Good Bye Onesimus House

After twelve and a half years it is with sorrow and anticipation for the future that the Walkers announce the closing of the doors of Onesimus House. The Walkers are transitioning into a new phase of their lives and with these changes, this amazing ministry will also change. Many lives, including the Walkers, have been blessed by God's little cottage. We trust His continued provisions for the needs of O.H. guests. Through your means of communication we hope you will stay in touch with us. Blessings of God's great and abundant grace, mercy and peace. Charlie & Gini Walker

Changes with age

When I open this blog I often sit and look at the picture for a while. It is my favorite of the exterior of O. House. This was taken in 2009. Now, in 2021 the plants around the bench are tall. The plants around the front of the porch railing are so tall they hide the railing. Sadly, the ground covering plants on the little hill got sick a few years back and all died. We have tried to replace but what is there now is not the beautiful covering of yester year. What ever destroyed the plants actually went through Cowan Heights and destroyed the plants like these in all the yards. The porch rails all need a fresh coat of white paint. Keeping the weeds away around the exterior has been challenging but there still remain a bit of "wilderness" appeal in one area. The winds have been persistant and strong so far this year adding to the challenge of keeping the outside appealing. We are so glad in the original planning that the porch was added to the outside. Guests are able to enjoy the quiet setting to read or have coffee. The interior has a few changes. The floors have a few scatter rugs to add warmth in the cold months. There are a few new items on the walls and the fireplace mantle. The book collection grows and grows. We now have two guest books and it won't be long before we will need to add book #3. The Walkers always enjoy reading the entries written after each visit. Finally, this year we had guests during our Christmas days. A neighbor donated a little tree that future guests will be able to enjoy. COVID has affected O. House ministry as it has all areas of life. The Walkers are challenged in sanitizing the house between guests to assure good health. Again and again the Walkers express gratitude to Abba Father God for His grace, mercy and peace over O. House. It remains His house and the Walkers are grateful as well for the blessings of being caretakers.

What You Seek And Need

Year by year, for all who enter here, may you find and experience the presence of God to give you rest and renewal. May Onesimus House reflect the love God has for you and His world. HIS peace over you through His son and our Lord, JESUS.

Be Encouraged

Do you ever ask yourself, "What can I do for others during these unsettling days?" How about ENCOURAGE. Scotty Smith's 1-16-21 Heavenward "More Than A Peaceful Easy Feeling" devotional helped me this morning. So I pass a few of his words on to you: "Today, we use familiar words to direct our hearts heavenward and neighbor-ward. Known as the “Serenity Prayer,” it’s really a Gospel Prayer—a prayer of grace, perspective, and peace. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” – Lord Jesus, acceptance of things (and people) we can’t change isn’t acquiescence; it’s wisdom and freedom. It’s not shrugging our shoulders in resignation; it’s lifting our hands to you in worship and waiting."" Check out the rest of Scotty's thoughts and take a look at John 16:33 for Jesus' words of encouragement. BE ENCOURAGED!(from My 1-16-21 Facebook post)

Beginning A New Year 2021

Is it possible that in February, 2021 we will celebrate 12 years of Onesimus House ministry? We, the Walkers hold many memories. And, as you read this and you have been a guest, your memories will be of time spent here. Twelve years ago we had only one grandchild. Now, in 2021 we have two - ages 12 and 9. And about three years ago, we got Jackson, our JackRussell/Chiquaqua mix. And, now in 2021 Charlie and I will be turning 76. As I write this on Jan 5, we are in the midst of much political upheval. The future is SO UNSURE. I, Gini, struggle a lot with the unknown. It has been challenging to my soul to look to God. Not only is His Word helpful but also special reading. The current book I just finished is CRY OF THE SOUL. This will be a frequent re read book for me in these unsettling days.

New Method of Communication

DEAR GUESTS

THE WALKERS HAVE PROVIDED A NEW MESSAGE BOX FOR ONESIMUS HOUSE.  IT IS A BRIGHT GREEN MAILBOX WITH RED FLAG AND IS ATTACHED TO THE PATIO WALL. THIS BOX IS FOR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE WALKERS AND GUESTS ONLY.  THIS IS NOT A U.S. MAIL BOX.

IF THE WALKERS LEAVE YOU A MESSAGE, IT WILL BE IN THE BOX AND THE RED FLAG WILL BE UP.  IF YOU WISH TO LEAVE THE WALKERS A MESSAGE, LEAVE IT IN THE BOX AND PUT UP THE RED FLAG.  WE DO NOT ANTICIPATE MANY MESSAGES BEING LEFT IN THIS MANNER.  WE WILL STILL USE TEXTING ON CELL PHONES AND EMAILS.  BUT WE THOUGHT THIS BOX MIGHT ASSIST OUR COMMUNICATION AND PROTECT IT FROM THE ELEMENTS. 

AS OF THIS WRITING, THE WALKERS HAVE ALREADY FOUND THIS METHOD OF COMMUNICATION HELPFUL FOR GUESTS WHO CANNOT BE REACHED BY PHONE OR EMAIL.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR IDEAS ON THE USE OF THE BOX, FEEL FREE TO LET US KNOW.

                                                        --- CHARLIE AND GINI

Pictures of Onesimus House