WINTER NEWSLETTER 2018
HOUSING: THE MIRACLE OF HOUSE PARENTSLast year, when we received the news that our House Parents were expecting a child, we worried about the future of “The Home,” our residence for youth in East Vancouver. We started advertising the open position in October of 2017 and were still searching as we brought in the new year.
Irene and Nate’s response to God’s call at Inner Hope was our first miracle of 2018. Irene and Nate exemplify God’s vision for “The Home.” Their welcoming presence has quickly become a staple at Inner Hope and their knowledge and experience when it comes to supporting youth in our community is the most incredible gift. In the words of Tristan, our resident, “They’re awesome!” We know that you covered us in prayer as we began this year in our search. We thank you for it and praise God for his response! |
SUPPORT: THE MIRACLE OF A LAWYER WHO CAREDIn August, an 8-year-old, who has been a part of the Inner Hope community for most of their life, was put into the custody of an unrelated adult who lived in Eastern Canada. The child and their relatives were given four days’ notice before the child was to be moved across the country.
A panicked aunt reached out to Inner Hope’s staff for support. Whenever possible, we strive to keep families together. Therefore, the team assembled to advocate for the 8-year old to remain in Vancouver with relatives and continue to be part of the Inner Hope and Reality communities. One of our staff went down to the courthouse with the aunt the day before the move, but no lawyers were available. A friend of Inner Hope came to the rescue and recommended a lawyer. The staff called his number and thankfully, this caring man answered his phone – even though he was at the airport waiting to board a plane. With his support and direction an affidavit was filed and a judge temporarily stalled the move -providing the time needed to create a viable plan for the child to remain in Vancouver. Through God’s miraculous intervention this 8-year old was able to stay. Thank you for walking with us in 2018. The results have been far-reaching. |
LIFE SKILLS: THE MIRACLE OF RENEWALThis year was one of miraculous growth for the Boundless Life Skills Program. At the beginning of 2018, there were 10 youth and 5 mentors in Boundless. But God had some extraordinary plans.
Since January, there have been 13 new mentors matched with our youth and we are expecting to be at full capacity of 20 youth by the end of November! Even more significant, most pairs are meeting regularly and attending life skill workshops together. This is life-changing for our youth. Watching Boundless thrive this year has been a pleasure. The number of volunteers who have arrived with a passion to demonstrate sacrificial love and see our youth grow in life has been amazing. Equally exciting are the relationships that Mark, our Boundless Coordinator, has been able to cultivate with parents of the youth from Boundless. The trust built through this has led to some extraordinary effects. For example, the miracle of St. Regis would not have been possible without this. Thank you for all your care and prayers for Boundless this year – it’s helped change lives. |
DISCIPLESHIP: THE MIRACLE OF HEARTS TURNED TO GODAs you could tell from our last newsletter, this summer was awesome!
First of all, God’s provision of our summer student Nate Hartley was a God-send. Nate had been working with many of our youth for several years through New Beginnings Church, so he was able to bring relationships with our youth and families to new depths. Because of this, and Nate’s diligence, we had record numbers of youth and families attend summer camp this year. This meant record numbers of hearts were nudged in a desire to know Christ better. Due to this desire, we were able to launch a Youth Alpha Bible Study at “The Home” this fall. Our youth are drawing closer to God and we praise Him for it. |