The Story Behind #8

A couple of days ago I shared with you some of the pictures from our new home in Tulsa. The response from the post was not surprisingly – overwhelming!

Sooooo many of you offered to help, ordered supplies from our wish-list, gave to the November Project Campaign, called about items you could give & RSVP’d for our Open House this Sunday.

And for ALL of the help, we can’t say THANK YOU enough. Your support means the world to us!

It truly does take a village to get a home ready and to make it happen in 7 days is nothing short of a miracle! Come next Tuesday when the first few ladies walk into that home, we know they will feel the love & generosity that has been poured into it by the collective HIA Family.

But none of this happens without Evergreen…. Let me tell you the story.

In early October, HIA hosted a pastors lunch in Tulsa. It was packed! Over 30 churches were represented and the response was super encouraging. As the meal came to a close, a couple of pastors were hanging around chatting. One of them was Dr. Michael Gabbert of Evergreen Baptist Church.

We knew each other, but not too well. As we sat down to visit he began to tell me about a property next door to his church. He described his long-term plan, the acreage, the proximity to the church, the home, the horses and I couldn’t help but rudely interrupt him and blurt out… “So, what are your plans for the house!?”

From that moment forward, God took over. After a series of conversations and lots of prayer Dr. Gabbert & the Evergreen family chose to move forward with a partnership, allowing Hope is Alive to lease the property for our new women’s home!

Forty-Five days ago we didn’t have a home, we didn’t have a location in mind, we didn’t know how God would make it happen, we just trusted that He would.  Little did we know that God had already set in motion His plan for this beautiful home to be used as a sanctuary of second chances.

We can’t thank Dr. Gabbert enough for his vision, his willingness, his trust in us and his heart for what we do. Without him none of this would’ve ever happened. We also want to thank ALL of the Evergreen staff & church family. We’ve already felt the love, acceptance and support from these amazing people. We can’t wait to get to know them more in the coming weeks.

This story is truly amazing. Everything that had to happen, happened. All the obstacles that stood in our way were overcome. God confirmed this decision time and time again.

It’s our hope & prayer that for years to come God will use this home & property to restore His broken people. That lives would be radically changed on this land. That the captives would be set free & that his name would be made famous.

Will you please join us in prayer today as you read this for the coming days & months.

-Pray for peace during the transition

-Pray for wisdom within the leadership

-Pray for the incoming ladies and their willingness

-Pray for lives to be radically changed!

We hope to see you Sunday!

With Hope,

-Lance