, the difficulties through which they’ve persevered, and I see them still pressing forward and doing their level best… well, I have the utmost respect for these courageous men and women and I’m proud to call them my friends. Whether I’m just providing a listening ear and some simple advice, more in-depth counseling, or leading our weekly Bible study, it is truly a joy to serve at The Way Homes, and I’ve grown to love this community!
On-Site Ministry Overseer, Larry Shortt
In the three years I’ve been employed by TWH, I have found it gratifying, challenging, frustrating and hard work. I have witnessed God take hold of lives and change them for good! We develop close and personal relationships with the men and women at TWH. Sometimes things don’t work out and people don’t receive this ministry. They use drugs or act out, and sometimes it even results in tragedy. This is heartbreaking to us all. Mostly as residents apply themselves to the program of recovery and do the next right thing, God pours out His blessings and residents recover.
Women’s Ministry Leader, Linda Currier
Women’s Ministry Leader, Linda Currier It’s been a great year for the Women’s recovery homes! We have been consistently praying that God would help the woman he wanted to live in the homes find their way to us. He has answered that prayer many times, for many women. So much so, that we opened a second woman’s home this year! Several women have lived in the home for several years, some have been here for a shorter time but are experiencing great love, peace and comfort. Some are really new, and some have chosen to leave. We are sad for the ones that have chosen to leave, but we are pleased that we did our part and passed on God’s message of love and recovery. God is always good, loves us all dearly and his Holy Spirit is ever present and leading us in our efforts to serve these women. We are confident that God will continue to bless TWH! Be bold and courageous, do not be discouraged or afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Men’s Intake and House Leader, Chuck Pollard
I came to TWH in 2012, addicted to drugs and alcohol. Seven years later I still live here, do all the men’s intake interviews, lead worship in several local churches and CR’s and am completely sober and drug free. Being a part of The Way Homes community is very special to me. It has allowed me through God’s good grace to serve in a capacity that I never thought possible. It is indeed a privilege to be part of a growing team this past year along with fellow ministry leaders in our mission to encourage each other in Christ-centered, sober living. We get to see men and women grow in Christ through God’s grace and endless mercy.
Women’s House Leader, Teresa Hessler
This Christmas marks two years at TWH for me. This journey has been beyond anything I could have imagined my life would become. I love giving back to the recovery community, sharing my experience, strength and hope. When I came, there were six women in one women’s house. Because of my involvement we have added a second women’s house and currently have 14 women. I have become a part of TWH leadership of both women’s houses and we will soon be opening a third. Only with Jesus and this loving community could this have happened.
Administrator, Leslie Drayer
It is rewarding to be a part of a Christian organization that is expanding and is instrumental in helping people become healthy and reconciled to family. In the four years I have been helping at TWH we have added three homes and a team of people to help oversee all that happens here. The financial demands of providing homes with private bedrooms, and not allowing any maintenance drugs like methadone and
The Founders, Greg & Sheri Anderson
This has been a great year for Sheri and I. Sheri retired after a 35-year career with The City of Annapolis. I myself continue my 42-year career in the Home Improvement business and home building but have my eyes on the end of my business career. We have also bought a small home in Myrtle Beach allowing us to enjoy the fruits of our labor.
We remain dedicated to serving at The Way Homes and continue to love what we see God doing in the lives of those once lost in addiction. Our greatest joy will forever be to see the impact these men and women have on their families and friends. We are eternally grateful for all of you who join us on this journey dedicating your time and money to help them. We had the blessing of launching The Way Homes 12 years ago, and now we are just happy to be a part of the many people dedicated to running things day to day and giving room for Sheri andI to enjoy her retirement and me moving towards mine. May God continue to bless all of us during this wonderful Christmas season.
We have redesigned our website this year to make it easier to navigate, to donate online, and to find and share information about The Way Homes. Please stop by the site for a visit! Our new email address is [email protected].
We continue to provide Christ-centered recovery in a safe, substance-free environment, and we continue to see lives changed to the glory of God, thanks to your generous giving and partnership with us. Only eternity will reveal all that God has done in the lives of our residents because of your faithfulness; we are deeply grateful! We wish each of you a Merry Christmas, filled with the grace and presence of our wonderful Savior!
In Jesus’ love,