Waiting on God . . .

“Those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” ~ Isaiah 40:31

Renovation Progress – While Phase I, II and III of the renovation work have been completed, the current living quarters for the teen home are less than ideal conditions. The gymnasium is being used for multiple uses, including the dining and living room for the girls. We’ve waited and prayed, wondering what God has planned, and when He plans to move this project forward with the final phase of renovation – the Sanctuary.

I am thrilled to say that our prayers have been answered, and God’s plans are moving forward! Many people have stepped forward and offered their services to get this project done – praise God!

On September 21st, the 1st annual Trifecta took place – a fund raiser for three local Christian ministries, of which Agape House was one of the benefactors. This was when we saw God begin to respond to our prayers. In a time when the economy is at its worst, at the end of the summer after many other golf outings have taken place as fundraisers, this event netted a profit of $13,675 to each of the three organizations! We are very grateful to all who contributed to this success, and would like to especially thank Geneva National for their support, as well as all who were on the committee for the Trifecta.

In the month of October, Agape House has been asked to speak or be present at local churches for their Mission weekends. It started at East Troy Bible Church the 1st weekend, where people who didn’t even know about Agape House came forward to support the work being done here. The next weekend, Pam Patterson was at Calvary Community Church, who has supported us very generously over the years in so many ways. And now we see God moving even more dramatically then ever before. How awesome it is to see the response to God’s calling – we are in awe!

[God] acts on behalf of those who wait for him. ~ Isaiah 64:4


Praise Reports:
~ One of the Mom’s of our students, Agi, volunteers at Agape School one day every week to do whatever we need to have done. In addition to making some fabulous meals for us, she loves to make herself at home in so many delightful ways. This past week, Becky, our house Mom, was surprised when she came to make dinner after Agi had been there, and found the kitchen sparkling clean and fresh - what a blessing!

~ Elkhorn Chemical will be assisting us with streamlining the cleaning of both buildings and providing the majority of our janitorial supplies – another huge blessing!

~ We are so thankful in the school for our ‘Friday Fun Days’ wherein we experience so many non-academic learning opportunities. The girls are working hard to earn these special Fridays and the benefits of our 4-day week is evident in many areas of the girls' education. Here are some of our extraordinary events:

1) In September, we had the pleasure of visiting the home of our ‘Pet Therapy’ teacher, Ava Von Koch, in Lake Geneva. The beautiful scenery, visiting all the horses, dogs and cats, and the wonderful fellowship with Ava, her husband, and Nancy Turner was a cherished time in the country.

2) Last week we were blessed with tickets for the performance ‘Of Mice and Men’ from the Arts4All Program at UW-Whitewater. This was a great learning experience for the girls, and we look forward to continued theatre opportunities.

3) We also had the privilege last week of visiting the David Weinberg Gallery in Chicago. The girls were treated to an exemplary tour of the gallery, enjoyed three photography artists' exhibit with the theme of Social Landscape. The girls and the chaperones enjoyed the tour and the train ride to Chicago.

~ In the Teen Home, Becky had the following praise report:
I am very proud of all the girls as they are truly working through the many challenges they are facing in their lives. It is not an easy task and it can cause much pain. Often times when someone is going through the healing process, it is found that they will lash out to those who are around them the most at that time. However, I see the girls using their coping skills quite well. Praise God - keep up the hard work girls!


Prayer Requests:

~ Please pray for healing for one of our volunteer teachers, Judy Kidder, as she receives a new treatment plan for RA.

~ Please continue to pray for Ava's husband as he battles cancer.

~ Please pray that the girls at Agape will continue to use their coping skills and trust in our Lord for healing.


Wish List:
~ Non-perishable food items for the Home


Ways you can help:
~ One of our students is musically gifted and would love to continue her study of the
saxophone. If anyone has instruments that are no longer being used, please consider donating them to Agape.

~ Please help us share what God is doing here at Agape House by inviting your family and friends to Barn-Load of Fun! This will be a night of information, testimonies, food, dancing and fun (yes, in a barn)! The event takes place on November 7th, from 7 to 10 p.m., at the Seth Hansen Farm at W2644 Loveland Road, Elkhorn (between Bowers Road and Hwy. 120). The cost is $10 per person; please call 262-275-6466 or e-mail agape7@pensys.com to make reservations; payment will be collected at the door.

~ If you are interested in helping in any way with the renovation project, please let us know. We are still in need of finances for materials, appliances and furniture.


“How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.” - 2 Samuel 7:22