11:39 pm
One of things I love about being here at Greenhouse is having exciting interactions with people. We never know what will happen from day to day.
A few weeks ago, my wife Emily and I were able to get our baby to sleep earlier than usual, and this gave me extra time to do some studying and Greenhouse work. I was plugging away on my laptop with a movie on in the background when I heard a knock on the door.
I turned to check the time: 11:39pm.
It's not uncommon to have someone come over late, but this felt much different. I opened the door to a woman who asked quickly if I remembered her. I was puzzled because I couldn't remember where we had met.
She explained that a few weeks earlier she came by on a Sunday selling clothes. She had brought brand new clothes like socks and ties, offering them for purchase door to door to make some extra money.
She told me how she was in trouble: her ex went back to prison causing her to lose her place to live and all of her stuff. Low on money, low on friends, she just needed some support. We’ve since grown a friendship and as a ministry, help her with practical needs like food and navigating next steps in Chester’s support programs.
When Emily and I dreamt about Greenhouse Project, we envisioned and prayed about a community where our home would be a safe place that all could come. We called it, “A City of Refuge.”
The City of Refuge comes from the Old Testament, where one could seek asylum and safety until a given point, protecting you from vengeance. Our vision was to set up houses all over the city where we would be in proximity to help those who were hurt, broken and in need of hope and love.
It was cold and rainy the night that woman rang our bell. Yet there we stood on our front porch. Even in inconvenience, our house is a safe place to go at 11:39 at night.
Imagine getting kicked out of your house after experiencing trauma? Where would you go at 11:39pm if you needed help? Where would you go if you had no phone, no money, no shelter, no friends, and no possessions? Somehow this young woman came to our Greenhouse doorstep.
We didn't know what would actually happen when we moved in, but we can say we are doing everything God laid on our heart.
Our focus at Greenhouse Project is creating relationships by living among those struggling in order to create a lasting impact. We believe that the best way to influence change is from within. Our commitment to families and the community itself is long term, as we seek to disciple people into purpose-driven individuals and self-sustaining families.
The decision to walk life out with others is a commitment we make regardless of circumstances.
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To learn more about Greenhouse Project or if you are interested in launching a Greenhouse please email us at info@ghproject.org