To all who mourn in Israel,he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61:3

Well it is a brand new year and I know that God has big plans for Sanctuary!!!

We sent our Form 1023 application to the IRS right after Christmas. We are officially applying for our Tax Exempt status under IRS code 501c3. I know that it will be granted in God’s time.

In the meantime we are preparing. We ordered the DVD series today to learn the basics of counseling. This will prepare us for interviewing and assisting the women who come to us for help.

God’s direction for us is to study to show ourselves approved, ready to work for Him at Sanctuary as in  2Timothy 2:15. All of those who will be Recovery Advisors will be contacted soon to begin their training as well.

It is an exciting time. I cannot wait to see all that God does this year. I know that we have many tasks ahead of us once we finish this training and get our tax exempt status; such as constant prayer, planning, fund raising, a building, furnishings, books, DVDs, CDs for the library, schedules,  counselors and lawyers ready to volunteer their time and expertise,  getting our support group meetings established, and then spreading the word that we are ready to help. But all that is in God’s time and control. All things are possible with Christ!!!

Please continue to pray with us as we continue on this journey. We need to stay in tune with God each step of the way.

God bless you all and thank you for your support!

Status Update.

God called me several months ago to start a women’s center. A place where women could receive love and assistance, whatever their need. I was surprised, scared, honored, humbled, ecstatic, you name it…. so many feelings and thoughts ran thru my mind when I realized what the Lord was asking me to do.

But I began taking one day at a time and following His lead for that day. I know that is sometimes so difficult to do. I am trying hard not to run ahead and do things before He says it is time. Pray for me in this area, that I will constantly seek His will for each task, that I will hear Him clearly, and trust Him without any doubt and fear. For I know that my God is more than able. If He brings us to it, well then He will bring us through it. Not just barely getting it done, but doing it with excellence. Why, because we can do all things thru Him. He gives us His abilities to do what He calls us to do.

Since then, we are officially incorporated in the State of Alabama as a non-profit corporation, Sanctuary for  Women, Inc. We have a Board of Directors, with five members. We have adopted By Laws as well. Praise God!!!  He has sent so many faithful helpers to us. We have this website set up, a Facebook Page, and many who have volunteered to assist when we open for business….We are currently working on our tax exemption, the 501 C 3 application with the IRS. Not much fun, right. Well it is almost complete. All we have left is creating brochures, flyers and our first newsletter. The next step will be sending the application in for approval. Pray for God’s timing and assistance in the approval please.

I will be posting our status along the way and letting you all know the progress and needs. I trust you, my friends, will pray with us for guidance and great provision to get this work accomplished. Thank you all for the encouragement an support you have provided so far!

God Bless you all!!!

This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it!