December 21'

What’s Up in the Tree “The Jeremiah Tree will always hold a special place in my heart.”– a graduate’s mom December 2021 In this issue: Graduation, A Graduate Shares, Volunteer of the Year Award, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Graduation Last Thursday we celebrated the graduations of both Tod Wilson and Jesse Resides. Jesse finished his year several months back and has been living in Fairborn. Tod has extended his stay with us while he works on renovating a home and figures out exactly what is next. Tod and Jesse both came to Christ and were baptized in their time with us. Tod shares openly and often that it is only in following Jesus that he can live free from addiction. We are proud of these men!

The Staff and Board celebrated the graduates! (House Manager LaShaun Spencer not pictured)

Graduate Tod shares My stay at the Jeremiah Tree has been an honor and a privilege. I first came to the house to beat the system and to try and stay out of prison. Little did I know God had other plans. Since being here I have been baptized and saved and truly love the Lord and realize I’m nothing without Jesus. I’ve been to juvenile jail, adult jail, prison, numerous rehabs, and tried different medications to try and help me stay off drugs. Thank you, Jesus, for delivering me from being a slave to addiction and the fear of success [fear of growing and moving forward]. I’ve been able to get full time employment, save money, get things together to finish my own place when I leave the Tree. I’m looking forward to this Christmas being able to be a part of my family’s gathering to focus on what is truly important and that’s what Jesus did for ME on the cross.

Volunteer Thank You We appreciate every one of our volunteers. The teachers, mentors, event planners, grocery shoppers all help us reach these men with the transforming love and power of Jesus. We honored our volunteers at a small gathering last Thursday evening. Sometimes a volunteer comes along that goes above and beyond. Each year The Jeremiah Tree awards a Servant’s Heart Award to a volunteer who does just that and who serves lovingly and well. The Palmer family definitely does that, year after year. Jeremy and Tara have served in a number of ways over the years, almost always bringing their daughter Ruth along with them. For the last couple of years, they have been cooking dinner with the guys, teaching a class, and then playing games. Every Friday evening. They have also taken the men to baseball games, out for dinner to celebrate a significant milestone, baked Christmas cookies together, gained permission for baptisms to take place out at Shawnee Lake, and more. Jeremy and Tara and Ruthie have poured much love and countless hours into relationships with our residents and we are so very grateful. Thank you, Jeremy, Tara, and Ruth Palmer for having hearts like Jesus and serving so well those He loves.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year The residents celebrated well on Christmas. Our newest resident was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. Thank you to those who provided gifts and to everyone who supports this ministry. Our residents know they are loved by Jesus and His people! Enjoy a few of the photos from our Christmas morning. All of the Staff, Residents, and the Board of Directors wish you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope your celebration of our Savior’s birth was and will be encouraging and joyful for you.