Early in 2009, Heaven Sent Ministries began a ministry in the Mercer County Court system reaching out to those who have found themselves in trouble due to substance abuse and the behaviors associated with it. Oasis as we call it has the sole purpose of reaching out with love and acts of kindness to those who find themselves empty and struggling to find hope.
What’s happing? Every Monday morning, Tim Swingle (HSM’s Discipleship Training Director) spends about three hours with the group at The Mercer County Court Day Report Center. In addition to connecting one on one with participants, attending required classes with the group and assisting with transportation needs, Tim spends one hour in Bible study pointing them to Jesus Christ, the only One who can fill the emptiness that drives them to addictions.
On Thursdays at noon, the group from the center is bused over to the HSM facility for lunch and devotions. Anyone in the community is welcome to join us for lunch and spend time getting to know these wonderful people personally. The devotion time is led by one of our staff or a guest speaker who shares our passion for spreading the love of Christ.
How can I help? If you’re in the Princeton area please feel free to stop in for lunch on Thursdays just to observe without any pressure to participate. It’s a great way to say “I care; you’re important to me; keep up the good work!” If you’re interested in investing an hour or two in the life of a recovering addict, please contact us for more information about the opportunities available to you.
In addition to this, we are always in need of mentors and people willing to sponsor activities that we want to do for the group. A big part of our focus is helping those who have completed most of their requirements and are beginning to look for jobs, transportation, training, housing and most of all a loving church, new friends and new activities to fill the void left by the past addiction.
Please pray that God would move in the hearts of men and women in this community, men and women who are willing to turn their fears and pre-conceived ideas over to God, trusting Him to use them to make a difference for eternity in the life of a young family or individual. The impact you can make is immeasurable.
For more information about Oasis and how YOU can get involved, contact Tim Swingle at tim@hsminc.org
