The initial plan was to raise $200,000 by Christmas 2009. At that time we had no idea that Christmas 2009 would be when Rick would leave us and go be with Jesus. As his health deteriorated, we hastened to see the dream become reality for him. It was in that moment we knew we had to do something quickly. I petitioned the Lord and felt very strongly we needed to go ahead and move into a house Rick and I had purchased several months previous.(A much smaller house that had been foreclosed on) We had purchased the foreclosure with the intention of selling our larger home, paying off both mortgages and being debt free. Rick did not want me working full time and that would have enabled me to quit. So on November 7th people from Spencer Christian moved us…with Rick not being to help do anything. He was already very weak. That same week, the church came together and helped us complete the furnishing of A Refuge. One week later missionaries, home on furlough from Mexico, came and stayed at A Refuge for 2 months. Rick had seen the dream come to fruition.

Now that he is gone, the vision of A Refuge remains. We are a 501(3)c Charity and have an active Board of Directors. A Refuge is actively serving missionaries as they come off the field and also as they prepare to go on. This is a vital ministry and has a very specific role to fulfill in the lives of many missionary families who will need our resources. The home is located in Taylorsville, Ky., outside Louisville in one of the fastest growing counties (Spencer) in the state of Ky. It was the home that Rick and I purchased when we moved here from Florida and is a wonderful home. For those that knew Rick personally, you know that he takes great care of the “things” entrusted to him by the Lord. This home was no exception. We finished the basement into a separate apartment and did much work on the outside. The home is now being used as two separate living spaces. The upstairs has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room, kitchen and dining area and laundry room. The downstairs apartment has two bedrooms, one bath, a huge living space and a kitchen and dining room. Both areas are approximately 1550 sq. ft. They are fully furnished and have completely stocked kitchens. The only thing the missionaries need to purchase is the food they eat.

We have asked that each missionary family give a small donation to be placed into A Refuge account that is used to help the next missionary that arrives. This amount is very small, but we feel that it gives them a sense of helping and also a sense of ownership as they stay. The bulk of the expenses it takes to run a home of this size with several families using it, depends on partners like you. We must have people who will give monthly…this is the only way that A Refuge can keep it’s doors open and meet the needs of many missionaries. (Please see the report page for list of expenses)

We continue to seek God daily for A Refuge. What He wants us to do next, how we can best help the missionaries as they arrive, stay and then prepare to leave again. How do we help others understand the importance of this mission…and be willing to give up so that others may receive?

The plan is to continue this vital mission until Jesus tells us otherwise, or until He comes again! This vision is one that was given very specifically to Rick by God so many years ago…a dream that never left his mind or heart. A dream that God used his death to accomplish…a dream that moves the very heart of God.

Please consider partnering with us to keep A Refuge doing what God wants done…meeting the needs of missionaries…they are so precious to Him. They are precious to us…and to you.

Debbie