Deuteronomy 31:6-
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be afraid of them [the enemy]; for the Lord your God, he is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."
Okay so for over a week or two I've been trying to get involved with the community or at least have something else to do than sit at home and watch television or read all the time. So I searched on the internet for places I could volunteer at that would help me gain career experience in the field I am pursuing. I came across the Toledo R House. This place was for teens and young adults to, and their families or supporters to come and talk and socialize with others about their addiction problems. So I emailed the director and last Monday night I drove about 30 minutes away to arrive at this place and to my surprise I was deeply moved and a little sad. I sat in on the parent/family support group that night which last for about an hour and within the first 30 minutes I wanted to cry and give hugs out to every one of those people there. One lady caught my attention the most that night. As we all went around the room and introduced ourselves she stated that she was there because her two sons, ages 15 and 12, were addicted to marijuana. 12 YEARS OLD! WHAT!? I was so stunned at that number and I applauded her for taking the stand to help stop the trend of that happening. Throughout the meeting others discussed their issues they have with their teen or young adult. But at the end we all stood up and help hands and said a prayer. I realized then that this was something God was leading me to. He wants me to be there to help those who are struggling with this issue in their lives. I'm sure things will be different in the teen meeting than in the parent one but I'll find that out tonight at 7pm. As I walked out of the back door, at least 20 teens were out there, talking and laughing with one another. Satan was trying to get to me by telling me that I wouldn't be able to relate to them or even get through to them with what God has called me to do. Then I realized, Jesus was perfect but yet he was always with the sinners, addicts, selfish, dirty, etc people. I may not know what these people are going through exactly, I haven't been around addicts all that much and I may not be able to turn them from what they are doing but at least God has lead me to a place that He feels I can handle and where I can just get my foot in the door of their hearts. Anyways, on my way home that night I turned on the radio to KLOVE 96.9FM. The songs on there meant something more to me and I was shouting them out the window. LOL okay not literally because it was freezing cold but I pretended! I felt God's presence so much and I just knew this was what I was to be doing right now. I read Deut. 31:6 later that night, which talks about having courage and going forth with the plans God has given us; having faith and not being afraid. Then a few minutes after I read that the song, Courageous by Casting Crowns, comes on the radio. I felt God telling to be courageous and everything will be okay, just follow Him.
I encourage those who read my posts to pray for a revelation to happen within this building of teens. Right now the director is struggling with finances and they are trying to make the place more inviting and actually be able to hire a professional counselor to have on staff. They do fundraiser and volunteer at Mud Hen games but that money is just getting them by. They have a big fundraiser coming up in the summer(I'll get more details and share). I know this is a big thing to ask but if you feel that God is leading you to donate money or anything please do it! I can give you the address and contact information if you would like to learn more about Toledo R House. Please pray about it and if you can't give in that manner then please just consider praying for these teens/young adults and their parents/families; that God may intervene and make some magic happen. :)
Information:
Toledo R House
2428 Sylvania Ave
Toledo, OH 43613
(419)824-4099 [main office]
secretary@rhousetoledo.com [Debi Kennedy] She's a great lady!
God bless you all. Thanks for reading and your support.
"We were made to be courageous, we were made to lead the way, we could be the generation that finally breaks the chain, we were made to be courageous!" -Casting Crowns
Thank you for this post Samantha. I love learning about these types of organizations. As someone with a volunteer spirit, I greatly admire the fact that you're looking to get involved in the community. There are few things on earth more fulfilling than devotning your time to a cause.
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