A few minutes of your time this week can help change many lives forever. We have personally witnessed the transforming power of Jesus Christ released into the lives of men who struggle with drugs and alcohol after a time of discipleship at The Refuge. The Refuge is a ministry supported financially and spiritually by Life Church as well as many other churches in our community and beyond.
“The Refuge is a private, non-profit residential facility that provides the opportunity for men, aged 18 and over, to be discipled for Christ. Many of the men we serve struggle with addictions or just feel hopeless and lost. It is a unique residential program designed to assist individuals in achieving lasting recovery from chemical dependency and develop a deep relationship with Jesus Christ.”
The Refuge has been offered a generous donation of 130+ acres of land in Pleasant Township on Route 22 near the 37 split; the property formerly housed the Trillium Health Clinic. In order for The Refuge to occupy and use the property as an Induction Center, the land must first be rezoned for multi-family use. The Pleasant Township Zoning Commission voted 3-2 to recommend rezoning at a public meeting last week. The next step in the legal process that will allow The Refuge to occupy this land is approval of the rezoning recommendation by the Pleasant Township Trustees. If the Trustees approve the rezoning, the final step is issuance of a variance to allow a group home to operate on the property.
The “tense and combative meeting” last week was well-attended by many people who adamantly, angrily and fearfully opposed The Refuge using this land. As Refuge founder Pastor Tom Thompson said, “The major concerns of the neighbors are fear of the unknown and not knowing who we are. Stereotypes and past problems with other programs in the area is our hurdle.”
The Pleasant Township Trustees will hold a public meeting this week to hear public opinion and vote on rezoning the property. Here is how you can show your support for The Refuge and bring hope and healing to men struggling to overcome alcohol and drug addiction as well as their wives, children, families and communities:
CRY OUT
Pray for our community. “Your support in prayer would be greatly appreciated. We are in a battle for those that have no voice. May God be glorified!” said Pastor Tom. Pastor Brian McKinley oversees The Refuge Induction Center that hopes to relocate to the Pleasant Township property. He asks, “Please join me in prayer that the people of this county and township, and everywhere in every place, are never able to say ‘NO’ to those in need, especially those who are crying out for help. Let’s pray for a God encounter for these people that they may receive a heart to pray and help.” Please pray for compassion, communication, education and cooperation.
COME
Attend the Pleasant Township Trustee meeting:
Thursday, September 15 at 5:30 pm
3005 Lancaster-Thornville NE
Lancaster OH 43130-8448
Intersection of 188 (Pleasantville Road) and Coonpath
COMMUNICATE
Contact each of the Pleasant Township Trustees before the meeting to express your support of The Refuge:
Trustee Michael R. Gavin
2728 Valley View Road NE
Lancaster, OH 43130
(740) 653-6970
mgavin@columbus.rr.com
Trustee Joseph J. Kemmerer
55 Rainbow Drive NE
Lancaster, OH 43130
(740) 687-5594
jkemmerer@yahoo.com
Trustee Rayne L. Moellendick
4410 Coonpath Road NE
Lancaster, OH 43130
(740) 654-3777
raynamoe@aol.com
ASK QUESTIONS
If you have questions about The Refuge, please seek answers from people who are directly involved. The following churches are united in support The Refuge and can provide information about this ministry:
- The Refuge www.MensLivesChanged.org
- Pastor Tom Thompson (740) 649-4169 tthompson@mensliveschanged.org
- Pastor Brian McKinley (614) 218-6079 bmckinley@mensliveschanged.org
- Life Church www.LifeChurchOhio.com
- (740) 235-4525 info@lifechurchohio.com
- Lancaster Vineyard www.LancasterVineyard.org
- (740) 689-8463 moreinfo@lancastervineyard.org
- Lancaster Community Church www.YourLCC.org
- (740) 654-5894 info@yourlcc.org
- Grace Community Christian Fellowship www.graceccf.com
- (740) 277-7163 info@graceccf.com
Regardless of the outcome of this meeting, we are confident that God works all things for good and His will will be accomplished in this situation. Please approach this meeting and the people you may encounter with a culture of honor, offering unconditional love, grace and mercy.