That was the response from Mark West, director of the Theotherapy Project, when he read the list of items that had been donated for their newest prison transition home, Rivera Home-Rosebank. The items were delivered by three men from church on Feb. 3-6.
The items were meant to bless and help the women who are transitioning out of the Tennessee Prison System and back into society. I'm sure they fulfilled that purpose, but, as the men reported back to the congregation, the mens' lives were blessed and changed as well as they reached out to help those in need. Indeed, time and time again I have heard stories about people who reached out in mission projects only to find that they were also the recipients of the blessing.
Thank you so much to all of you who donated time and household items to make this experience possible. To quote Mark in his most recent newsletter, "Between the two Rivera Houses, we now have the space to provide safe transitional housing and programming for up to seventeen women. We could not have pulled this off without the help of our faithful financial supporters and God's provision thru them. Special thanks to Lone Jack Baptist Church for bringing furniture, clothing, beds, lamps, dressers, chairs, etc. Also, special thanks to Gari and Angelo Distefano for beautiful furniture, pictures, knick-knacks, etc. Just look at the picture above! Most of what you see came from different places but it all fits together beautifully! I didn't know God was so into interior design! We couldn't have asked for it to be any more amazing."
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged.
Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.
Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Give, and it will be given to you.
A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Luke 6:37-38
