February Newsletter 2023

Stories of Restoration: Amanda

Amanda (center) on a visit with friends

From a young age, Amanda never fully understood her worth and identity in Christ. “Growing up, I experienced loneliness and lacked meaningful relationships. I developed deep-seated beliefs about who I was—that my life was accidental.” Her loneliness and self-hatred resulted in pornography use at a very young age, driving her deeper into isolation. However, the Lord would not stop pursuing her.

At fifteen, Amanda accepted salvation after hearing the truths of the Gospel in worship music played by her school bus driver. As high school ended, she began attending church and growing with the Lord, however, her struggles persisted. Entering college, Amanda’s relationship with the Lord flourished. She experienced glimpses of Christian community through friends and groups like Celebrate Recovery. Looking for internship opportunities, she came across the Servant Leader Program at His Mansion. Though she was interested at the time, the Lord was planting the seeds for her future.

A year later, Amanda’s struggles with self-perception escalated, resulting in damaged relationships, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Knowing she needed help, she checked herself into a psychiatric hospital. Realizing she needed more,Amanda researched other options.The Lord brought to mind His Mansion, and, after completing the application she was accepted as a Resident.

Although both angry and timid upon her arrival, Amanda began to slowly open up as others shared their stories. She faced difficulties from her childhood for the first time because she was surrounded by a Christ- centered recovery community.

She rekindled her relationship with the Lord and began to understand His love and sovereignty. Throughout her time in the Resident Program, Amanda saw the Lord’s presence, even in her sufferings. “The truth that God is good and completely in control helped me know that even in pain, He can be trusted.” Amanda has recently returned as a Servant Leader to help other women suffering with their traumas and struggles.

Amanda preserving this year’s harvest in the canning room, with her fellow Servant Leaders

Serve for a Season

Feel the call to serve others? His Mansion is looking for men and women to join the Servant Leader Program!

Servant Leaders work alongside the recovery ministry, learning leadership skills and how to provide Christ- like care for others.

Click the button below to watch a video of a former Servant Leader about her experience and how it influenced her life and ministry.

Tara Webb the new Women’s Program administrator

Staff Spotlight

Please welcome His Mansion’s newest staff member, Tara Webb. Tara joined the His Mansion staff in November 2022 as the Women’s Program Administrator. This is a perfect position for Tara as she has personally experienced the life-changing work that the Lord can accomplish here through the Resident Program.

Tara graduated from His Mansion in 2004 and since then she has dedicated her life to helping others. Professionally, Tara practiced nursing as a critical care nurse for nearly 10 years.

Additionally, she dedicated herself to service by leading small groups at church and in 12-step support programs. She also added to her training by graduating from Troy University with a Master’s degree in Social Work and pursued helping others via Christian counseling.

In her new role, Tara takes great care in guiding the Residents and Servant Leaders through their programs, helping strengthen relationships among the women, and being the hands and feet of Jesus serving others. God has graciously guided Tara’s journey back to His Mansion after restoring her life here years ago. Please pray that the Lord will continue to use Tara to serve others in bringing about the transformation that only He can accomplish.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will

of God in Christ Jesus for you.

—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Some staff on snow clearing duty using the new road sander. Thanks to generous partners, His Mansion was able to purchase this necessary equipment.

Prayer Requests

Here are a few ways you can be praying for the ministry, staff, and community members:

• Please pray for those that graduated this past January. Pray that they will hold fast to all they’ve accomplished and will continue to follow the Lord wherever He leads.

• Over the last few months, the Lord has brought new men and women needing help. Over
  the coming months, the Men’s and Women’s Resident programs will increase capacity to welcome even more. Please be in prayer for this change.

• His Mansion is still searching for building and maintenance staff.

• As the Resident programs increase in capacity, the need for Servant Leaders also increases. Please pray with us that the Lord would call men and women to serve here.

Thank you for partnering in prayer each month. Your prayers are making a difference on “The Hill.”

Partnership Opportunities

As 2023 begins, His Mansion is making continual improvements to its facilities. Below is a list of equipment and projects that you could be involved in:

• Due to extensive wood processing, the men’s work crew will need a new dump truck to haul wood from building to building.

• A refreshment center will be added to Grigg’s dining hall.

• Residents enjoy using the game room during their free time. Please consider donating to update the game room equipment.

Thank you for partnering with His Mansion, whether that be financially or through prayer, your prayers are greatly appreciated.