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

Our Guest Books

In February Gini posted about blessing from around the world - OUR MANY GUESTS.  Before guests depart they are requested to sign the Onesimus House Guest Book.  When guests depart and Gini goes in to clean and prepare for the next guests on calendar, her first course of action is to read the guest book entry and share it with Charlie.  These postings are VERY important.  The Walkers and all guests are blessed to see the hand of God at work in lives and ministries around the globe.  The guests are encouraged to take a bit of time and read the entries.  The Walkers enjoy seeing the returnees.  Onesimus House is now on Book number two!

Peter's Canyon

This is regarding the fire in October, 2017.  Yet, I feel it is worth a blog spot:

   LOSS OF PETER’S CANYON

We, the residence of Cowan Heights are greatly saddened by the loss of Peter’s Canyon Wildlife Reserve by the October, 2017 Orange County “Canyon Fire”.  Because this fire struck at the same time the northern California fire was burning, much of the fire fighting reserves were gone.  In years past, the P.C. Reserve was immediately covered and protected when any fire threatened its acreage. Although all the homes and most of the foliage of Cowan Heights were spared, we feel the loss of the reserve.  The regional park encompassed 354 Acres. 

Gini has provided the history of the reserve and many pictures of the wildlife in the Canyon story written for guests.  You may be wondering where the animals, large and small went during the fire.  Many were lost.  Others scurried and ran for their lives and now live in the neighborhood of Cowan Heights and other local home developments.  We hope that in the next few years this amazing reserve will come back with new animals and foliage.

In the meantime, look through these pages in the story provided for guests in O.H. and you will see our loss and hopefully pray for recovery.

                                                                                  Charlie and Gini Walker

 As of the writing of this post, parts of Peter's Canyon have re opened for hikers and visitors.  The destruction caused by the fire is still evident, but the foliage is slowly returning.  We pray this kind of destruction by fire will never happen again.