March 2020

I Am So Grateful!

This is my second time at Sheepfold, and I know it is where God wants me. I grew apart from Him and wanted to fix my relationship with Him. He knew I wouldn’t be able to do that in the toxic relationship that I was in. I was blinded by hurt, anger and betrayal. So, He brought me back to the Sheepfold, as drastic as my situation was, I am not mad at Him. When I arrived here, I was still in pain and had remorse for all the time wasted, so I think I still wasn’t ready for His grace. My eyes had not opened to what was important in my life—like my son’s and my lives. So, He sent me an eye-opening situation that really kick-started the rebuilding of the relationship I once had with the Lord.

Church is something I didn’t experience as a child. My son is already so interested in the Bible and enjoys praying and loves going to church. Every night we pray for the fatherless, that they would let God show them what a great Father He is.

I am so grateful for the patience, grace and love that I receive from everyone at Sheepfold. I know this is where the Lord wants me, and I find peace in knowing that God will use everything that I have gone through for my good. I am thankful that I know about this ministry and that it exists. I am blessed with a warm place to sleep and to experience a Godly life with my son. The Sheepfold feels more like a home than the home I shared with my abuser. I know I can focus on becoming healthier and I am excited to raise my son in a Godly environment.

- Karla, Sheepfold Resident

I prayed to the LORD, and He answered me, freeing me from all my fears.

- Psalm 34:4

Welcome Home...

As a Sheepfold staff member, it never ceases to amaze me the welcome new families receive upon entering our program. We currently have a Mom and her two school-aged children in our program, who had been sleeping in their car for some time. They were welcomed in on a Wednesday, where they were met with a warm bedroom, beds with clean linens, indoor plumbing, safety and the peace of God.

As a mother myself with two children, I can easily take these simple pleasures for granted. On Friday, they attended an annual church holiday tea where they were lavished with a beautifully decorated table, delicate teacups and homemade scones with clotted cream, all provided by a generous table host. The contrast of their life only 48 hours previously, fresh in their minds.

This is how I believe God wants to welcome those in need into His arms through our home and the local church.

Thank you,

Carley Overturf, Sheepfold Shelter Supervisor

Dear Sheepfold Ministry,

Thank you for the work that you do and for the support you offer to women with children in need. More than 25 years ago, I was a single mother in need of a place to live and spent time as a resident at the Sheepfold. Although my stay was short, it was a place of refuge and support. It’s hard to believe that it has been over 25 years and my son is 27 years old and pursuing his dream’s in life.

I have gotten married and blended a family with my loving husband. I’ve been blessed on my professional journey and have earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees and am getting ready to start a Doctoral program in Educational Leadership.

About 20 years ago, during my single motherhood journey, I wrote a devotional for single mothers. It remained unpublished for years and I recently decided that it was time to finish what I started. My prayer is that it brings hope and encouragement to those who read it. Thank you for your care.

With gratitude,

R. Lynn Epps, Past Sheepfold Resident

Note: We were excited to hear of Lynn’s success and are grateful that she donated several cases of her wonderful devotional for our moms.

BBQ Fun!!!

A Big Thank You to Calvary Chapel Living Water Church Men’s Group for washing our van, preparing a delicious BBQ meal and helping to celebrate one of our young men’s birthday.

Everyone had a blast!!

Dear Sheepfold Friends,

Dear Sheepfold Friends,

Thank you for accepting me and my son into the Sheepfold Ministry. I am so grateful to have an opportunity for restoration and healing of my spirit.

My desire is to take full advantage of the gift that God has provided and learn all that I can while I am here so that I may take the Lord with me, wherever I go.

As a mother, I say “Thank You,” as a believer I say, “All God’s blessings to You!”

Regina, Past Sheepfold Resident