Near and Far Day 42

Several years ago my friend Joanne was lead to the lovely historic town of Chesapeake City, MD to start anew! She built what was to be her new home and the location for her gift shop, Near and Far, offering distinctive gifts from around the world.

The wonderful plan that Joanne had, came into being. Her huge home and gift shop were positively beautiful. She enjoyed several years with the gift shop but like many small businesses the economy just wasn`t strong enough for her to survive.

Painfully, she closed the business, moved to a new home, and put the property up for sale; patiently waiting for the right buyer. Again the economy forced her to look in a different direction; she decided to rent the property. But also keep it on the market.

I remember a conversation, at church with Joanne, she thought this house would be a great location for a group home for women. Little did she know that God was already putting this plan into action.

Just about two years ago, Joan Alexander moved from California to Maryland, she tells the story that she really wasn`t sure why she moved; but that she just knew that was what she was supposed to do. She met the love of her life, Mark and they rented a small home in Chesapeake City, just down the street from Joanne`s property.

The unthinkable happened and Joan`s wonderful happy life in Maryland changed, Mark had a sudden heart attack and died at the young age of 47. Alone, Joan was struggling to keep a roof over her head

Thanks to Julie a single mother, originally from England that lived across the street, Joan was lead to a local church, Jacob`s Well. Joan was soon embraced by this loving church family and began to grow spiritually by leaps and bounds.

Joan`s neighbor to her left, Lami, another single christian woman, was also struggling to pay for the house that she rented. Promptings from God lead Joan to approach Joanne to see if she would rent her house to 3 single woman.

Joan learned that Joanne would definitely rent to them, however the 3 of them would not be able to afford what Joanne would require to rent the house. Lami`s suggested a 4th lady from her church, a widow that was also living alone.

On the 1st of May three woman and one young daughter moved into Joanne`s gigantic four bedroom, 3 bathroom house. Four woman from near and far have begun a new christian walk as one big happy new family. Thank you, God for putting all of the right circumstances into motion.

Our mission team from church met at Near and Far last night for our monthly meeting and dinner. Julie ask if I would lead the group in grace, I graciously accepted. What a blessing to have such an amazing God filled home to have our dinner and meeting.

Psalm 5:11-12 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.