Training Women for Life in Christ

“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” Matthew 25:37-40

At the Haven of Rest Women’s Ministry, we are training women for life in Christ.  This includes six months of personal discipleship, as well as helping to equip them with the necessary resources to live life outside of our walls freely and abundantly.

One of the goals we have for our clients in Phase II of the women’s program is to help women earn their GED if they do not have a high school diploma.  Many women, however, cannot afford the tuition cost for enrolling in Adult Ed for the GED program.  If you would like to donate specifically to our scholarship fund and help a woman achieve this goal, the cost of the program is $80 ($40 for classes and $40 for the cost of the GED exam).  Send your contributions to the Haven of Rest Women’s Ministry, 219 West Whitner Street, Anderson, SC 29624.  Checks can be made payable to the Haven of Rest Women’s Ministry.  Please write “GED Scholarship Fund” on the memo line.

Your continued support of this ministry is helping to build the Kingdom of Christ one woman at a time.

Making Disciples for Christ,

Theresa Allen

Women’s Ministry Director

At the Men's Training Center

We are excited to see our computer lab coming together.  Monday night, July 18, we began putting our brand new units (10 were donated) on new tables with new chairs.  We will have 9 stations with one facilitator/instructor station.

Our goal will be to have one instructional class each week for our men in addition to an open lab time on Saturday afternoons for anyone to work on the computer whether it be a personal word document, résumé preparation, GED tutorial or Information Technology training.

As already said we are just getting going but hope to add a well-defined computer program to enhance each man’s marketability for job preparedness in today’s workplace.

Eddie Capps

MTC Director

A Stroll Down Memory Lane

On July 2, 1990, I began working part-time for Haven of Rest Ministries by paying the bills, recording contributions, and processing payroll.  I was a new mom with a 3-month old baby girl, and the flexible hours were just what I needed.  At first I shared the corner of a desk with the ministry’s secretary in an office with 4 colors of paint on the walls (I wish I had a picture of that).  Over time I got my own desk, then my own office, and now I occupy the former kitchen at the mission.  (Look close and you’ll see counter-level outlets, protruding water pipes, a sunken place over the drain in the floor, and where a window-unit air conditioner once sat.)

I’ve gone from being the 2^nd woman in the office to one of five - with three of us in the Finance Department.  Rev. Craig Neill, former Haven of Rest Executive Director and my former pastor, stated that if I would just give working for this ministry a try, it would grow on me.  Over the past 21 years I’ve admitted to him several times that he was right.   

One of the first things God showed me after coming to work here was how small my faith was.  I asked for a set of “in” and “out” boxes after I had my own desk to work at.  Preacher Neill told me to pray that one would be donated.  I did, but without any true expectation of having my request fulfilled.  The next time I came to work there was a set of these boxes on my desk as well as the secretary’s!  That was just the beginning of the marvelous workings of God that I would be privileged to witness while working here.

As often as possible I attend the graduation ceremonies held for those in our men’s and women’s program.  Each time I hear the testimony of someone who is completing our program, I am touched and convicted by their passion and enthusiasm for Christ.  It’s so rewarding to know that in a small way (paying the grocery bill, making deposits, etc.) I played a part in helping them turn to Christ.

I am now realizing how quickly time passes as the daughter I mentioned earlier (Rebecca) and my second and youngest child (Derrick) will be attending Erskine College this fall.  In looking back over the last 21 years I’ve seen how God has orchestrated different aspects of my life as well as my career.  I don’t know what the next 21 years will bring, but I’m going to hold on tight to God’s hand as I continue my journey along “Memory Lane.”

Sharon Brown

Financial Director

Mission News

The men residents at the Haven of Rest Mission had the opportunity to attend a revival concerning Biblical history at a local church this past week.  It was very informing and inspirational.

Our advanced program guys were invited to a cookout and testimony service last Friday night by some long-time mentors and friends of the Haven of Rest.  Our men said they had a great time of fun and fellowship.  We sincerely thank all those that share their time and finances to help these men.  You are a tremendous blessing.

Curtis Pless

Mission Director

Loving God is the key to loving others

Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

If we follow these 2 commandments, then it won’t be hard to follow the other 8.

^“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24

Sandra Vickery

Administrative Assistant

God’s strength…my weakness

I love how God speaks to us and how He always knows just what to use to break through to us.  I was dwelling on how I (Heather) was going to be strong enough, good enough, smart enough to get through the mini crises that seem so major in the moment and even overwhelming at times.  I was focusing so hard on how I (Heather) could possibly juggle everything, control everything, and manage every detail without messing up.  I started to pray and I remember saying “Father I need you to make me stronger” and it was almost as if God snapped His almighty hands to wake me up and said Heather you cannot be strong enough because I am your strength and apart from me you can do nothing!  I just sat there staring out with tears running down my face.  All God wanted was for me to stop relying on myself and start relying on Him alone.  I had to stand back and praise God for His power, His plan, and His great control over every single aspect of my life!  There is absolutely nothing too hard for the Lord our God and He is always more than enough.  Right after my prayer I started my daily devotion and it was on 2nd Corinthians 12:9 which says….

^“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.  Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

What an awesome God we serve!  Thank you Father for making me weak so that I always turn to you Lord!

I would like to challenge you to come visit us and see firsthand who we are and what we do!  To schedule a tour or just to ask questions, please contact me at 864-226-6193 ext. 102 or e-mail me at heather.mabe@havenofrest.cc.  Thank you for your willingness to help others.

In Christ,

Heather J. Mabe

Development Coordinator

The Kingdom Agenda: What a Way to Live

I am reading a book now authored by Dr. Tony Evans, The Kingdom Agenda: What a Way to Live.  Of course it deals with living for the Kingdom.  The older I get (66 now) the more I realize that the main thing in this life is Kingdom business because that is the only thing that is eternal.
Vance Havner said, “He would rather burn out rather than rust out.”  That is my desire and I trust it is yours.  We are seeing Kingdom work at the Haven on a regular basis as men and women are coming to know the Lord and are growing in Him.  We invite you to get involved in what the Lord is doing through this work.  If you would like to know more, please call me at 226-6193, ext.101.
Sid Stewart, Executive Director