Blog

In January many of our residents participated with TC Christian as a part of their J-term at the Grand Traverse House of Prayer. For two weeks, they learned how to operate in the model used at the International House of Prayer called “harp and bowl”, which is a method of combining worship and intercession together.  Since then it has been such a blessing to see the growth in our residents who were a part of it.  The fruit of this class has been evident in the excitement, passion, and an increased desire to be a part of what the Lord is doing all over the earth through worship and intercession. Specifically, the equipping and training they received has led to them becoming more active participants in our local House of Prayer GTHOP.  We have also seen our residents gain confidence and step out in courage to pray, sing, or play their instrument.

For many, J-term was a powerful time where the Lord gave them passion, purpose and a vision to run hard after God in the place of prayer and worship.  Here are what some of our residents have to say about their experience during J-Term:

“The main thing that J-Term did for me was it taught me how to worship God with my whole life, not just at church.  I learned that worship is a posture of my heart.  I can worship God with everything I do, as long as I’m doing it for an audience of One.”

“During J-Term God allowed me to sing with confidence despite the fact there were other people around.  He showed me that the worship team is an example of unity in the body, how we all depend on one another and only Jesus is the center of attention.  No matter the level of skill one has, it’s the heart posture behind the worship that brings glory to God- so it’s ok when I mess up.”

“J-Term was a blast!  The best part was quieting myself and just listening to what God was speaking and what He wanted me to sing back to Him.”

“The main thing I got from J-Term is that God has called me to be in the House of Prayer.  Before going to J-term I had given up playing the bass guitar for over a year, but when God made a way for me to participate in J-term He told me that I had to play the bass.  When I first started I didn’t remember anything about playing, but slowly God brought back everything I had learned previously.  Once He did this, I knew that He wanted me to be in the House of Prayer.”

“By participating in J-term, I learned how to be able to play more effectively, but more significantly I learned how to worship better.  To me J-term wasn’t just a place to learn Harp and Bowl, it was a place to grow closer to God in new ways.”

Every week our residents participate in a Tuesday night “Jacob generation” set as well as leading us in prayer and worship on Thursday morning chapel.  Come and join us at the Grand Traverse House of Prayer on Tuesdays from 4-6 pm to see what the Lord is doing!

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn-shout for joy before the Lord, the King.”

 (Psalm 98: 4-6)

We desire to encourage the creative gifts that the Lord has placed within our residents through many different outlets for expression.  Currently we have two art classes for our residents.  What is fashioned in classes will be sold off our website and in the Mission Market, Hope Chest & More. Our boys are creating survival bracelets, and our girls are working on learning how to do intricate bead weaving.  Other art classes that we have had available to our residents have been drawing, mural painting, watercolor painting, dancing, woodworking, sewing, jewelry making, and creating cards and knitting needles (these are sold both on our website and in the Hope Chest & More).

For those that enjoy drawing, in our prayer room during times of worship we have easels and sketch pads for those that would like to worship the Lord through artistic expression.  Many of our residents are musically gifted as well.  Currently, two of our residents have the honor to taking piano lessons .  A group last month had the opportunity to learn how to participate in the House of Prayer by attending J-Term with TC Christian.  Presently, these residents get to be a part of Grand Traverse House of Prayer serving on a “Jacob generation” set that takes place every Tuesday from 4-6pm exercising their talents in the context of prayer and worship.

The Lord certainly has gifted our residents in many different and creative ways.  They all have strong gifts, many of which are in the creative arts.  We are thankful for all of our volunteers and the Grand Traverse House of Prayer that have provided classes, training and opportunities for our residents to grow and abound in their giftings.

This past week we had the privilege of Paige Roland and Stephen Burke coming and staying with us.  This being Stephen’s second visit we were excited to hear what the Lord was continuing to give to us through his message.  Both Paige and Stephen shared with our residents in chapel and Steven spoke at the Grand Traverse House of Prayer last friday about being prepared for the days ahead.  Their messages were timely, powerful,  and encouraging.

We are so thankful for these gifts the Lord sends our way to teach, instruct, and edify residents, staff, and community alike.  This is a big thank-you to both Paige and Stephen for sharing your hearts with us and the Grand Traverse House of Prayer community.  We are excited to see the growth of this relationship that the Lord has begun, and look forward to the next time the Lord brings them back to Abba’s House.

Abba’s House and Ark Seeds will be participating in the Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference on January 28,2012 at  Grayling High School.  From 8-5pm we will be participating in getting equipped and being a part of the trade show where we will be selling our Ark Seed Kits and food storage materials.

At Abba’s House we have been learning about a lifestyle that is an important part of our heritage as Americans when there were many, and still are, places of provision through self-sustained, small farming communities.  We believe that our residents are gaining valuable lifeskills and training that will prepare them for the time we live in. They are actively involved in our agriculture and husbandry work.  They serve in Ark Seeds putting together kits, work in the gardens and participate in caring for the animals.  Over the last few years the Lord has been providing so much for us through donations and the generosity of others to begin to grow our own small farm and refuge which includes animals, a greenhouse, an orchard, and a garden where we harvest the heirloom seeds for the seed kits.  Through these avenues we have been able to give out of our abundance to others who have need.

This conference will be a wonderful time to connect with others who share a same vision and learn from others who have been operating small farms for many years now.  This event is open to the public, if you would like  to have more information about this conference, or directions to it visit their website here. We would love to see you come and visit us at our booth in the trade show!

At the beginning of this month two of our directors began the new year in Kansas City.  They attended an abolitionist conference held by Exodus Cry, a group part of the International House of Prayer that is actively involved in fighting human trafficking through prayer, outreach, and restoration ministry.   Meeting with 800 other people, the collective desire of this gathering was to see injustices righted and learn how to partner with the heart of our Heavenly Father to see  wrong things made right and lives restored.

This is a reflection of our heart here at Abba’s House to see broken lives rebuilt into healthy ones, and the severely wounded’s hearts restored by the love of God. We consider ourselves a part of this  ministry to end injustice as we work with those who have been deeply impacted by trauma and loss. As a part of our mission we know that we are called to be a place of refuge providing for the whole person (physical, emotional, spiritual).  We also want to unite with like minded people in the area of fighting injustice. It was a privilege for our two directors to attend this conference and experience collectively this same desire compelling others to action all around the world.

A group of our residents have an awesome opportunity for this week and next week to participate with homeschoolers, and students from TC Christian in their J-term learning about worship and intercession.  Grand Traverse House of Prayer is hosting this powerful class taught by a couple from the International House of Prayer, Caleb and Rachel Culver, as well as the leadership of GTHOP.

This a great event for our residents to learn about how to serve the Lord in the capacity of worship and prayer.  Through this event they will be learning as well as  getting the opportunity to put it into practice through singing, playing instruments, and participating in leading prayer.  Some topics of study that will be covered will be the history of the tabernacle of David, how to lead and participate in a worship and intercession method called, harp and bowl, an introduction to the study of the end times, and how to meditate on the word.

We are very excited to see how many of our residents talents will blossom throughout this class and how the Lord will impact them as they learn about what it means to communicate with the Lord and come before him in praise and prayer.  Many thanks to GTHOP and TC Christian for having this opportunity available, not only for our residents, but for the students in the Grand Traverse area that are being trained in the House of Prayer.  We look forward to seeing the fruit of this class and what will come out of it.

This week our girls house got to enjoy some fun quality time with the Women of Hope.  There was lots of laughter as we played some games together.  It was a very special time as the Women of Hope shared about their personal life stories with the girls and encouraged them to “fight the good fight.”

For nine years the Women of Hope have been such a blessing and support to our girls.  It is a privilege to spend time with these amazing women who pour out such love over our residents.  Thank you Women of Hope for all that you do!

At the Mission Market-Hope Chest & More, you will find a variety of items ranging from new to gently used.  We desire to provide quality items for sale and also feature special items like handmade crafts, jewelry, food storage, seed kits, and more! 

We are currently in great need for donations to help stock our shelves with new and gently used clothing , furniture, and houseware items so we can continue to provide for those who enter the doors of Abba’s House. 

Our current campaign, clothes for change, is a drive to help us fullfill a  our mission and purpose to rescue, restore, and rebuild broken lives.  By participating in our clothes for change drive you are taking a part of changing lives, that without the Hope Chest & More would still be in danger.  Visit the Hope Chest & More page to see donation times when you can stop by with your new and gently used donations.  We are so thankful for everyone who gives, knowing that these donations are not without purpose, but will impact many lives. 

As a not-for-profit ministry, donations to the Hope Chest & More may be tax deductible. 

This Christmas we are so thankful for all that the Lord has done for us.  We reflect on His birth and death that has made reconciliation with God possible.  Because of Jesus’ sacrifice we  are able to witness everyday the results of what happened over two thousand years ago.  In the last year we have seen many salvation’s, baptisms, and the restoration of individuals and families. 

We are so grateful for these miracles and for all who were a part of the process of rescuing, restoring, and rebuilding lives.  We would like to thank all who have donated time, money, and gifts to Abba’s House in partnering with us in seeing lives changed.   Have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. May we all take the time to remember the reason for the season.  Happy Birthday Jesus!

“Do not be afraid for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign to you, you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12; NKJV)

This Christmas season we invite you to do your gift shopping at our Mission Market, Hope Chest & More.  We have handmade craft items created by our residents for sale such as mittens, rice bags, fire starters, and Christmas cards.  Also available is our thrift store merchandise, new and gently used furniture, clothing, and various household items. 

Trying to find formal wear for new years eve?  Check out our Bridal Boutique for new and gently used formals.

All purchases from the Mission Market go into our scholarship fund at Abba’s House so we can continue to reach out to families in crisis.  By shopping at the Hope Chest and More you are partnering with us in this goal, to see lives changed, rescued, restored, and rebuilt.

Shop with a purpose! Give with a Purpose!