Local churches and supporters,
As some of my may know in January, we were approached by a non-profit that is vacating a 114 unit building in Vancouver in the middle of this year (July 1). They want to invite another non-profit to lease it for a very reasonable rate. They want to see a vulnerable population group receive housing and support. And the opportunity would be to remain in this space for two to three years. We submitted an expression of interest. I’m pleased to share that their Board of Directors has approved Journey Home Community as their preferred partner! Let's Praise God for this!
We are in the midst of assessing the feasibility of this for Journey Home and doing our due diligence. We will need finances, people, and partners before we can commit to proceeding.
As we discern and work through these due diligence tasks, we want to ask you to join us in praying for five days, from Monday, February 28 to Friday March 4. We need the support of our praying community! The prayer request for Monday to Friday are below.
Plus, on Thursday March 3, we will gather for our regularly scheduled Praise and Prayer meeting at 8:00am. You can attend that meeting in-person or via Zoom. Here is the link for Thursday’s meeting: zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87677455760; in-person: 7175 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby BC
A 14-floor building is a God-Sized project, and we are asking God to lead us. Here are the daily requests. If you are able, please join us in praying from Monday to Friday. Each day, pray that:
- Monday: Pray that we will establish a vision for this project that reflects God’s heart to welcome refugee and refugee claimant newcomers. The biblical vision of God’s Kingdom is about the renewal and restoration of broken hearts and spirits, unfair and unjust systems; and about salvation and healing for human bodies, souls and spirits. Pray that God will lead us to develop a vision for this project that reflects these goals and values faithfully and truthfully. Pray that God will be glorified in this work.
- Tuesday: Pray for Wisdom around Partnerships. We recognize that we cannot do this alone, and we aren’t sure we are meant to do this alone. There are partners, faith-based and secular, that are interested in collaboration on this project. Pray that God will guide us to set the vision and that it will be God’s vision. And pray that we will have wisdom in seeking and developing partnerships for this project.
- Wednesday: Pray for Resourcing. We are waiting for financial numbers from the building owner/operator so that we can fully understand what the costs will be. There will be significant financial costs to operate this building, hire the necessary staff, and provide for the costs of program participants. Join us in praying for God’s provision for this project.
- Thursday: Pray for People. A project like this may mean significant growth for Journey Home Community’s team. We know that this is a time where it is difficult to recruit and hire workers. We need workers with the right skills, cultural competency, passion, and heart to welcome refugees in alignment with our mission, vision, and values. We will need to find a person to help provide leadership for this project. Pray that God will lead the right people to us and that the He will lead JHC to the right people.
- Friday: Pray for the City of Vancouver’s approval. The building is currently designated for use as a seniors housing facility. We are assessing with the city whether a new usage variance will have to be granted by the city. Pray with us that the City of Vancouver will stand behind this project and provide all the necessary designations, certifications, and approvals necessary to proceed. Pray that this will happen within appropriate timelines.