As I look back over the past 3 years, the Lord has shown me that my job is not to resolve issues or fix ladies, but it’s to walk with them on their redemptive journey. It’s to share the love of God with a Christ-like heart. The RofG Leadership is learning to have deep, genuine, lasting love and concern for the ladies God has placed in front of us. When people share their pain with us, whether it results from addiction, shame, guilt, abandonment, or any other source, it’s an honor and privilege to be His vessels. I would like to express my gratitude to God for His faithfulness to this ministry, as well as my thankfulness to many of you for your generosity towards the ladies and their families at Refuge of Grace. As I ponder over the last 3 years, I’m in amazement of the things God has done. He has been faithful to bring ‘His Team’ to lead Refuge of Grace with new full time leadership as well as around 50 volunteers! Thank you all for your prayer, time, talents, and treasures! May the Lord richly bless you all as He has me, as I am honored to watch Him work in the many lives involved with and through the Refuge of Grace family! We all are truly blessed!
Leigh
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness! -Psalm 115:1
MONTHLY PRAYER GATHERINGS CONTINUING IN 2015! PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND JOIN US AS WE GATHER ALL PRAYER WARRIORS TOGETHER TO PRAY ON THE 2ND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH FROM 10:30-12 NOON FOR REFUGE OF GRACE! January 8th February 12th March 12th April 9th May 14th June 11th July 9th August 13th September 10th October 8th November 12th December 10th COME AND PRAY WHEN AND AS YOUR SCHEDULE ALLOWS! For more information call Margaret Fudge at 256.366.2200 or email her at jtfudge@att.net
Journey to Refuge of Grace Leadership by Margaret Fudge In the Fall of 2013 I began volunteering weekly at Refuge of Grace teaching a Bible study and spending time with the residents. I was so blessed to see how God was working in the lives of each of the ladies. This summer I came on board as leadership staff for the ministry – this was a very special time. I am so thankful that God is a loving God who forgives us and gives us the strength to make new choices. Because of God there is hope for all of us. Many of the residents have not had hope in anything in so long. I am completely humbled and thankful to be able to share the wonderful message with them. I am forgiven because Christ paid my debt. I want to share that with others. The Refuge of Grace residents and ladies in the Bible studies at the Morgan County jail are beautiful pictures of God’s transforming power. He is also transforming a retch like me. We serve an amazing God!
Margaret
R e f u ge o f G ra c e …
Jennifer Gilland
I am so grateful for all that the Lord has done in mine and my children’s lives… Psalm 9:1-2 I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Over the past two years my life has completely changed, it’s all because of my savior Jesus Christ and the help I have received from Refuge of Grace and volunteers. Being taught the word of God has completely changed my life, I now know the truth. I have been loved by His love, I have been mentored by some very wise mentors, and I have experienced the kind of faith that moves mountains. After receiving custody of my youngest son In February 2014, I received hands on guidance, prayer and advice to continue preparing me into being the Godly mother I was intended to be all along. We moved into our own apartment on June 1, 2014. We were entering Season 3 of Refuge of Grace together. God has blessed me with a wonderful car and any and everything you could ever think about needing for our apartment. I have learned that life is not easy and that it’s not supposed to be. (Wow doesn’t that change everything!) The truth is that it’s real; it’s a real life struggle every day. But God’s grace and mercy are also new each morning! I no longer believe the lies of this world. I am redeemed, blessed, set apart, forgiven, a daughter of the king, loved by the creator of everything!!! “Can I get a hallelujah praise Jesus…”
Colossians 1:13-14 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sin. I would love for you to attend my graduation ceremony so I can share more of my story with you.
R es i d e n t U p d a t es !
Ashley
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here." My name is Ashley Borden and I am 25 years of age. I am a follower of Jesus Christ because He saved my life, showed me who He was and that He is very much real. God doesn't promise to save you from trouble, He promises to be with you in your troubles, to give you wisdom to cope, strength to overcome and understanding about how you can be stronger as you learn to deal with and overcome your problems. Our only lasting hope is in Him. Life was always uncertain to me until August 25, 2014 when the Lord placed me in a safe haven. I was brought out of my addiction October 15, 2013 when the Lord placed me in jail where it became clear to me and that it wasn't just about me anymore. So I placed my life in Christ's hands and with His grace and in His strength I am on His path and wanting a change. I was placed in the Refuge of Grace August 25, 2014 where I am getting my life back of sobriety. I am on a journey of a healing path and learning to be the godly woman He is wanting me to be. Since I've been here I have learned so much, have changed more than I thought I would and am receiving more love than anyone can imagine, even with my family. On September 28th I got to see my two girls, grandmother and my mom for the first time in person since October 15th, 2013. I got to hold my two girls and wrap my arms around all of them and the best part was they got to see me sober, happy and healthy for the first time in a very long time. I recently got to see my sister at church which also was a blessing. I am so thankful that He picked me, turned my life around and called me to Him. I'm so excited about this journey with the Refuge of Grace family and every single person involved. Thank you so much for loving God, this ministry and pouring your love on me. God Bless! Joel 2:13 "Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."
Sarah Hi, my name is Sarah Speegle and my story is one of Redemption and Restoration. I've made a lot of bad choices in my life that ultimately led me to a life of drug abuse. That selfish and destructive life landed me in the Morgan County Jail. I didn't know it at the time but God was working in my life in an amazing way and I thank him everyday for sending me to jail. I found God there and realized that he saved my life. I have done wrong and hurt those who love me, but the glorious part is, I am forgiven. God has given me a second chance. A second chance to live life the right way, a godly way and a second chance to be a mom to my children. God and the Refuge of Grace are why I'm getting these second chances. I came to Refuge of Grace on August 25, 2014 and my life is already changing so much. I feel so much love everyday. I am so grateful and blessed to be here. On September 28, 2014 I got my first visit and was able to wrap my arms around my son who I hadn't touched in 14 months. And just recently on October 12th, my husband and my son came to church with me. I thank God every day for my many blessings. Isaiah 41:13 says, "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." I do not fear because I have put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ and even though the road ahead won't always be smooth, it will be okay because I'm not facing it alone, the Lord is with me.
A HUGE thanks goes to Central Methodist VBS and Quay Lively for showering Refuge of Grace with an abundance of toilet paper!!!!
LEAVES OF GRACE
We are so grateful for the many Leaves of Grace donated last Spring at the “Transformation Celebration Dinner.” Your generosity has made it possible for Refuge of Grace to continue to do the Lord’s work in the lives of the residents. Blessings to Mark Wilkerson for speaking at our “Transformation Celebration Dinner.” Mark is on the Board of Directors of Prison Fellowship Ministries and eloquently explained how the Refuge of Grace program is an extension of discipleship inside the jail. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Prison Fellowship Ministries and The Colson Center For Christian World View.
RofG Weekly Morgan County Jail Ministry Classes
Blessings to our Bible study teachers, Enrichment volunteers and those who have prepared graduation meals for our jail ministry! You are truly the hands and feet of Christ! Christine Rowlette – Enrichment Coordinator Libby Brown Terinda Zajic Catherine Grunschel David Zajic Laura Hellard Susan Thompson Amy Orr Tammy Lloyd Cynthia Kidder Tara Thompson Cindy Viall Cindy Littrell Marsha Keeny Nancy Waldron Lisa Terry Darrell Waldron Fanny Adams Joyce Wingard Cathy Schmid Debbie Lanphere Lisa Terry Chip Walraven Lyle Blythe Kim Ingram Mandy Sample Denise Tilly Tommy Lee Janice Kyle Jan Fincher Sandy Phillips Hope Cheshier Abbi Whitcomb Ashley Collins Beth Belcher Billy Vial Ruth Priest Rachel Brannon Lauren Ray Sandra Payne Elena Suggs Barbara Brownlee Lida Orr Mary Allen Barthel James Fudge Cynthia Hill Chip Walraven Jarman Reichmann Tammy Loyd
* " A Beautiful Offering” a study on the Beatitudes by Angela Thomas 21 Ladies Graduated
* " Do You Think I’m Beautiful” a study by Angela Thomas 23 Ladies Graduated
* " Stronger-Finding Hope in Fragile Places” by Angela Thomas 11 Ladies Graduated
* " One Life- What's it all about? " a study on the Gospel of Mark Currently 22 Ladies in the Class
Thanks to all of you for making true transformation possible for Refuge of Grace Families by the sharing of your Time, Talents, and Treasures!
Many thanks to Darrel Waldron for tilling an area on the Refuge of Grace property for our first garden. Darrell brought the seeds, plants and expertise to help us plant tomatoes, cucumbers, okra and herbs!!
"Refuge of Grace was awarded a grant in the amount of $1,000 by The Rotary Club of Decatur from the Decatur Rotary Foundation. The grant was for service and contributions to those in need in our community. The funds will be used by Refuge of Grace to purchase materials needed to teach Bible studies in the Morgan County Jail. We are grateful to be awarded this grant and are blessed to witness lives changed in the classes we teach. Thank you Rotary Club of Decatur!"
Please Join RofG in Praise and Prayer PRAISE THE LORD FOR… - Sarah and Ashley - God’s supplies - The volunteers - The opportunities at Morgan County Jail
Thank you to Lowell Sanderson and Mow Pro for keeping our yard looking beautiful this summer!
PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR … - The ladies involved with the program. - We ask that God will draw them closer as they experience seeing Him at work in their lives.
Many thanks to Dr Chris Teichmiller for donating his services so Ashley and Sarah could have their eyes examined. He also donated their glasses!!! Now they will really be able to study God’s word!
- Please protect them and their families from the attacks of the enemy. - We ask for discernment, clarity and motivation as they study many areas of brokenness in their lives. - The freedom of forgiveness of sin in their lives
We all appreciate Tim Douthit at Bendall’s Pharmacy for providing
medications as needed for the residents!
Thank you Dr. Bill Littlejohn for removing Sara's 3 wisdom teeth. She is so very grateful and now can smile pain-free.
- The Board and Leadership desires to have a servant’s heart and to make every decision from God’s headship. - Please pray for details such as enrichment, supplies and transportation to be handled well. - Prayers for all the volunteers who graciously give of their time for God’s glory. - WE ask for good communication.
Partnering with Prison Fellowship Ministries
Refuge of Grace
Applying Biblical Truths To Women's Lives
A Division of Never Alone Ministries, Inc.
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Decatur, AL Permit No. 885
Po Box 1583 Decatur, AL 35602 256.686.1691
Refuge of Grace is a residential program providing hope for determined women, and when possible their children, by providing a safe, loving environment in which lives are transformed, one heart at a time through the power, grace and truth of Jesus Christ!
Printing Courtesy of Cook’s Pest Control BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Refuge of Grace Newsletter
Leigh Littrell Founder/Executive Director Skip Thompson Chairman Adele Slaton Secretary Jack Fite John Underwood Dr. Richard Bedsole VOLUNTEER STAFF Margie Thompson Adele Slaton Margaret Fudge WEEKEND RESIDENT MANAGER Lisa Johnson
www.theRefugeofGrace.org
Fall 2014