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, September 29, 2011

Honor One Another



Informational Night – Don’t miss out - get your RSVP in by Friday, the 7th of October for this event. It will be a wonderful evening of fun, as well as a time to hear about the amazing things God is doing at Agape House!

As a reminder, it will be held at the Geneva National Club at 1221 Geneva National Avenue South, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. Cost: $25 per person, and start time is 6 p.m.

Call 262-275-6466 or e-mail office@agapehouseforgirls.org. We hope to see you there!


“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” ~ Romans 12:10


Prayer Requests:
~ Pray that our Agape Angels will come to understand the joy of putting others before themselves in all that they do, and that the staff and volunteers show them the way to doing that.

~ That our girls mature in relationship building.

~ That students, their families, staff and volunteers receive the healing they need, whether it be physically or spiritually.

~ For wisdom and discernment for the staff as to the number of girls we can truly accommodate at Agape School and Home, as we continue to interview prospective new students.

~ For those girls who have been through our program, and moved on to other paths in their lives, that the seeds that were planted at Agape House will be watered and nourished so they fulfill the plans that God has for them.

~ For those staff and volunteers who have moved on from Agape, that they will know the full blessing for all that they gave of themselves during the time they were at Agape House.


Praise Reports:
~ For a student who has had some success with her math this week, and can finally see that she can do this work!

~ For the donation of quilts made with ‘love’ from the Luther Memorial Quilters in Delavan. See picture above.

~ For the joy of meeting with the parents who were able to attend our Parent Orientation last week.

~ God has blessed us daily unconditionally.

~ For the joy of seeing the girls being successful in the classroom!

~ For the donation of a shredder, as well as stamps and note cards.

~ For the donation of hot dogs & buns, lunchmeat, chips and snacks from MPC here in Walworth – items left over from an Open House – what a blessing!

~ For the donation of LOTS of pens, which were the exact brand that a member of our staff had prayed for – God is so good, He makes me giggle!

~ For the generosity of Delavan Animal Clinic to give the girls a tour of their facility last Friday, and spend time showing them what a Vet Technician does on the job.

~ For a student who is finally utilizing the tools she has been blessed with to do her school work.


Items Needed:
Donations for 2 upcoming special interest school events $20 pp – this will help defray the costs for those families who are not able to afford this (if you send in a check for this, please note: ‘School Events’ in the memo line)

One or two old card tables for Art class

15 Thumb (Flash) Drives so each student has her own for computer class

Bulletin Board Decorations for Thanksgiving and Christmas
Fresh Produce: Veggies and Fruits
Snacks, i.e., almonds, peanuts, dried fruit, granola bars, crackers
Yogurt
Milk (1% please)
Chicken
Thank You / Note Cards

Wish List:
Funding for a field trip wherein the girls will have time to play (see note under items needed)
Scrapbook Albums
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:
~ Volunteer to rototill garden space this Fall.

~ Tutors for Friday morning.

~ Volunteer to repair stained glass.

~ 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.


“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” ~ Romans 12:12

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Winning the Race
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” - I Corinthians 9:24


Prayer Requests:
~ Pray that our Agape Angels stay focused on the goal, and know that God will give them the grace to continue moving forward.

~ For healing for girls and/or staff that have colds, flu, etc.

~ For girls driving to school daily that they have safe travel.


Praise Reports:
~ For the donation of a weekend Camping and Rock Climbing trip by Phantom Ranch for our girls this past weekend. What a fabulous opportunity to learn what a person can do if they just reach out and trust God!

~ That the girls are getting their PACEs done, and adjusting to the school routine.

~ For the donation of some note cards.

~ For a volunteer who came in and did some Fall gardening.

~ For those who have donated needed items for our PE program.


Items Needed:
Donations for 2 upcoming special interest school events $20 pp – this will help defray the costs for those families who are not able to afford this (if you send in a check for this, please note: ‘School Events’ in the memo line)

One or two old card tables for Art class

15 Thumb (Flash) Drives so each student has her own for computer class

Fresh Produce: Veggies and Fruits
Snacks, i.e., almonds, peanuts, dried fruit, granola bars, crackers
Cream Cheese
Margarine (tubs)
Yogurt
Milk (1% please)
Eggs
Chicken
Stamps
Thank You / Note Cards


Wish List:
~ Funding for a field trip wherein the girls will have time to play (see note under items needed)

~ Scrapbook Albums

~ 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:
~ Volunteer to rototill a new garden area in front of the other building (with the gym) so plants can be put in there this Fall.

~ Volunteer with a medical background to come into the Home once a month and check weight, blood pressure, temp and answer basic health questions for the girls.

~ Volunteer to repair stained glass.

~ 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

~ Part-Time Bookkeeper needed (very part-time). Contact Pam or Jan if interested.

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


“I press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.” Philippians 3:14

Thursday, September 15, 2011

His Path, Truth and Faithfulness



“Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You do I wait all the day long.” ~ Psalm 25:4-5

Prayer Requests:
~ Pray that our Agape Angels come to understand the joy of learning God’s ways, and how they can let Him guide them throughout their day.

~ That our girls take time to get to know one another.

~ For God to continue to bring the volunteers to Agape that we need to keep this ministry going; we could not do His work without our volunteers.

~ For girls continuing to adjust to living in the Home.

~ For those who need to be here, yet it is just not possible for various reasons.


Praise Reports:
~ For the donation of fresh fruit and salads left over from various events this past week, including a brunch and a picnic.

~ For our girls who are working hard in the classroom.

~ For everyone getting settled into the routine of the new school year, especially as we all adjust to some changes.

~ For a volunteer who will probably be able to help with our gym class all year long!

~ For the joy of working with animals! Last Friday the girls were able to visit the home of an Agape friend who has horses, dogs and cats, and help tend to their needs.


Praise Report/Prayer Request
~ For the joy that nobody was harmed last Friday in the early hours of the morning when one of our dryers had a fire in it! Everyone responded beautifully as needed, and all were safe (although everyone had to sit outside for an hour or so until the fire department gave them the all clear - it was a short night of sleeping for many). However, we have a prayer request for (2) new stackable washers and dryers. We have greatly appreciated the donation of used appliances, but they do get a lot of wear and tear in the Home. And they have been requiring lots of maintenance. We are now down to (1) dryer, and still having problems with it. We are praying for donations to purchase these (2) new sets of stackable washers and dryers - if you feel led to donate towards this need, please indicate in the Memo line of your check: Washer and Dryer. Thank you.


Items Needed:
Fresh Produce: Veggies and Fruits
Snacks, i.e., almonds, peanuts, dried fruit, granola bars, crackers
Cream Cheese
Margarine (tubs)
Yogurt
Milk (1% please)
Eggs
Chicken
Stamps
Thank You / Note Cards


Wish List:
Funding for a field trip wherein the girls will have time to play
Scrapbook Albums
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:
~ Volunteer to weed and maintain our gardens in front of the school. We’ll need someone to thin the plants out this Fall, and give them some tender loving care throughout the season.

~ Volunteer to repair stained glass.

~ 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.


“I will sing of the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness from generation to generation.” Psalm 89:1

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Christ Strengthens Me

“I am a new person in Christ. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ~ Philippians 4:13

Prayer Requests:
~ Pray that our Agape Angels claim their rights as a child of God, and learn to lean on His strength for every difficult challenge that comes their way.

~ For the girls to be encouraged, rather than discouraged, as they adapt to a new situation in their lives. That they lean on Christ’s strength to overcome the habits that have held them hostage for so long.

~ For our parent support group that begins on the 19th, that the parents will recognize the importance of taking part in this program and do their best to fit it into their lives.

~ For our staff and volunteers as we continue to adjust and adapt to the daily ebb and flow of doing God’s work at Agape, that we follow the Spirit as He leads us to do what is best for everyone.

~ For healing, both physical and spiritual, for all the staff, volunteers, students and their families.

~ For the Board as they research a building for a counseling center that they be filled with His wisdom and discernment.


Praise Reports:
~ For the joy of spending time at the Walworth County Fair last Friday with the girls, as the girls get to know each other and stretch themselves to be an encouraging force in the lives of those around us, while enjoying God’s creation in all the animals that were there.

~ For a parent and one of our students who were recently baptized in the presence of their families.

~ For the positive changes we are seeing in our Agape Angels; God is so good!

~ For the donation of chicken, chicken broth, BBQ, buns, potato salad, coleslaw, vegetables, lettuce salad, potatoes, hot dogs and apple pie by LaGrange United Methodist Church – leftovers from their booth at the Walworth County Fair – what a blessing!

~ For a volunteer to help with our PE program for a couple of months; we praise Him!


Items Needed:
Fresh Produce: Veggies and Fruits
Snacks, i.e., almonds, peanuts, dried fruit, granola bars, crackers
Cream Cheese
Margarine (tubs)
Yogurt
Milk (1% please)
Eggs
Chicken
Stamps
Thank You / Note Cards


Wish List:
Microsoft Office Software (for computers that were donated this summer)
Scrapbook Albums
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:
~ Volunteer needed to teach computer class once a week for an hour each for 2 groups.

~ Volunteer to weed and maintain our gardens in front of the school. We’ll need someone to thin the plants out this Fall, and give them some tender loving care throughout the season.

~ Volunteer to repair stained glass.

~ 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.


“Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God.” ~ Psalm 42:5

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Light of Life

~ DO YOU LOVE SPORTS AND KIDS? If so, we are looking for a few volunteers who will each teach a 6- to 9-week session of PE for our girls on Monday afternoon from 1:45 to 3:00 p.m. We already have one person to oversee the program; we just need others to take a turn and come along side with your talents. Contact Jan at 262-275-6466.


“I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ~ John 8:12

Prayer Requests:
~ Pray that our Agape Angels have the desire to walk out of darkness into the Light, and that the Light will fill their lives.

~ For our staff as they adjust to all of the new personalities and needs of these precious young girls, that we will all be filled with His strength in our weakness, as well as wisdom and discernment.

~ For those girls who did not return to Agape, that as they adjust to attending public school, they continue to walk with our Lord in His Light, leaning on and trusting in Him every moment of the day so that they can soar to great new heights under the shadow of His wings.

~ For the new girls in the Home as they adjust to a lifestyle that is different for them, pray that they know God’s comfort, strength, and most of all, His love; and that they recognize this is a gift they are being given at this time in their lives when they need it most. Pray that this gift is something that they recognize could change their lives for the better forever, and that it is worth taking the time to slowly open this gift and savor it over the next 9 or 10 months.

~ For the families of these girls, that they be comforted by God as they trust they have made the right choice by entrusting their girls to the love and care we offer at Agape House, believing this can make a difference in their lives. Pray that the families will also accept the services we offer for them to be strengthened, as individuals and as families, through Parent Support Group, Bible Study, and Counseling.

~ Pray that God continues to bring the volunteers to Agape School and Home that are needed to meet the needs of these girls.

~ Pray for ongoing healing, physically and spiritually, for those in need (staff and students).


Praise Reports:
~ For the donation of tickets to the Walworth County Fair for our Agape Angels to attend tomorrow.

~ For the donation of (4) 96-gallon garbage containers with hinged lids.

~ Praise God for the joy of laughter in the classroom on the first day of school, as they all spent time getting to know each other.

~ Praise God for the girls who have returned to Agape School, and have agreed to ‘mentor’ the new girls, taking them under their wings these first few weeks to help them make the adjustment!

~ Praise God for the amazing work that took place in these girls over the Summer as we see the difference in who they are today compared to who they were a year ago as they come out from the darkness.

~ Praise God for all who support this ministry in any way at all, whether it be someone responding to a call to repair an appliance, help out one evening a month in the Home by doing something special with the girls, clean, prepare a meal, provide financial support, pray, tutor a few hours each week in the school, help prepare the newsletters to be sent out, donate paper supplies, provide a place for the girls to ‘get away to’ on a weekend, etc. Everyone who supports this ministry in any way is helping to change the lives of these precious children.


Items Needed:
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Healthy Snacks, i.e., almonds, peanuts, dried fruit, granola bars
Cheese (cream, slices, string and shredded)
Yogurt
Milk (1% please)
Chicken
Beef
Stamps
Thank You / Note Cards


Wish List:
Illustrated Anatomy and Physiology Book
Scrapbook Albums
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:
~ Volunteer to weed and maintain our gardens in front of the school. We’ll need someone to thin the plants out this Fall, and give them some tender loving care throughout the season.

~ Volunteer to repair stained glass.

~ 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.


“How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of man take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 36:7