As I open the gate and take that first step onto the property of Wings of Refuge, I am reminded that this work cannot be accomplished on my own. Each step taken towards the house is a process of surrendering, laying down my own thoughts and plans and asking the Lord to lead and guide as I begin the day. A prayer for the Holy Spirit to give wisdom and discernment, to know when to speak and when to listen. Upon entering the house this prayer does not cease, it continues on as ongoing dialogue. Sitting down and preparing for the next shift, staff begin to pray for one another and for the women in the house. Scripture and prayer requests from one another are shared and together we come before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Throughout the shift, prayers are lifted up by fellow staff, board members, volunteers, prayer warriors and the many who support Wings of Refuge. The first culture statement of Wings of Refuge is truly lived out, “We partner with God’s mission: confident in Christ as our compass and empowered by the Holy Spirit.” These very words are a lifestyle, an ongoing abiding relationship with our Lord that is essential and beautiful.
In the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul penned a beautiful prayer to the church of Ephesus found in Ephesians 3:14-21. May these words of truth resonate deep in our hearts as we work together and partner with God in the power of the Holy Spirit.
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
By: Kara, Direct Care Coach
