It seems like only yesterday that we stood for the groundbreaking ceremony on the hill where Haven of Rest Family Ministries now stands. God had laid on the heart of Eileen Mullins the need for hospitality houses near prisons so that those visiting their family members would have a place to stay. Many of them travel for hours and hundreds of miles and just do not have the means to always stay in a motel.
Several ladies joined Mrs. Eileen in praying for this need and one day, while reading the local newspaper, Mrs. Eileen saw where a federal prison was coming to their local area. The rest is history. A piece of land was donated and building was begun. Today Haven of Rest has two dorms and a lodge with a recreation room, commercial kitchen, and chapel.
On October 18th Haven of Rest celebrated her 10th anniversary of ministry to prison inmates’ families. But Haven of Rest is not just about sleeping quarters. The families prepare their meals in the large commercial kitchen and are ministered to while there. Each year hundreds of volunteers come to serve alongside the ministry. These volunteer teams and individuals help with laundry, cleaning the dorms, and yard work at the facility. Some of them go out into the community and lead VBS, Backyard Bible Clubs, block parties, sports camps, and home repairs. Smaller groups may come on the weekends and minister to the guests. All of this is done in order to meet physical needs and share the love and message of Christ with Haven of Rest guests and those in the local community.
Mrs. Eileen retired as director of Haven of Rest in August 2012 and Missionaries Harold and Joyce Scroggs came to direct the ministry. Assisted by Missionaries Robin and Becky Botkin, the Scroggs continue to carry on the vision of reaching out to prison inmates’ families and into the local community. And, through these efforts, many lives are changed for eternity as they come to a personal relationship in Christ, with eleven so far this year.
Happy 10th Anniversary, Haven of Rest!! Thank you for your service. May you continue this ministry for many years ahead.
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