Cause for Celebration

It's a tricky thing, those lost sheep. 

When I consider the lost sheep, I feel my own heart ache. It seems that sometimes God goes looking for the lost one (as in the parable of the sheep), and sometimes waits patiently at home for the lost one to return (as in the parable of the prodigal son). How are we to know what we are supposed to do, I wonder? To our lost sheep - a party awaits, replete with chicken wings and chocolate milk. And all the hugs you could ever want.  

{This is Sanctuary Night.} 

We have much to celebrate this month, friends!: 

• A group of CRU students from Ohio State & Central State moved all of our SN storage from my garage to our new storage unit downtown. Here they are listening to me giving out orders! ;)   

• We got a massive sock delivery from Bombas!! 1,000 pairs of socks were donated for our ladies which you know they will LOVE!! 

• One of our new volunteers has stepped up and offered to help with the website (Thanks Tori!!)

• Carol is STILL in treatment! I saw her this past week again and she looks even better! She has a plan to move on to a Transitional treatment center when she completes the one she's in - let's keep praying for her, friends! 

• Perhaps most significantly is the announcement that CPD Vice Officer Andrew Mitchell was indicted a few weeks ago. It happened on a Monday, and so naturally we were inclined to have a party that night at SN! The women were FLOORED that we would throw them such a party, and even more floored that justice may be served and their voices heard! Volunteer Dan Olson said it best this way:  
  

March 11, 2019

“Justice is Served”
This was a day of firsts!

A first...spontaneously thrown party at Sanctuary Night celebrating the FBI’s arrest of the police officer who had shot and killed a woman who was caught in human trafficking. 

A first...for one woman who came in off the streets during Sanctuary Night to enjoy a hot meal, party with us, get some needed clothing and asked for and received direction on how she can get help. 

A first...for many women who cried tears of relief and joy at the news of the officers arrest (some of whom had been assaulted by that officer). I observed their reactions and responses when they walked into Sanctuary Night asking “what’s the party for?”. When hearing that news of the arrest...I believe many felt hope for the...first time.

*all names changed