March / 2011 UPDATE

Dear Brethren,

 It has been an exciting and eventful month since we last reported to you.   The transition from Georgia to Alabama is almost accomplished.   Thanks to the devoted brethren in this area, property has been purchased which will serve as the new home for Project Rescue.  This process has involved a series of failed possibilities which eventually led to the perfect location, a 19-acre piece of property with a house and 11 apartments.  It is a beautiful area with a lot of grass, trees and a lake complete with geese.  We are in the process of moving into the house along with several of the guys.  All eleven of the apartments are now rented so we will need some time to make them available to the men of the program. 

Since my arrival with five of the guys, Charles and Martha Baggett have opened their home and allowed us to stay with them.  Although we realize this has been a great inconvenience to them, they have almost convinced us our presence has been enjoyable.  This couple has earned a special place in our hearts during this last month.   They have maintained Christian grace and love in spite of all we have put them through.  In addition, members of the Beltline church of Christ have been providing food every day for this group of men.  What a blessing to have such co-workers in this great project!

After arriving on the scene with the guys, our next move was to get Jeanie’s parents here and into a happy and safe environment.  That was accomplished quickly and smoothly.  Bill & Gerry Nicks are now living in a beautiful assisted living facility within a stone’s throw of our new property.  The providence of God continues to amaze us.  When we chose the facility for the Nickses, our near-by property was not even being considered.  But now we are close neighbors.  Bill can continue to teach his classes with ease which is a great blessing when you’re 91 years old. 

One of the greatest accomplishments during this month has been the new board of directors that has been established, thanks to the diligence of attorney Calvin McBride, a deacon at Beltline.  We can’t say enough about the work he has done so quickly and efficiently.  The 501(c)3 corporation we had established in Georgia has expanded to Alabama with all the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed.  I will attach of copy of the new corporate papers for those of you who are interested in the legal aspect of this project.

In addition to having an attorney on our side, we have a CPA who is handling our finances.  Richard Talley, another deacon at Beltline, is retiring this year after 40 years of accounting.  He will be taking the lead in keeping us on the straight in narrow with our financial situation.  This will be a big job as the program grows – which we expect to happen rapidly.  How thankful we are for these men who so generously give of their time and talents!

Jeanie, our daughter Kim, and granddaughter Marlee arrived a couple of weeks ago.  The separation had been difficult so we were very happy to be together again.  We rented a couple of furnished apartments in Decatur until the closing of the new property was completed.  Kim is working at the local hospital as the charge nurse in the coronary care unit.  Marlee is finishing up the 10^th grade in home school and then will attend the local high school in the fall. 

The addiction recovery program has been discontinued in Waycross.  Our beloved friends there have placed membership at another congregation, where they have been lovingly accepted with open arms.   All our property there is on the market but with the current economy will likely take a long time to sell.  In the meantime, all the apartments are rented so the income is helping to support the work here in Alabama. 

We now have a new permanent address for all mail sent to Project Rescue:

1231 Main Street W

Hartselle, AL  35640-2131

Let me express again how thankful we are to God and to the faithful brethren who have made all this possible.   We are overwhelmed with the amount of love and support we are experiencing in this area.  Our loving God moves in mysterious ways to accomplish His will.  We are now able to look back with gratitude for everything that has happened which brought us to this place.  We realize the work we have chosen is difficult and will be fraught with many hardships.  That’s just the nature of the work.  But we are so glad to be where there are many who are devoted fully to the Lord and His work. 

We’re also thankful for each of you who have stood by us through thick and thin with your support and prayers.  Since we have embarked on a much larger program than we had before, we need your financial help even more.  Charles Baggett and I are making ourselves available to speak to congregations in the brotherhood concerning this new work.  If you know of any congregation who would be interested in having us come, please let us know. 

I still have my Georgia cell number at the moment.  It is 912-816-0518.  I will let you know when this changes.  If you have questions, feel free to call any time. 

In Christian love,

Ronnie & Jeanie