Give Thanks to the Lord: Newsletter 12/2024

Dear Friends 

As we pause to reflect on God's incredible provision and faithfulness over the past year, we are reminded of Psalm 136: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever." Indeed, God's love has been a guiding light at Bridges of Hope, and we have witnessed His faithfulness in the lives of the men we serve, as well as in the growth and expansion of our ministry. A Year of Transformation This year has been one of tremendous progress for the men in our care. All eight men who have been in the house this year have made significant strides, not only in their personal development but also in their relationship with God. We praise God that each one has secured employment, regained their driver’s licenses, and even purchased their own cars and working on being part of their kids lives again. These accomplishments speak to their hard work, resilience, and the transformative power of God's grace in their lives. We are also overjoyed to share that four of the men—Kevin, Jason, Andrew, and Ronnie—have moved out and secured their own homes. This is a huge step in their journey toward independence and a brighter future. Currently, the men residing in the house are Ty, Ruben, and Luther, who continue to make progress and grow stronger in their faith every day. We are also excited to welcome a new man next month, as our community continues to expand and welcome those in need of support and transformation.

House Updates and Expanding Our Reach

As you know, Bridges of Hope now owns the house, and we’ve been working diligently to update and improve the space to better serve the men. We've completed several key upgrades, including new bathrooms, new flooring, and a new roof. One of the most exciting developments is the transformation of our garage into a larger, more functional living room. This new space will allow us to host more gatherings and provide additional support to the men as they work on their recovery and personal growth.

We couldn’t have accomplished all of this without your prayers and support. Whether through financial donations, gifts of materials, or words of encouragement, your generosity has made a tangible impact on the lives of these men. You’ve helped them realize they have a father who loves them and a community that is here for them, walking alongside them every step of the way.

Looking Ahead: The Resource Center

In our newsletter last April, we shared our vision for creating a Resource Center that will serve as a hub for men in the community to grow in their faith, work on personal development, and build a stronger foundation for the future. We are excited to announce that this vision is becoming a reality! The Resource Center will provide a wide range of services, including:

Group Training Area: A flexible space for group sessions such as men's Bible study, AA support groups, addiction and recovery training, anger management classes, and other support programs.

Computer Area: A dedicated space where residents can develop or improve their computer skills, helping them gain valuable tools for employment and daily life.

Wellness Center: A space focused on both mental and physical health, where the men can work on their well-being through activities like exercise, counseling, and relaxation.

Staff and Peer Support Area: A dedicated area for staff and peer support specialists—many of whom have lived experience in recovery—to offer guidance, encouragement, and mentorship to the men.

God's Provision for the Resource Center

When we began planning for the Resource Center, we were uncertain about how God would provide the funding to bring this vision to life. We prayed for guidance and began talking with our supporters and researching grant opportunities. In a God-ordained moment, Brad Rader, President of the Mt. Baker Rotary, invited Bernie and Tate to speak at one of their lunch meetings. There, we shared about the miraculous way God had led us to own the house, thanks to a generous donor who felt called to buy us a home. We also shared our vision for the Resource Center, explaining that the estimated cost of building this facility would be around $150,000.

We were overwhelmed by the response. Mt. Baker Rotary Club not only expressed their support, but they also made a bold commitment to help us raise the funds needed to build the Resource Center. They asked us to be their main fundraiser at their annual auction. Through the generosity of the Rotary Club and their community, they raised well over $150,000 for the project—exceeding our expectations and fully funding the Resource Center!

We are deeply grateful to Mt. Baker Rotary for their unwavering support and partnership in this journey. Most importantly, we give thanks to the Lord for leading us every step of the way, providing more than we could have hoped or imagined. This is a powerful testimony of how God works through His people to bring hope and healing to broken lives.

Moving Forward

Right now, we are in the permit review process with the county to begin construction on the Bridges of Hope Men’s Resource Center. This is a huge milestone, and we are trusting that God will continue to guide us as we move forward in this next phase of the project. The Resource Center will not only be a physical space for the men we serve, but it will be a beacon of hope and a place of healing for many in our community.

Moving Forward Together

As we move into the next year, we remain committed to our mission of providing hope, healing, and support to men who are rebuilding their lives. Your ongoing support—through prayer, financial contributions, and volunteer efforts—makes it all possible. Together, we are helping to transform lives and share the love of Christ with those who need it most.

Thank you again for your partnership, your prayers, and your generosity. We look forward to all that God will do in the coming year.

With heartfelt thanks,

Tate Jordan

Bridges of Hope

https://www.bridgesofhopewa.org