Blog, Encouragement
Blanket of Hope
by Dana Chavers Director of Social Services I arrived at work at 6:30am, as I usually do, when I noticed a green hump the size of a human in the corridor against the wall beneath the entry keypad. Doing a double take, I realized the hump was a person huddled under a jacket. I nervously
Blog, Encouragement
Sacrificial Living
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into
Blog, Encouragement
The Long Term Investment of Encouragement
by Graham Bufford “Encourage one another and build each other up.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 HCSB Ever heard of a book named Leaves of Grass or its author Walt Whitman? Yeah, most people weren’t familiar with either when that book was first published in 1855. Major publishers wouldn’t touch it, leaving Whitman to invest his
Blog, Encouragement
10 Ways to Survive the Holidays
by Julia Charleston It’s mid-September, which means the holidays are just around the corner. Thanksgiving sneaks up on me every year and catches me off guard. Then, six short weeks later, it’s CHRISTMAS! and year after year, I become so overwhelmed I barely have time to breathe, let alone enjoy the festivities. Rather than run
Blog, Encouragement
Faithfulness
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4 Devotion Great is Thy Faithfulness is one of my favorite hymns. When I hear the tune and
Blog, Encouragement
The Grass Only Appears Greener
By Julia Charleston A few years ago, I was driving to work early in the morning when I noticed in the distance debris in the middle of the freeway. I slowed down, got into the other lane, and as I came upon the object, I realized it was a deer that had very recently been
Blog, Encouragement
Stay The Course
by Julia Charleston When I was in high school I lived in Seminole, Florida, which was on the west coast just below Tampa. Seminole is located on the mainland, but if you go down the block and over the bridge, you could be at the Gulf of Mexico in 10 minutes. My friend, Cathy, lived
Blog, Encouragement
Dazzling Light
by Graham Bufford Director of After Care “Moses said, ‘The LORD has commanded you to do all this, so that the dazzling light of his presence can appear to you.’” –Leviticus 9:6 GNT Be assured that there is purpose to everything the Lord does. Even if it began as something evil, the Lord can still
Blog, Encouragement
From Hunger to Hope
Imagine never eating a crisp salad or a fresh, juicy apple packed with wholesome nutrients your body needs to thrive. Unfortunately, this is the reality for some low-income families and senior adults in our community with limited access to transportation. The Foundry’s Mobile Food Pantry brings nourishment to our neighborhoods, driving into five low-income areas
Blog, Encouragement
got mentors?
by A Program Participant I never imagined myself having to spend 12 months in a recovery program. How did I find myself here? Life happened. I left home when I graduated high school and met my soul mate. We got married and had three children. They grew up, got married and now I have three
Blog, Encouragement
Commitment
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 Weary? Weary of the battle? Weary of the scorn? Weary of the cynical looks? Weary of anger? Weary of the thorns? Weary of being marginalized? Weary of being shunned?
Blog, Encouragement
Throw Off Your Cloak
by Julia Charleston “Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means ‘son of Timaeus’), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have
Blog, Encouragement
Hungry For More
The point when we think we know all that there is to know is usually when we are in the most desperate need of spiritual growth. During times like these, it’s healthy to do a self-inventory. An important item to check off of our list is unending hunger for God and the things of God.
Blog, Encouragement
A Path to Purpose
What is your calling? Are you being called to something more? For service? For leadership? Here is an excerpt from the The YES Journey: A Story of Starting Where You Are and Living Your Purpose by Bill and Michele Heintz, co-founders of The Foundry Ministries. In it, Pastor Bill shares some of his experience and
Blog, Encouragement
Priorities
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 Devotion Have you ever walked into the grocery store without first making a list of what you need to purchase? Naturally, your first stop is the produce section because it’s at the front of
Blog, Encouragement
Holy of Holies
by Rick Todd Chief Logistics Officer/Assistant Pastor In biblical times, only Levitical Priests were permitted to enter the sacred space called the Holy of Holies. As he opened the curtain and stepped into the chamber just outside the room to perform his priestly duties, I wonder what his thoughts were knowing God Almighty was just
Blog, Encouragement
The Greatest Blessing
I’ve never been in an actual prison cell, but I do remember all too well the prison of hopelessness while living outside of God’s will. Because of this, I may have a special affection for the men in The Foundry’s Prison ReEntry program, who are transitioning from prison to productive living in our community. I
Blog, Encouragement
The Best is Yet to Come!
Sis Dixon Director of The Foundry Resource Center I was walking through our thrift store on a cold, rainy winter day and this picture caught my attention. I couldn’t help but grin when I saw this precious child. Who doesn’t love a smiling baby?! Because of the dreariness of the day, I reflected on the
Blog, Encouragement
Graceful
by Micah Andrews, CEO “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 [NIV] As we quickly depart the Holy Week, I am hopeful that we do not as quickly depart the meaning of these days.
Blog, Encouragement
The Triumphant Entry
by Julia Charleston “Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey-riding on a donkey’s colt.” Zechariah 9:9 [NLT] There are many contrasting elements to Jesus’ triumphant entry. He was a king who came as a lowly servant on the back of a donkey
Blog, Encouragement
If I Were 22 Again
by John Roland, MDiv, MBA Director of Development & Marketing A motto I hold dear is the Cub Scouts, “Do your best.” Notice the emphasis on YOUR best. At 41 years old my top 10 tips of advice, “If I were 22 again:” 1. Be wise in marriage–Marriage can be such an incredible joy and
Blog, Encouragement
National Volunteer Week
During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the impact of volunteer service and the power of difference makers. Join us during this week as we host unique volunteer opportunities for those looking to get involved, but aren’t sure where to start. These opportunities will give you a sneak peek into what it is like to volunteer
Blog, Encouragement
By Ourselves, But Not Alone
by Julia Charleston “Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, ‘Sit here while I go over there to pray.'” Matthew 26:36 [NLT] Our strength comes from community; we’re most powerful where two or more are gathered. Jesus and his disciples were strongest when they were together. Their power
Blog, Encouragement
Holy Fire
by Julia Charleston With a single flick of the lighter, the pages of her bible were ablaze. Her hands shook with rage as she exacted revenge on a God who would allow so much disappointment and loss. She had turned to drugs to cope; to mask the sadness she felt deep inside, and after her
Blog, Encouragement
Repentance
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 DEVOTION Last week, the Christian world celebrated the life of Billy Graham
Blog, Encouragement
Recovery, Relapse, and The Little Foxes
by Pastor Mark Winslett Director of Counseling “Take us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes.” — Song of Solomon 2:15 There is an important principle captured in this simple statement from scripture, “The little foxes spoil the vines.” Fences are built around vineyards to prevent animals
Blog, Encouragement
Alarms of Life
by Julia Charleston A few years ago, for no apparent reason, every single smoke alarm in my house started beeping. It began in the living room, and soon all six alarms were screaming at me that there was trouble. Searching the house I found no smoke, yet the alarms disagreed. Grabbing the ladder from the
Blog, Encouragement
A Heart Restored by God's Love
Leann and her husband once had good jobs and a nice home where they were raising their three children. But Leann fell victim to an addiction that cost them their family and their future. “I was spending more and more money on drugs,” she shares. The couple eventually divorced, and her husband took custody of
Blog, Encouragement
Goodbye Heroin
by Julia Charleston Her words were confident and strong; her attitude told me she meant every word. The pain of her past was visible in her eyes, but the BIG beautiful smile on her face told a story of victory. Hers was one of many stories of addiction; all with long twisted roots that travel deep
Blog, Encouragement
White Flag of Surrender
But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. and the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us
Blog, Encouragement
Hearts of Hope 2018
Hearts of Hope is an annual luncheon we hold to raise awareness and financial support for our Women’s Recovery Program. Local TV news anchor Sherri Jackson will emcee and The Foundry’s own CEO, Micah Andrews, will interview women in or a graduate of our recovery program. This year, we are unveiling Transformation: Inside a Reshaped
Blog, Encouragement
Repairing the Broken
by Larisa Lambert Mills I go back to it time and again. It’s become a reliable guide and encouragement through my day-to-day work and the way my relationship with the Lord connects with that work. It’s real. and relatable. Here is a blessing from it for you: “… If we would do what he told
Blog, Encouragement
Coin in the Mouth of the Fish
Silently, I prayed for guidance to do the right thing. My heart wanted to help him out, but my logic was trying to overrule. My husband had been unemployed for 8 months. I really didn’t need any financial burden, no matter how minor. I reasoned that if I gave the guy sitting in my office
Blog, Encouragement
Expecting Miracles in 2018
“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” Psalm 77:14 (NIV) A community of farmers from a drought ridden Midwest town called on the pastor of the local church to set up a prayer meeting. Their livelihood had been threatened by the lack of rain, so they decided to
Blog, Encouragement
Be Part of the Story
It was not pretty. and definitely not fancy or shiny or glowing in any way. Sometimes a sheep would end up on the roof of the stable. The donkey was often front and center. The standing wise men and Joseph toppled frequently on their sides. Baby Jesus seemed to wander the house from table to
Blog, Encouragement
I Want To
“Away in a manger No crib for a bed The Little Lord Jesus Lay down his sweet head The stars in the sky Look down where he lay The Little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay.” Why would anyone give up everything to take on nothing? Mark 1:40, 41 tells of a leper who came
Blog, Encouragement
Small Groups Changed My Life
I remember the nervousness like it was yesterday. I was sitting in someone’s living room with about 15 different people I barely knew. Would they still accept me if they knew my secret? I had to let it out. After all, I was definitely miserable, and tired from the weight I had been carrying. The
Blog, Encouragement
The Foundry Way
In 2015, we adopted three key areas to focus on for the next three years to help fulfill our mission to permanently transform lives through Christ-centered ministries. 1. Quality Programs: Since focusing on the quality of our programs, we have implemented The Foundry Way, which consists of five components to completely restore lives: Case Management: Case
Blog, Encouragement
The Most Difficult Time of the Year
Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. Psalm 119:49-50 (ESV) DEVOTION If you were to ask just about anyone in our programs right now, you would likely learn this is the most difficult time of the
Blog, Encouragement
Was It You Who Gave on #GivingTuesday?
Tuesdays have a great potential. For example, #TacoTuesday is a great day. It can mean crunchy, soft, spicy or mild—with all the trimmings. (Extra cheese and guacamole, anyone?) For the price of a taco, you can transform #TacoTuesday to #GivingTuesday to reshape a life and make a permanent impact—with all the trimmings of joy, peace
Blog, Encouragement
Yada Even the Fleas
How do we find an attitude of gratitude when life sucks? When things don't go our way? When the train is stuck on the tracks and we can't get to where we need to go? Or our kids won't speak to us? Or we get a bad diagnosis from the doctor? Or the checkbook math isn't making sense and our bills pile up?
Blog, Encouragement
A Day in the Life...
There are many misconceptions about the work we do here at The Foundry. It’s hard to understand the rigorous schedule a program participant keeps unless you are here on property witnessing it with your own eyes. I pray this article helps quash all mistaken impressions about the work we do here at The Foundry. The
Blog, Encouragement
Got Questions?
We often get asked many questions about the counseling that is offered here at The Foundry. Check out these common FAQs put together by Graham Bufford, The Foundry Ministries Director of Aftercare. What type of counseling best describes what is offered at The Foundry? The type of counseling The Foundry Ministries offers is best defined
Blog, Encouragement
Healing
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. and the prayer of faith will save the sick, and
Blog, Encouragement
Faithful Stewards
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) I’m not from a background of addiction; an Alabama prison has never been my home. By the grace of God, I’ve always had a roof over my head,
Blog, Encouragement
A Change of Heart
“I’ve never taken any kind of drugs… never smoked any type of cigarette or marijuana,” Israel says. Yet, he admits, he had an addiction to making fast money on the streets. But when he was arrested, the money didn’t matter. He was sentenced to prison for 15 years. “At that point I started to rely
Blog, Encouragement
Oops, He Did It Again!
In April of 2008 my husband had moved out of our home 3 months prior, leaving me a single mom to 4 children (3 of them teenagers.) In my 11th year of working as a teacher at a private school, life was flipped upside down. I was forced to totally rely on God’s provision for
Blog, Encouragement
Salt & Light
I am committed to Jesus’ commandment in Matthew 5:13-16 (The Message): “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out
Blog, Encouragement
So Is He
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) Our Re-Entry program is designed for men desiring to change their lives after incarceration. Some enter our 6-month biblically-based program as part of their parole requirements. Our Re-Entry program teaches participants how to live productive lives in society as we encourage, empower
Blog, Encouragement
Walk Carefully
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17(ESV) DEVOTION Wisdom is a popular topic among Christians. It is something the majority of Christians
Blog, Encouragement
Sweet Home Heroin
There’s an epidemic in our country tearing through families like a tornado in a Kansas town, bringing about incredible devastation to all who are in it’s path. An astounding 91 Americans die every single day from opioid overdose, which gives this non-discriminating killer the #1 cause of accidental death in the United States. Beating out gunshot
Blog, Encouragement
Hope and a Future
“For I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 Welcome to Hope and a Future – The Foundry Blog. We are so happy you stopped by. Come on in and have a look – take a peek inside The Foundry walls and the work we do
Blog, Encouragement
Finally Fulfilling God's Call
“God was always part of my life… I always believed in Him,” John says. “But I always felt guilt and shame.” Abused and neglected as a child, he began using drugs to cope with the turmoil he felt inside. As he grew older, addiction took control, causing him to behave in ways that filled his
Blog, Encouragement
Seek Peace
Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:11 (ESV) DEVOTION The French Quarter of New Orleans is one of the most spiritually dark places I have ever visited. You begin to physically feel the weight of darkness the moment you enter the outskirts of
Blog, Encouragement
A Triple-Braided Cord
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT) DEVOTION Most animals on land or at sea have some sort of predator, whether we’re talking about wolves, lions or sharks. The young and
Blog, Encouragement
A New Life of Promise and Hope
Cathie started using drugs at a party. “Everybody was doing it,” she says. In her early 20s at the time, she had no idea how addiction would come to rule her life. She built relationships with men who shared her habit, but they didn’t last. She stopped using when she had her two children, but
Blog, Encouragement
Faith
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 DEVOTION: There was a point in my life where the weight of what was supposed to happen, but didn’t, was slowly crushing me. Day after day I found myself digging farther into a place where I wasn’t sure if
Blog, Encouragement
Hunger Doesn’t Take a Break
One in four children struggle with hunger every day. This doesn’t change during the summer, in fact, it may worsen. Children receiving free or reduced lunch during the school year are guaranteed breakfast and lunch each school day. But, once summer begins the opportunity to eat those meals greatly reduces. Without the guarantee of school
Blog, Encouragement
Truly free
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Ephesians 6:10 (ESV) DEVOTION STRENGTH: the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance. From a worldly perspective, strength is something to be achieved. You work hard to build muscle or you keep denying that piece of cake
Blog, Encouragement
Foundry Celebrates 100th Graduating Class!
On April 9th, 2017, 35 men and women walked across the stage to mark a milestone of hope renewed, lives reshaped, and families restored as The Foundry Ministries celebrated our 100th graduating class. As each took the mic, the Lord was praised for His faithfulness, families were honored for never giving up, staff were thanked
Blog, Encouragement
New Life
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) DEVOTION Do you remember the moment the truth of this scripture finally came to life for you? You know, that light bulb moment where these words you believed as truth
Blog, Encouragement
A Time for Peace and Healing
Throughout his childhood, Danny says, “My parents gave me their heart and soul and tried everything possible to keep me off drugs.” But as a teenager, his curiosity prevailed and he was introduced to crack cocaine. Danny rode motorcycles competitively and hoped to build a career from the sport. But fueling his growing addiction became
Blog, Encouragement
Easter Bags of Blessing
This Easter, you can show the love of Christ and the hope of the Cross to the broken. Provide Easter Bags of Blessing to men and women who are desperate for hope and healing from a life ravaged with hurt. Here’s how you can help: Fill a gallon-sized bag with: Assorted Bite-Size Candy 1 –
Blog, Encouragement
Show You Care with Boxes of Hope
This Thanksgiving we’ll distribute more than 150 Boxes of Hope—each including a turkey and all the ingredients for a Thanksgiving feast—to families in need throughout our community. Gather your friends, family, co-workers or church group and head to your local grocery store to fill a box of hope. Decorate your box and leave a special Thanksgiving
Blog, Encouragement
The Power of Prayer
“Each prayer is like a seed that gets planted in the ground. It disappears for a season, but it eventually bears fruit that blesses future generations. In fact, our prayers bear fruit forever.” ― Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge In the middle of our most difficult circumstances we often search
Blog, Encouragement
Donate Your Car!
Selling your car can be extremely frustrating! Take a moment and explore the benefits of donating your car to the Foundry instead. Sell it on your own: Gather all the facts about your car and list your car in a 3rd party listing like Auto Trader Pay $25 or more to list your car Receive
