Can you believe that it's almost been 30 years since the birth of Royal Home Ministries? When you think about the heart of this ministry it truly mirrors God's heart for humanity. As the new year began and I was spending time in prayer, I was taken to the scriptures in Isaiah 58:6, where the Lord speaks saying: "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? THEN shall your light break forth like the dawn....." It continues on in verse 10 to say" if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, THEN shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually..."
I felt the Lord giving us renewed strength in the TRUTH that he delights in the work of this ministry. Our light shines forth as a beacon of hope in our community and areas of influence in North Carolina and beyond. The truth is that after 30 years of ministry and over 400 young women, plus their children (let's say 800 lives - conservatively), we have been consistent in this work. We have given shelter to these women that didn't have any other alternatives. We have fed, clothed, and nurtured them unconditionally.
We have poured ourselves out for them knowing that we are HIS hands and feet- knowing we are HIS vessels. 30 years of equipping young mothers to be self-sufficient, independent, educated, and strong. 30 years of breaking down
generational curses and strongholds of destruction over these lives and helping them discover Hope and a New Future. 30 years of protecting innocent lives from the lies of the enemy and reminding them of the plans and purpose that God has promised for their lives.
Today, I celebrate 30 years of the vision that started with brother Marvin and Joyce Whitfield- a four-fold ministry that included a maternity home, aftercare (mothers and babies program), an adoption agency, and a pregnancy resource center.
We celebrate the union with Falcon Children's Home and Family Services in 2011 and the leadership of Mr. Joey Leggett, to bring this ministry to another level and allow us to build a beautiful Life Campus in Falcon, NC, and expand the services provided to these families.
We celebrate the unconditional support of our IPHC family from its inception and all of its ministries, with advocacy for LIFE at every stage, beginning with conception.
We celebrate the work of ministries like Mission M25, who stand with us, year after year, to spread awareness and garner support across our nation.
We celebrate the communion and partnership with over 100 congregations, pastors, businesses, and individuals who generously support us financially and with commodities to meet the needs of the young women we serve.
We celebrate the work and season of each director of this ministry beginning with Mrs. Joyce Whitfield, followed by Carl Tomlinson, Michael Oliver, Jim Hight, John Wheeler, Jonathan Hill, Marysol Martinez, and interim Director Donna Jackson, and this servant- Karelys Pereira.
We celebrate the wisdom and vision of our Advisory Committee whose current members are Rev. Phillip Bland (chair), Rev. Casey Strickland (Vice-Chair), Mrs. Pearlie Coleman, Mrs. Terri Prestwood, Rev. Travis Cassel, Rev. Ken White, and Pastor Tava Brice.
We celebrate the staff- Mrs. Kay Alford, Momma Bolton, Momma Spoon, Mrs. Jay, Mrs. Karen, Mrs. Kim Gaddis, Mrs. Bridget Chavis- who work with our residents each and every day to help them mature and accomplish their goals.
But most of all, we Celebrate the LIFE-GIVING, Miracle-working, merciful, and loving God from whom all blessings flow. We thank him for choosing us. We give HIM all the glory, honor, and praise for what he has done and what is yet to come. We celebrate the call and will continue to say "Here I am Lord, send me!"
I believe that the best is yet to come for this ministry and I thank you, dear reader. You have the opportunity to help propel this ministry forward and I ask you to continue to pray for Royal Home Ministries. I also challenge you to prayerfully consider supporting this ministry and allow us to rejoice in these 30 years with you.