Dear Friend,
This has been a difficult time. “Kevin” appeared to be adjusting well when he arrived on campus four weeks ago. But something went terribly wrong. After just three short days he hanged himself in his bedroom closet. We were in shock. Our hearts are broken for his mother, his father and the rest of his beautiful family. The abundant possibilities pregnant within Kevin’s talented life will never be realized in this world.
Please keep this family in prayer. And please keep all our students in prayer. Much pain has been triggered. I did not know suicide was so close to home. Many of our men and women have lost a parent, brother, sister, in-law, or even a child to suicide. We are on the front lines, the last stop between life and death, the last beacon of hope for those who have given up and succumbed to the lie that there is no way out.
This month’s testimony is by Jason. He was a cocky know-it-all who ended up stripped of all honor and dignity. However, God in his grace pursued him, broke him and redeemed him. Jason is now learning how to be the man his wife and sons need him to be. Would you consider helping us make more stories like Jason’s possible by joining our Sponsor a Student program? We are a faith-based ministry and depend exclusively on the generosity of people like you. Just click here to join as a sponsor. Thank you for your consideration, and may God richly bless you.
Together for souls,
Jeff Bonzelaar, Executive Director
P.S. We recently started two much-needed remodeling projects, one at the Pierson Center in Detroit and the other in our Flint center. Both are massive undertakings. We have the necessary skilled labor, but your financial help is needed. Updating our main kitchen in Detroit required the following expenses: $3,000 for floor tiles, $2,600 for an industrial stove, $700 for a sink, $600 for grease basins, $140 for faucets, $70 for a sprayer, $1,000 for ceiling tiles, $500 for plumbing/electrical work, $400 for stainless steel tables and $200 for paint. Construction of a new bathroom on the second floor of our men’s dormitory at the Flint facility required these expenses: $1,100 for a granite countertop, $900 for toilet stalls, $500 for floor tiles, $150 for a urinal, $150 for faucets and $500 for miscellaneous materials. Would you help us with these costs? You can make a donation by clicking here“
Dear Jeff and all staff and students at Life Challenge, My heart goes out to each one of you along with the family of the deceased in this unexpected, shocking, and overwhelmingly sad time.
You are the redeemed of the Lord, and You are more than conquerors [and gain a surpassing victory], even in this, through Christ Jesus our Lord. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.(Romans 8:38,39) May God hold you and heal you by His Holy Spirit, in Jesus name, Comforter, amen.
Good morning to all of you precious souls at Life Challenge in Detroit. My heart was saddened to hear of Kevin. I am in prayer for his family. What a difficult time and I pray that they know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and will lean on Him as He cares deeply for their hurting hearts and lives. Suicide or suicide attempts have touched many of us close to home. I am lifting the Staff and Students up in my prayers. Though I do not know how to help other wise, I know that our Lord knows just what each of you need and can rain His peace that passes all understanding down on you. Be amazed at how God will use this for His honor and glory. How or when?? That is up to God himself. Be strong and courageous my brothers. Know that many lift you up on a daily basis. I wish we were closer so I could serve in this ministry.
Regarding your renovation project, we are submitting a check tomorrow to my employer who will match what we send to you. Hallelujah for His grace and mercy.
Blessings to each of you and thank you for your service each and every day. Let the students know they are not battling this alone also. They are covered by our prayers as God works in their lives. I count it an honor and my priviledge to pray for you.
Love in Christ Jesus our Lord, Janet Fuller
In Indiana looking for employment, praying for everyone. will try to help out when I get back on my feet. God Bless.
Dear Jeff,
So sorry and heart broken to hear about Kevin. Must have been an overwhelming stuggle/battle he was going through. Don’t be discouraged. God is faithful and will keep that which you’ve committed unto Him against tht day.
Ken