Thank you so much for the beautiful picture of Luke 15 Recovery House, which was painted through the words of the residents, in the July 15 issue.
I’ve been a part of Luke 15 House since 2005, first as a volunteer coming twice a week to help with groceries, menu planning, and cooking. I became assistant to the executive director and then returned as a volunteer, helping with food and facilitating a group session each week.
This environment is not something I had ever given thought to until I assisted at RCIA and met founder Alan Ammerlaan, who was sponsoring two Luke 15 House residents. He invited me to volunteer at the house.
Luke 15 House is one of the greatest gifts God has given me. He fills me with more grace than I could ever ask for. My husband Larry has joined me for several years for groups, often bringing his guitar and getting the guys going. I tell them, “God doesn’t ask you to make a beautiful noise, He asks for a joyful noise!” So, yes, enthusiastic joyful “noise” is what they give!
Larry and I know very well each of the men who were interviewed. We love them deeply and thank God for the love we receive in return. I am so inspired by each of these men and others, and so privileged to witness their transformation. I’m reminded of hearts of stone to hearts of flesh in Ezekiel 36 and of endurance and proven character in Romans 5: 3-4.
A word I never used before this year when referring to the men is “gentlemen,” and that’s what they are today. The Holy Spirit has broken down all barriers between us and our time spent, whether with a group of 25 or one on one, is so natural.
With the gifts God has given Nigel and the great team (some of whom were former residents), we’ve never seen so much fruit from the dedication and love given to each prodigal son, whom God brings to “His” House. To love and to be loved, I would say, is the greatest gift. So much of natural conversation, spoken and heard, includes “the Love of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God’s will be done.”
Thanks to the gift of networking, by Nigel and others, the community of support that Luke 15 House receives is truly by God’s grace. If you wonder if God is calling you to share your gifts (no matter what they are) with the Luke 15 community, please seriously pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you. God will not be outdone. You will be blessed beyond imagining.
Catherine Bowen
Pitt Meadows
Thanks to Nicholas Elbers for his well-written article about Luke 15 House. There was so much detail and such wonderful pictures that helped tell the story.
I do hope this article will give our ministry the publicity it needs.
Nigel J. Vincent M.Com, MBA
Executive Director
Luke 15 House
Surrey
Today I got the book Honey from the Rock by Colleen Roy, a home-schooling mother of six who finds time to keep bees, look after a garden, and write.
The book is delightful to look at and to read, a wonderful gift for all ages and all occasions. It’s also a guide through the church year, the saints, bees, and flowers. It’s like a garden, inspiring and bringing joy.
Hopefully the little shop at the entrance to Holy Rosary Cathedral will carry it soon.
Marianne Werner
Vancouver
To the recent letter writer who felt their family member was in excruciating pain and assisted suicide was justified, I offer my condolences.
Being bedridden, unable to get up, or have relief from pain is not a reason for assisted suicide.
As a young woman of 34, my health declined over a period of a few months. The pain was unrelenting, the medications weren’t working, and I had lost my ability to care for myself and my family. Confined to my bed, alone, I feared I was becoming a burden on my family.
In the dead of night, when the pain was more than I could bear, I would roll over and lower myself to the floor. Once on the floor I could crawl to the bathroom and fill the tub with water. Pulling myself into the warm water I could lay comfortably for awhile. When the water cooled, I drained the tub and I would pull a towel off the rack to dry off and cover myself. I would call my husband over and over, hoping not to awaken our three children.
When I surrendered my pain to God and promised to do whatever was necessary to recover, I began a long journey of healing. It hasn’t been easy for the past 40 years. I still require medications to get through each day, and surgeries from time to time. I thank God every day for my life.
Whether it is suicide or assisted suicide, the individual is in mental, emotional, or physical pain. They need to know you care about them and they are not a burden. Take time to visit those in hospital or palliative care. Reach out to elderly neighbours to offer a helping hand.
If a friend phoned you and told you they were considering suicide, what would you do?
Life is short enough; make the most out of it.
Rita Luterbach
Coquitlam
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