Dear Brothers and Sisters, Friends of the St. Herman House,
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
The New Year is always an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the prior year and to look forward to the year ahead. As the charitable work of the St. Herman House has grown, so have the successes, so has the joy; and yes, so has the busyness, the multi-tasking, the stress, and the weariness.
St. Paul says, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Gal. 6:9 NKJV) This exhortation begs the question, “How do I do that?” There are many possibilities all of which are apropos to this time of year. These possibilities include planning, organization, a willingness to change, rededication to the vision, and resolve.
But these possibilities must also include accepting the help you need. On January 23rd a former resident, Scott, now working part-time and living in his own apartment stopped by to let us know how he was doing. In the course of the conversation, Scott said, “If God hadn’t put certain people in my life the last couple of years, I’d have never made it.” Those we serve need the help of others, but those delivering the services need the help of others too, maybe more.
This reality is beautifully illustrated in a scene from Exodus when the Amalekites were waging war against Israel under the command of the young Joshua. Moses stood on high ground, holding the staff of the Lord. When he lifted up his hands with the staff, Israel prevailed, when he lowered his hands, the enemy prevailed. Then the scripture says, “But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people…” (Exodus 17:12-13)
Like Moses of old, we, I, all of us here at St. Herman’s need your help. Our arms are steadied by your prayers, volunteerism, gifts and support. God bless you all as we continue to move together in the New Year.
Your Fellow Servant in Christ,
H. Paul Finley, Local Director
St. Herman House – FOCUS Cleveland
