Website: www.agapehouseforgirls.org

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, . . . He sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners . . . " ~ Isaiah 61:1



Thursday, June 30, 2011

Value Others Above Yourself

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

Prayer Requests:
~ Pray for our Agape Angels to understand the joy of giving of themselves and valuing others above themselves.

~ Pray for our Agape Angels who have been attending Summer School; today is their last day. The next two months will present new challenges for them, some more than others. Pray for them to draw close to God, to know His strength, His wisdom, His discernment, His comfort, and His peace, every day, every step of the way. Pray for them to desire His victory!

~ Pray for the financial support to continue to come in during the summer months, as our financial obligations continue to need to be met to keep this ministry open.

~ Pray for blessings to pour forth for all of the staff and volunteers giving of their time freely this summer to participate in training in preparation for Fall classes and counseling.


Praise Reports:
~ For the donation of cash for paper goods; we needed copy paper and appreciated that cash donation for this purchase!

~ For the more relaxed atmosphere and learning environment of summer school, and the successful completion of classes.

~ For the perseverant students and their accomplishments.

~ For the daily reminder that, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

~ For the gift of learning and faithful volunteers.

~ For the cooperative weather.


Wish List:
Illustrated Anatomy and Physiology Book
Scrapbook Albums
Mini Van (used and in good shape) - free or very good price


Ways to Help at this time:

~ Looking for the following for Fall 2011: Positions in Classroom, Christian Counselor and Resident Assistant, as well as volunteers for classroom/field trip assistance.
~ Volunteer needed for art therapy.

~ Volunteer to repair stained glass.

~ Bible Study materials (contact Pam Patterson for details)
~ Sponsor a girl here; we have several girls that come from single parent families that have no money.
~ Provide finances to expand our counseling program. Our goal for 2011 is to open a Christian Biblical-based counseling center that operates on a sliding fee so no one is turned away because of finances. We are looking at renting some space close by so we can have more offices and praying for the funding for the rent and to pay the counselor’s
Bring in your Campbell’s labels and Box Tops for Education - ask family and friends to help as well.

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” ~ Psalm 62:8

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Peace from the Heart

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” ~ I Peter 3:3-4

Prayer Requests:
~ Pray for our girls to get peace from what is in their heart, not how they look on the outside, and that they learn to check their hearts always, in the same way that they would check their looks in the mirror.

~ For the girls in the home as they have one last weekend before they are done with summer school and move forward with their plans for the summer, whether that is returning home to family, or spending time with a different family, let them know God’s comfort and peace.

~ For our house parents and resident assistant as they have one last weekend with the girls who have not gone home yet, let them be strengthened to do His work.

~ For all staff and volunteers to have a relaxing, renewing summer break.

~ For the families of the girls from Agape, that as they spend more time with their girls over the summer, that they be led by the Spirit to respond differently to their girls; that they know the strength and support of our Lord through the people around them who give encouragement; and that they have hope for a better tomorrow.

~ For continued wisdom and discernment as we interview prospective new staff, and that the Lord will bring to us exactly the people He wants to fill each position.

~ For the staff that continue to work throughout the summer months, that the pace be more relaxing, while still accomplishing all that needs to be done.



Praise Reports:
~ For the donation of office and school supplies: folders, highlighters and colored paper.

~ For all those who continue to support this ministry in so many ways.

~ For sunshine and rain to help the gardens grow so that the bounty is abundant.


Wish List:
Illustrated Anatomy and Physiology Book
Scrapbook Albums
Cheese
Yogurt
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Healthy snacks
Mini Van (used and in good shape) - free or very good price
Gas Cards to take the girls to various events in the van
Gift cards for the girls to be able to go to Starbucks, bowling, a movie, or Subway


Ways to Help at this time:

~ Looking for the following for Fall 2011: Positions in Classroom, Christian Counselor and Resident Assistant, as well as volunteers for classroom/field trip assistance.
~ Volunteer needed for art therapy.

~ Volunteer to repair stained glass.

~ Bible Study materials (contact Pam Patterson for details)
~ Sponsor a girl here; we have several girls that come from single parent families that have no money.
~ Provide finances to expand our counseling program. Our goal for 2011 is to open a Christian Biblical-based counseling center that operates on a sliding fee so no one is turned away because of finances. We are looking at renting some space close by so we can have more offices and praying for the funding for the rent and to pay the counselor’s
Bring in your Campbell’s labels and Box Tops for Education - ask family and friends to help as well.

“Peace I leave with you; My peace. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ~ John 14:27

Thursday, June 16, 2011

God is Light

“God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all.” I John 1:5

Prayer Requests:
~ Pray for our Agape Angels to recognize that anything hidden has power over them; and that by trusting God to help them overcome what is hiding in the dark, they can find freedom.

~ For the Board members meeting today as they make decisions that affect continued growth of the ministry at Agape House.

~ For God to bring exactly the right staff and volunteers for school in the Fall.

~ For each of our Agape Angels, including those who have come through the program in the past, as well as those who God desires to come here in the future, that they know the blessing of being hand selected by God to take part in this program.

~ For all staff and volunteers to enjoy a restful, relaxing summer, as well as receive the healing powers of God in all areas of their lives that are needed.


Praise Reports:
~ For Summer School, a chance to continue learning God’s word and how to incorporate it into our lives, as well as continue with Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, keeping the cobwebs out of our minds!

~ For those who volunteer their time to clean and maintain the Agape House buildings throughout the Summer months.

~ For rain to water our gardens, and sunshine to encourage the flowers, fruits and vegetables to grow!

~ For the joy of lazy summer afternoons.


Wish List:
Colored Paper (One ream each of the following colors: Light Blue, Light Green, Canary Yellow, Lime Green and Pink)
Folders (Solid colors)
Highlighters
Illustrated Anatomy and Physiology Book
Scrapbook Albums
Cheese
Yogurt
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Healthy snacks
Mini Van (used and in good shape) - free or very good price
Gas Cards to take the girls to various events in the van
Gift cards for the girls to be able to go to Starbucks, bowling, a movie, or Subway


Ways to Help at this time:

~ Looking for the following for Fall 2011: Positions in Classroom, Christian Counselor and Resident Assistant, as well as volunteers for classroom/field trip assistance.
~ Volunteer needed for art therapy.

~ Volunteer to repair stained glass.

~ Bible Study materials (contact Pam Patterson for details)
~ Sponsor a girl here; we have several girls that come from single parent families that have no money.
~ Provide finances to expand our counseling program. Our goal for 2011 is to open a Christian Biblical-based counseling center that operates on a sliding fee so no one is turned away because of finances. We are looking at renting some space close by so we can have more offices and praying for the funding for the rent and to pay the counselor’s
Bring in your Campbell’s labels and Box Tops for Education - ask family and friends to help as well.

“Everything is possible for him who believes.” Mark 9:23

Friday, June 10, 2011

Plans to give you hope

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

One of our Students presented her thoughts, as noted below, at our Recognition Ceremony last Thursday about a community service project. Enjoy!

As a Community Service project, we went to Twin Oaks Homeless Shelter in Delavan, Wisconsin. This community service project impacted me the most out of all of them we’ve been to since I’ve been here at Agape in February. At first, I really didn’t want to go. I thought “Uhgg, helping clean a homeless shelter – gross! What’s the point?”. Well, I must be honest with you; when we got back from being at Twin Oaks I thought, “Wow, I really am a selfish person!” I really couldn’t fathom why I thought such mean things about going for only a few hours! I mean, why was I so selfish? I really felt guilty about what I had decided about going in my mind, seeing all of those men, women, children and even infants’ current situations. Who are we to feel needy? We think, “Oh, I just need that new shirt that I saw in my new magazine the other day, or just one more pair of shoes from my favorite store.” Guess what: in reality, you don’t need it!

I think that most people take what we have on this earth for granted. The clothes you are wearing at this moment on your very back may be all a person in poverty or a person in another country may have in their entire wardrobe. I think that most people really need to be in the situation of poverty or hardships such as these to realize all that we do have, and to realize that what God has given you is enough!

You don’t need the “hottest” clothes or the “best” hairstyle to be accepted by who really matters the most, even though it probably won’t seem like all of this is true at the moment. Yeah, it does feel good to be in with the “popular” crowd and I think that most of us can understand that for the most part. You just want to be “accepted”, and “cool”. But, hey, when you really think about it, are the “populars” really popular? Are the “cool” really that cool?

We all know that everybody in this room has had to work through obstacles in their lives even though some may have been harder than others. Many will have more obstacles and troubles to come and others may be experiencing those times right now. That isn’t said to scare you or to worry you at all. There isn’t a reason that I can think of to sugar coat life.

Remember, God has a plan for every one of you. He has put us all here for a very specific reason. You do have a purpose! Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

We all have a plan. Going to Twin Oaks Homeless Shelter made me see all I really do have from a different point of view. A view that made me appreciate that I have much, much more than I had before. Remember, things could be worse and your life could be much harder. I give you all the challenge of remembering what you do have and learning to appreciate it and be grateful for it if you don’t already because trust me, you will be a much happier person if you value the more important things in your life over material things that you could easily live without. Please keep the people at Twin Oaks Shelter in your prayers.

Prayer Requests:
~ Pray for our Agape Angels to know that God has plans for each one of them.

~ For the girls in Summer School, that they make the most of their time here.

~ For the staff and volunteers here for the summer (school, office work, etc.), for a more relaxed and less—stressful environment to wrap up things from last year, and begin preparations for the upcoming year.

~ For God to bring the right people to Agape House to meet our staffing and volunteer needs for the Fall.


Praise Reports:
~ For the joy of celebrating a year filled with hard work and blessings at our Recognition and Award Ceremony last Thursday evening.

~ For the donation of framing of the girls’ artwork that was displayed by Mark and Nancy Turner.

~ For the 13 Agape Angels who finished the school year at Agape School, as well as our 2nd graduate, Morgan Burger.

~ For the knowledge that we can trust in God with all our hearts that he will direct our paths.


Wish List:
Colored Paper (One ream each of 5 or 6 colors)
Folders (Solid colors)
Highlighters
Illustrated Anatomy and Physiology Book
Scrapbook Albums
Cheese
Yogurt
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Healthy snacks
Mini Van (used and in good shape) - free or very good price
Gas Cards to take the girls to various events in the van
Gift cards for the girls to be able to go to Starbucks, bowling, a movie, or Subway


Ways to Help at this time:

~ Volunteers to do some 'fun' things with the girls through the month of June (during the afternoons when they don't have school).

~ Volunteer needed for art therapy.

~ Volunteer to repair stained glass.

~ Bible Study materials (contact Pam Patterson for details)
~ Sponsor a girl here; we have several girls that come from single parent families that have no money.

~ Provide finances to expand our counseling program. Our goal for 2011 is to open a Christian Biblical-based counseling center that operates on a sliding fee so no one is turned away because of finances. We are looking at renting some space close by so we can have more offices and praying for the funding for the rent and to pay the counselor’s.

~ Looking for the following for Fall 2011: Positions in Classroom, Christian Counselor and Resident Assistant, as well as volunteers for classroom/field trip assistance

Bring in your Campbell’s labels and Box Tops for Education - ask family and friends to help as well.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Mercy Endures Forever

“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!” Psalm 107:1

Prayer Requests:
~ Pray for our Agape Angels to know how merciful and loving our God is, in spite of our sins.

~ For a summer filled with rest, joy, peace, trust and healing; especially for the girls who have been living in the Home as they venture back to their family lives.

~ For confidence in who we are in Christ.

~ For those girls returning for Summer School next week, that their extra efforts to make their learning a priority are rewarded.


Praise Reports:
~ For our Recognition and Award Ceremony this evening to commemorate another year filled with hard work and blessings at Agape School.

~ For a miraculous report from the doctor for one of our staff!

~ For the hope of each new day.


Wish List:
Folders (Solid colors)
Highlighters
Illustrated Anatomy and Physiology Book
Scrapbook Albums
Cheese
Yogurt
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Healthy snacks
Mini Van (used and in good shape) - free or very good price
Gas Cards to take the girls to various events in the van
Gift cards for the girls to be able to go to Starbucks, bowling, a movie, or Subway

We have an Agape graduate who is finishing up her senior year of college, and is $6,000 short for her tuition. A generous donor has agreed to match whatever is donated. If you are able to help in any way, please send in your checks to Agape House at P O Box 68, Walworth, WI 53184, made payable to ‘Agape House’. Your donations will be tax deductible. Please note on the Memo Line: ‘College Scholarship’.

Ways to Help at this time:

~ Volunteer needed for art therapy.

~ Volunteer to repair stained glass.

~ Bible Study materials (contact Pam Patterson for details)
~ Sponsor a girl here; we have several girls that come from single parent families that have no money.
~ Provide finances to expand our counseling program. Our goal for 2011 is to open a Christian Biblical-based counseling center that operates on a sliding fee so no one is turned away because of finances. We are looking at renting some space close by so we can have more offices and praying for the funding for the rent and to pay the counselor’s
~ Looking for the following for Fall 2011: Christian Counselor and Resident Assistant

Bring in your Campbell’s labels and Box Tops for Education - ask family and friends to help as well.

“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.” ~ Psalm 62:1