From the Board: Giving Thanks What are you thankful for? Is it family and friends? Are you thankful for a place to live and food on the table, for health, for freedom? Of course, there are no words that are enough to express our thankfulness for the grace God has poured out on us through Jesus and His sacrifice. But, what if you had none of those things? For some of the clients we serve at the Jeremiah Tree and the TreeHouse, that is often the case. For example, one of our recent clients, Tom (not his real name), came to us this summer after being released from prison. He was nine years clean and determined to stay that way, but he had nowhere to sleep, no food, no job, no family nearby. He needed someone to help him begin the process of rebuilding his life; he needed community and he needed hope. Today he is a baptized believer who is working two jobs, attending church and Celebrate Recovery meetings on a regular basis, and he is saving up for his own apartment. I am so grateful that God brought him to the door of the Jeremiah Tree that day and allowed me to watch as the Body of Christ loved Tom through a difficult time. Are you willing to let God use you to love someone who is hurting, feels hopeless, and sees little in his or her life to be thankful for? Sometimes the best way to say thanks is not with words, but with actions. Marlene 118 W 2nd St., PO Box E, Xenia, OH 45385 • (937) 562-3121 Tom … was nine years clean and determined to stay that way, but he had nowhere to sleep, no food, no job, no family nearby. About the Jeremiah Tree Ministries Established in 2012, The Jeremiah Tree, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that seeks to help the many homeless and impoverished persons in our community. Through relationships, “the Tree” seeks to connect those in need to Christ, counsel, and resources. With the acquisition of the old Red Cross building, The Jeremiah Tree now occupies adjacent houses at 118 and 130 West 2nd Street in Xenia. The ministry work has expanded to assist men in recovery via residential programs known as the TreeHouse and the GreenHouse. These provide life-intensive experiences that point men to the transformational power of Christ. Through counseling, prayer, mentoring, and training in social and life skills, residents of the TreeHouse and the GreenHouse gain the strength to lead productive lives An Update From the Director Things are moving along here at The TreeHouse and The GreenHouse. Currently, we have three men in The TreeHouse and two in The GreenHouse. I believe God is working in the lives of these men as we watch them grow in Christ. It is a blessing to be involved with them as they seek and search, and as they sometimes struggle with the seeking and searching. We are always looking for additional volunteers to help us carry on in the running of the ministry. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our trouble, that we may be able to comfort those in like trouble, by the comfort that we ourselves were comforted by God.” II Corinthians 1:3–4 Jeff Through relationships, connecting people to Christ and community. So, I’m almost 60 days clean! I’m no longer out on the street doing the devil’s work. I’m not committing sin anymore. Well, I still sin and always will, but I don’t do what I used to do. I don’t have to live that way anymore. I can live free from being chained down and drowning in darkness. Jesus broke the chains. I was lost, I have been found, and it feels great and amazing. I’m very grateful to be alive and here at the TreeHouse. Chad, a TreeHouse resident Stay in touch with the Jeremiah Tree and the TreeHouse!
Tales from the TreeHouse For those of you who may not know, the TreeHouse is the first phase of the Jeremiah Tree’s men’s residential recovery house. The former Red Cross building now houses up to four residents and a live-in house manager. These men commit to six months of intensive Bible study, counseling, community service, and other structured, supervised activities that help prepare them for a life of freedom from addiction. Our director, Jeff Carter, comes to us with years of experience in recovery ministry, a heart for the Lord, a great sense of humor, and a distinct West Virginia twang! His passion is to help men understand the transformational power of Jesus to free them from their addiction, restore broken relationships, and rebuild their lives. Growing in the GreenHouse After completing their time at the TreeHouse, graduates are eligible to apply to our transitional residence, the GreenHouse. While at the GreenHouse, these men begin the process of starting their new lives, free from the chains of addiction. They apply for and begin new jobs, continue in Bible studies, take classes in life skills, and begin giving back to the ministry by sharing with household expenses. It’s been so exciting watching our first two GreenHouse residents take the next step! The Jeremiah Tree PO Box E Xenia, OH 45385 www.jeremiahtree.org The TreeHouse The GreenHouse How Can I Help? Volunteer needs: Case manager (T/Th 1 – 3) Morning Bible Study teachers (M-F, 9 - 11) On call transportation volunteers Secretary Receptionist (4-8 hours/week) Newsletter Editor IT/Social Media Editor Database Coordinator Event Planner Church Liaisons Household needs: Snow blower Hampers with lids (4) 1 set of steel bunkbeds Small bedroom trashcans (4) Twin-sized comforters (4) 2’ x 2’ dry erase boards (4) How Can I Give? The Jeremiah Tree is changing lives, but we need your help! It costs almost $1000 a month to house, feed, clothe, and teach each resident at the TreeHouse and GreenHouse. In addition, our Connections ministry works with individuals and families who are struggling with homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Sometimes a $5 McDonald’s gift card provides the only food someone will have that day. Will you help us be the hands and feet of Jesus to them? Help change lives with a one-time gift (you can give online at www.jeremiahtree.org) Become a Jeremiah Tree Champion with a regular monthly gift of $25 or more Support the Tree as you shop through the Kroger Community Rewards or Amazon Smile programs Schedule a speaker to share the ministry of the Jeremiah Tree with your church, small group, or fraternal organization