Wonderful update, PR!
Teen Challenge is a great organization-we know folks who have been through it, and our church here in southern DE supports the local organization.
As you look over this thread, only then can we see how far Amanda has progressed.
And our Lord was helping every step of the way.
You three are still a strong cord.
Tell Amanda we are proud of her and excited for her future.
And we thank our Lord for His mercy and love toward your whole family.
God bless.
Today begins a new chapter in my family’s life; for where we were separated we now will become reconciled.
Tonight, after 15 months, my daughter completes her education at Teen Challenge. She has been through hell and back, and if not for the grace of God, would not be with us today.
I cannot thank the staff at Teen Challenge enough, they pushed, admonished and loved Amanda with their whole hearts... letting her know that she is loved and that there is a different path.... one where her creator has called her to walk.
During this time God has led us as well.... bringing my wife Alyssa to His Kingdom through her conversion and baptism, to our marriage vows being stated at the altar, to a peace in knowing that He truly walks with us. Things I have been praying for decades.
During this journey He has surrounded us with so many strong in faith... who without their encouragement and prayers... we would have lost hope.
So even in the darkest times, God worked all for good....
Back in 2014 I thought I had it all figured out after Amanda got out of the hospital.... so naïve. Today I freely admit I have no idea what the next months hold, yet alone tomorrow.
What I have learned is to be patient.... to believe in His promises.... to pray unceasingly for His strength, courage, wisdom, love and will to be done. I have also have learned we are called to pay it forward; giving hope and encouragement to others... for truly we are His hands and feet in this world....
So as we embark on this next chapter, please continue to pray for our family and our well being, Pray that the Lord takes my future unemployment and turns it into an opportunity to serve Him, pray he leads Amanda further down the path He wishes her to tread, pray for each other... that we may walk closer with Him each day.
Listed below are few verses sent to me during the time we were completely broken and praying for help... they will forever be in my heart.
Bless you all for giving us such strength, encouragement and hope.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted on 8/20/2014 by a stranger praying for my family:
Bump To The Top for continued prayers for Amanda.
Our Lord has now made you and your wife into a strong team for Amanda.
Believe that He has a plan for the three of you—a future and a hope—not for evil but for good(Jeremiah 29:11).
He will restore the years that the locusts have eaten(Joel 2:25-27)
A cord of three strands is not easily broken(Ecclesiastes 4:12).
Continue to speak words of love and encouragement to her, even while she sleeps. Our Lord is the Great Physician, the God of healing.