September Newsletter 2023
Stories of Restoration—Ellie
Ellie (left) and her sister Aubrey
Restoration happens throughout His Mansion—whether staff, Resident, or Servant Leader. Though not a participant in the Resident program, the Lord used His Mansion to restore Ellie’s life.
Ellie was raised in a Christian home. Living on a farm, she and her siblings learned the importance of work. Work became foundational in her life, however, pain from her past caused her work to become a means of approval. When Ellie was eighteen she rededicated her life to Christ and began serving in various ministries in search of approval from the Lord and others. At the age of 23, Ellie attended Moody Bible Institute where she learned more about theology and Christianity.
While studying abroad, Ellie met a former Resident and Servant Leader at His Mansion, Rachael. The Lord prompted Ellie to serve on The Hill after college. After many delays due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Ellie arrived as a Servant Leader in 2021. Anticipating that her service at His Mansion would challenge her knowledge about God, she came with an open mind, eager to see the Lord work.
“Coming to His Mansion has helped me understand the Lord’s love for me in the midst of my brokenness. Sitting with the Residents in their pain, allowed me to sit and wrestle with my own.” Through her service, Ellie quickly realized that she was insufficient to heal her past. Only through Jesus was she able to accept His love free of her own efforts.
Now, as Ellie serves on staff as the Women’s Work Crew Supervisor, the Lord continues to redeem her story through work. “He’s continually working in my life and rewriting my ideas of working for His approval as I lead the ladies on work crew,” says Ellie. Everyone at His Mansion is thankful for Ellie’s heart of service and for how she allows the Lord to work and refine her.
His Mansion Summer Carnival
One of His Mansion’s core beliefs is that healing happens in the context of community. Recently, a Summer Carnival was held for those on The Hill. It was complete with fried food, a bounce house, dunk tank, face painting station, pie eating contest and more. It was a great time of fellowship and fun. Creating special memories through fellowship is one of the many ways that the Lord brings restoration.
Staff members enjoying the dunk tank
Community members enjoying the Summer Carnival
Staff Spotlight
Rachael (left) visiting with Servant Leaders
Rachael Miller first came to His Mansion in 2016 when she joined the residential program. During her college career she experienced extreme anxiety that required outside help. After graduating the residential program, she stayed and served the women as a Servant Leader, letting the Lord shape her into a disciple of Christ.
After her Servant Leader year was complete, she continued her education at Moody Bible Institute where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Counseling and Human Services. With a desire to help people, the Lord led her to eventually apply for the Intake Coordinator position at His Mansion. Rachael guided prospective Residents through the application and intake process, providing support and encouragement. Since then, however, she has served in multiple roles. Currently, she serves as the Discipleship Coordinator for the women in the Servant Leader Program where she mentors, disciples, and teaches Servant Leaders.
Seeking more training and experience, Rachael is also pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands. The community at His Mansion is thankful for Rachael’s return and her service to those who are in positions she once was.
Renovation Updates
Prayer Requests and Updates
As the year continues, please be in prayer for our ministry. Here are some requests and updates:
Praise the Lord for filling three of the five open job positions! The Intake Coordinator, Women’s Program Administrator, and Director of Operations have all been filled.
Please continue to pray for the remaining positions, that the Lord would provide the right people to serve as the Communications Specialist and as a Women’s Counselor.
The Women’s Residential program has space available. Please pray that the Lord would bring women who need healing to the program.
Please pray that the Lord would bring men and women to serve in the Servant Leader Program.
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer each month. We are seeing the effects of your prayers daily.
If you have a prayer request, send an email and the prayer team at His Mansion will pray for it!
This past winter, His Mansion began a 3 phase renovation project which would provide housing for short-term staff, new guest accommodations for work groups and visitors, and a 3 season pavilion for Residents, staff, & guests. Due to the generous giving of HM partners, the first 2 phases will be completed in September.
The front of the Long House (Phase I) has been completely renovated including a new kitchen and 2 new bathrooms. This space is now used for short-term male staff.
During Phase II, old classroom and dorm space has been totally renovated yielding 5 separate rooms and bathrooms each capable of housing 4 guests. The existing 2 bedroom apartment and the 5 new rooms will provide excellent accommodations and the building will be renamed the His Mansion Inn.
Finally, Phase III will enhance the goal of “healing in the context of community.” A new post and beam 3 season pavilion will be built in the location of the Chalet in the spring of 2024 and will provide
a new gathering space for worship, meals, visits, events, etc. Thank you to all who have participated in these projects; your prayers and support continues to advance the mission of “Restoring broken lives through the hope of Jesus Christ.”