Monday, February 19, 2018
HIDDEN BLESSING
Onesimus House has been an amazing blessing to the Walkers, their neighbors and family. We often tell our young grand children when we have new guests and they get to hear the stories about their ministries, often meeting these guests. Our O.H. sign is out by the driveway entrance during each visit, so our neighbors are aware of guests and often ask about them. The spoken words of your ministries have blessed others beyond our knowledge.
From Around The World
YOU COME TO BE BLESSED ...
AND YOU LEAVE A BLESSING
From Around The World ---
Latvia, Ethiopia, Turkey, Papua New Guinea, England, Australia, Spain, India, The Netherlands, Tanzania, West Africa, South Africa, and many states in America
AND YOU LEAVE A BLESSING
From Around The World ---
Latvia, Ethiopia, Turkey, Papua New Guinea, England, Australia, Spain, India, The Netherlands, Tanzania, West Africa, South Africa, and many states in America
PICTURES OF INTERIOR
If you would like to see the interior of
Onesimus House, scroll down to the 2009 posts
- The Walkers
Onesimus House, scroll down to the 2009 posts
- The Walkers
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
2016 update for 7 year ministry
As 2016 draws to a close, it seems an appropriate time to update our blog.
When Charlie received the vision for O.H., he had in mind its use connected with "silent retreats". Before it was built, we hosted a few in our backyard. But, it required use of our home and our participation in the retreat. O.H. has allowed small groups to gather for their retreats, using it as their gathering place and connecting with the grounds to scatter for silent reflection. And, we need not be present. Yet, it wasn't until this year and its last month that a small retreat was held here. It was a mini Advent retreat for women. It lasted just half a day and was attended by 15 young women, in need of quiet and rest.
Gini worked with the retreat coordinators regarding the house and grounds. Charlie and Gini prepared the property by cleaning and setting up areas to sit and reflect. But, the strongest winds of the year arrived just days before the retreat, blowing gale force winds the day and night before, undoing all their work. If the winds continued to blow with this intensity, the plans for the retreat would be radically changed. 15 women gathered in the great room was a sight to behold. They looked as snug as bugs in a rug. But, their movement was greatly hampered. Charlie prayed for God's favor, asking Him to calm the winds to gentle breezes. God granted His favor and although the grounds were scattered with leaves and branches, the ladies were able to find a place to have their meditations. PRAISE AND GLORY TO GOD!
So, the retreat is the end of the story. But there is more to tell. O.H. was even used by a bride and her attendants on her wedding day as her bridal preparation room and when the wedding began, she walked down the trail from the house, with her arm in her dad's to the guests and groom waiting below. It was a sight to see!
During these 7 years there have been pastor study retreats, staff retreats, far away friends coming to spend time with family living in our area, missionaries on leave for R and R., guests from around the world visiting to connect with local congregations, Walker family members coming for a visit, local ministry partners in need of housing and others.
Charlie and Gini are blessed each time with the loving and thoughtful comments written in O.H. guestbooks. In October 2014, book two was begun. Both books have a MONET cover and are treasured by the Walkers as a connection with all events and guests.
Much prayer has covered Onesimus House...prayers for protection, prayers for the interior, prayers for the coming guests. It wasn't until this month that a new refrigerator needed to be purchased. God has continued to display His Holy favor over Onesimus House. We look forward to seeing His future blessings.
When Charlie received the vision for O.H., he had in mind its use connected with "silent retreats". Before it was built, we hosted a few in our backyard. But, it required use of our home and our participation in the retreat. O.H. has allowed small groups to gather for their retreats, using it as their gathering place and connecting with the grounds to scatter for silent reflection. And, we need not be present. Yet, it wasn't until this year and its last month that a small retreat was held here. It was a mini Advent retreat for women. It lasted just half a day and was attended by 15 young women, in need of quiet and rest.
Gini worked with the retreat coordinators regarding the house and grounds. Charlie and Gini prepared the property by cleaning and setting up areas to sit and reflect. But, the strongest winds of the year arrived just days before the retreat, blowing gale force winds the day and night before, undoing all their work. If the winds continued to blow with this intensity, the plans for the retreat would be radically changed. 15 women gathered in the great room was a sight to behold. They looked as snug as bugs in a rug. But, their movement was greatly hampered. Charlie prayed for God's favor, asking Him to calm the winds to gentle breezes. God granted His favor and although the grounds were scattered with leaves and branches, the ladies were able to find a place to have their meditations. PRAISE AND GLORY TO GOD!
So, the retreat is the end of the story. But there is more to tell. O.H. was even used by a bride and her attendants on her wedding day as her bridal preparation room and when the wedding began, she walked down the trail from the house, with her arm in her dad's to the guests and groom waiting below. It was a sight to see!
During these 7 years there have been pastor study retreats, staff retreats, far away friends coming to spend time with family living in our area, missionaries on leave for R and R., guests from around the world visiting to connect with local congregations, Walker family members coming for a visit, local ministry partners in need of housing and others.
Charlie and Gini are blessed each time with the loving and thoughtful comments written in O.H. guestbooks. In October 2014, book two was begun. Both books have a MONET cover and are treasured by the Walkers as a connection with all events and guests.
Much prayer has covered Onesimus House...prayers for protection, prayers for the interior, prayers for the coming guests. It wasn't until this month that a new refrigerator needed to be purchased. God has continued to display His Holy favor over Onesimus House. We look forward to seeing His future blessings.
Monday, April 20, 2015
A Cup of Cold Water
"'Go
and do likewise . . .' Supporting, comforting, helping . . .
your arm around the hunched shoulder of another . . . your smile
saying 'try again' to someone who's convinced it's curtains . . .
your cup of cool water held up to a brother's cracked lips, reassuring and reaffirming that he is loved.'"
- Chuck Swindoll, Living Insights (read Luke 10:25-37)
your arm around the hunched shoulder of another . . . your smile
saying 'try again' to someone who's convinced it's curtains . . .
your cup of cool water held up to a brother's cracked lips, reassuring and reaffirming that he is loved.'"
- Chuck Swindoll, Living Insights (read Luke 10:25-37)
Multiple Blessings
YOU COME TO BE BLESSED ...
AND YOU LEAVE A BLESSING
From Around The World ---
Latvia, Ethiopia, Turkey, Papua New Guinea, England, Australia, Spain, India, The Netherlands, Tanzania, West Africa, South Africa, and many states in America
AND YOU LEAVE A BLESSING
From Around The World ---
Latvia, Ethiopia, Turkey, Papua New Guinea, England, Australia, Spain, India, The Netherlands, Tanzania, West Africa, South Africa, and many states in America
Friday, April 17, 2015
Changes
CHANGES -
As I spend time looking at the picture of Onesimus House taken in 2009 I enjoy comparing it to the changes in the plants since that time. The foliage has grown considerably. So if you are new to the house and you have an opportunity to check out this blog, you, too, will see the changes.
Regarding the bedroom, we want our guests to be aware that the set up can be either the Western King Size, or Twins. Our preference is the twin bed arrangement to accommodate the different needs of guests. Please make note of this and let us know your preference.
Several guests have left little gifts of thanks that have added to the ambiance of the house...the hand woven chest scarf and the wine bottle twinkle lights designed for gentle evening lighting in the great room are two special remembrances of guests who have blessed us and have been blessed by God's gift of this place of respite and renewal.
Onesimus House has been an amazing blessing to the Walkers, their neighbors and family. We often tell our young grand children when we have new guests and they get to hear the stories about their ministries, often meeting these guests. Our O.H. sign is out by the driveway entrance during each visit, so our neighbors are aware of guests and often ask about them. The spoken words of your ministries have blessed others beyond our knowledge.
As I spend time looking at the picture of Onesimus House taken in 2009 I enjoy comparing it to the changes in the plants since that time. The foliage has grown considerably. So if you are new to the house and you have an opportunity to check out this blog, you, too, will see the changes.
Regarding the bedroom, we want our guests to be aware that the set up can be either the Western King Size, or Twins. Our preference is the twin bed arrangement to accommodate the different needs of guests. Please make note of this and let us know your preference.
Several guests have left little gifts of thanks that have added to the ambiance of the house...the hand woven chest scarf and the wine bottle twinkle lights designed for gentle evening lighting in the great room are two special remembrances of guests who have blessed us and have been blessed by God's gift of this place of respite and renewal.
Onesimus House has been an amazing blessing to the Walkers, their neighbors and family. We often tell our young grand children when we have new guests and they get to hear the stories about their ministries, often meeting these guests. Our O.H. sign is out by the driveway entrance during each visit, so our neighbors are aware of guests and often ask about them. The spoken words of your ministries have blessed others beyond our knowledge.
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