By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established.
through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
Proverbs 24:3 & 4
While reading and praying through Proverbs 24 this morning, these words jumped off the page.
At The Shepherd Center there is a lot of activity this week. Construction is taking place all over the grounds. Windows are being installed, walls are being plastered, ceilings are getting finished, floors will soon be poured, verandas are being designed, doors are being fitted, and so much more.
A house is being built.
Looking at these words from Scripture, I am reminded that this addition to the program is not about bricks and mortar. It is about creating a home for vulnerable children.
We need help. We need God’s help.
God, give us wisdom as we build this home. May the foundation be established through understanding: understanding of who you are and what you want to do with this place, understanding of what you want to do in the lives of these boys. Give each staff and board member knowledge and wisdom as we carry on your work. Fill these rooms, both new and old, with rare and beautiful treasures–not simply pipes, walls, and beds, but rare and beautiful treasures in the form of changed lives.
Rescue those being led away to death;
hold back those staggering towards slaughter.
If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?
Proverbs 24:11 & 12
We have a reason for the hectic construction going on right now. Sixteen boys are going to be rescued from living on the streets. They are currently on a road toward death and danger–physically and spiritually.
We know about it, and God has called us to do something about it. He is using us to make a home for them. To offer them salvation from a life headed towards drugs, crime, death, etc. To offer them salvation in the arms of Jesus Christ. Our prayer is not simply to offer them a better life here on earth: clean them up, give new clothes, offer a bed, pay for education. Our prayer is that they come to know God as their Heavenly Father. That they begin a relationship with Him, their loving Creator. That God uses The Shepherd Center to expose the rare and beautiful treasures that these boys are.
Thanks for your prayers and gifts to make this happen!
We still have a matching challenge going on for the rest of January. For the rest of the month, all new contributors will have their gifts matched, up to $3,000! Please consider being a part of what God is doing here at The Shepherd Center.
The Shepherd Center 