September Newsletter 2021
Stories of Restoration: Caleb
In September 2019, Caleb knew he needed help.
Caleb and his mom, visiting Keene, New Hampshire.
Caleb grew up in a Christian home with a supportive family. From a young age, Caleb realized he had a same-sex attraction. This eventually led to sexual addiction. Feeling guilty about his desires and actions, he became angry with God, and found himself stuck in addiction at age twenty-three. “I wanted what I imagine everyone wants: contentment, happiness, and a sense of purpose.”
By the time Caleb’s parents confronted him, he was open to change. His parents suggested a year at His Mansion and, despite uncertainty, he agreed. Caleb arrived in New Hampshire in 2019, unsure of what the next year would hold. While here, he learned that Christ loved him no matter his past. As he began trusting those around him, Caleb worked diligently toward a relationship with his Savior.
“I never had a big, crazy epiphany,” said Caleb. Instead, his process was a steady flow of repentance and faithfulness in the Lord.
Caleb admits that he still struggles. The things he once sought for fulfillment still tempt him, but he remains faithful to his walk with the Lord. “I see only one option, walking in obedience while waiting for the Lord to heal me. I operate with the understanding that healing is guaranteed, if not in this life, then in the presence of the Lord.”
Flourishing in this environment, Caleb has returned as a Servant Leader, leading other men in the Residential program toward a place of faithfulness to the Lord.
Caleb and his family on vacation at Nubble Lighthouse in Maine.
Did you Know
On weekdays, we gather for what we call Prayer and Share. It’s a tradition of gathering for midday worship that we have held since the ’70s.
Our gardens and livestock are an important part of our food supply. About half of our food is grown here on our property and harvested by staff, Servant Leaders, and Residents.
When a Servant Leader or staff member completes their time here, we gather in our dining hall to celebrate their service. It includes a time of sharing how they impacted this community and how they were changed.
The Shankster workgroup recently installed 1400 feet of piping for our septic system.
“Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!”
The Shankster workgroup.
Summer 2021
Summer 2021 has been a busy summer for us here. Throughout the months of July and August, we welcomed back workgroups, something we had to pause last year due to the coronavirus.
The first workgroup we welcomed was the Shankster family. This workgroup has come here for many years and it was a joy to have them back again. They came to help us with updating one of our septic systems. They spent time getting to know Residents and helping around the farm, even participating in our Summer Shindig. The Shanksters also treated the community to a Low-Country Boil, something you don’t see very often in New Hampshire.
We also welcomed Dennis and Janet, members of Home of Christ Church in California. They returned with a new group of missionaries and pastors from Gospel Operation International, a mission organization that recruits and trains missionaries. These missionaries, pastors, and church members served alongside our staff, Residents, and Servant Leaders. Some assignments included working in the gardens, staining picnic tables, and stacking wood. They even provided the community with a home cooked meal. It was wonderful welcoming old friends and making new ones.
As this summer draws to a close, we’re looking forward to the remaining workgroups and to those coming next summer. If you have a church, family, or group that is interested in coming to serve here next summer, now is a great time to start making arrangements.
Partnership Opportunities
-To expand our programs, we need another Women’s Biblical Counselor and a Men’s Biblical Counselor to join our team. If you or someone you know would be a good fit for this staff position, please visit hismansion.com/employment.
-To serve more Residents, we need three men and three women to come on as Servant Leaders. If you or someone you know is looking to deepen their relationship with the Lord by serving others, joining the Servant Leader program is a great opportunity. Visit hismansion.com/servant-leader-program to learn more.
-We are looking for more farm trucks to keep up with the work around the farm. Please consider donating a used truck to His Mansion.
-We would like to replace our sound system in the Chapel for Prayer and Share. Please contact us if you would like to help with this need.
Prayer Requests and Updates
As the year continues, please be in prayer for our ministry. Here are some prayer requests and updates.
Congratulations to Abe and Janessa; their first baby has arrived healthy and happy. Please pray for them as they enter into this next phase of life.
Thank you for praying for the Servant Leader Program. Recently, we have received new applications and inquiries. Please, continue to pray that the Lord brings the right men and women to serve as we actively recruit for more Servant Leaders.
Thanks to a generous donor seeing our needs in the ‘Partnership Opportunities’ section, we are able to purchase a farm tractor. Praise God for meeting our needs!
Please continue to pray for us as week seek more people to serve on staff. Pray that the Lord would bring the right men and women with the heart to share Christ’s love.