When a representative of J & J Construction stopped by the Salvation Army to see if he could find two guys willing to work for the day, Enoch Lewis raised his hand and said he’d be happy for the work. He’s been with J & J Construction for sixteen months and has proved so responsible and reliable that he’s already made foreman on jobs when the boss cannot be there.

Enoch had been staying with some friends and one night after work one of his friends asked him to take him to the store. Being tired he really didn’t want to go but he felt he wouldn’t get any peace until he agreed to help. They were gone about 10 minutes and returned to find the house was completely engulfed in flame. It burned to the ground with what few possessions Enoch had. That’s when Esther’s Place stepped in. We were able to buy him some new clothes and shoes and household necessities. Since then, he has done volunteer work on the ministry buildings at Esther’s Place. We appreciate all he does to help us.

Pictured from left: Jasmine, Juvia, Marisol with Daisy, Abraham
and Sarah.

After six months in a shelter, Marisol and her family are finally settled in their new home. Although she was married to an American for nine years and has five American born children, she was not encouraged to pursue her citizenship papers. She was not able to get a driver’s license or a job. This left her isolated and dependent. Now she has established her residency, has her driver’s license and has her green card. Soon she will be able to become a naturalized American Citizen and she won’t ever have to fear being separated from her children. Esther’s Place was honored to assist such a hard-working, determined young lady like Marisol.

Esther’s Place has been given some exceptional ministry opportunities. We were able to furnish a car for a family whose daughter was born prematurely and has numerous medical problems. The family struggled to get their daughter back and forth to various appointments at different locations. In appreciation for support from Esther’s Place Mrs. Locke decided to give back by volunteering her time to file and organize for Esther’s Place! She has been a God-send to this ministry.



Dorothy Gilmore

Esther’s Place was also able to furnish a car to another lady in our community, Dorothy Gilmore, who was struggling to get back and forth to work. She also wanted a car so she could pick up her friends and take them to church with her. It was a pleasure helping someone who we knew would use the car to bless others.

BUILDING RENOVATION UPDATE

Work on the building is progressing.
• The building has now been gutted.
• All of the windows for the building have now been purchased from American Wholesale Supply who gave us a very generous discount.
• We have been blessed by the JDH Company, Inc. who donated a new roof for the ministry building.
• We have new siding for the building donated by American Wholesale Supply.

Our next step is to have a framer come in to level the floors and rearrange the floor plans for better use of available space. Once the floors are leveled and the walls in place we’ll be ready to frame in and install the windows. We have most of the supplies for the plumbing and wiring already in hand. However, we will need volunteers for doing the work. We are praying for experienced people to do the framing, the wiring and plumbing and to put the siding on. Our next big need is for sheetrock and insulation materials and installation. We may have some flooring donated but nothing definite yet. We’ll keep you posted on our continuing progress.

Before and After

Before and After

Remodeling

Remodeling

PRAYER NEEDS

1. Volunteers for the building repairs and remodeling.

• Carpenters
• Brick Layers (To repair fireplaces)
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Sheetrockers
• General Help

2. Materials and Supplies (Immediate List)

• Insulation
• Sheetrock
• Sheetrock screws, mud and tape
• Lumber for framing
• Flooring
• Paint

3. Pray for the protection of all those involved in birthing Esther’s Place; their families; their health & safety; and their finances.

4. Pray for funding to continue to come in.

CONTRIBUTORS TO ESTHERS PLACE

We would like to say a special thanks to everyone who is making this ministry’s possible.

American Wholesale Supply

Duffy’s Radiator Shop

JDH Company, Inc.

J & J Construction and Remodeling

L & W Auto Salvage

Peanut Schwartz for paint and body work

Reliable Waste

And a special thanks to Doris Taylor, our number one volunteer, for giving her time and energy that others might experience the love of Jesus through very practical means such as a clean warm blanket. Thank you, Doris, for all you do.

A huge thanks goes out to Reliable Waste for the dumpster donation, you went way above and beyond the call for us with not one, not two but three dumpsters to clear away the demolition debris.