November 2024 Newsletter

Nick’s story of restoration

“I went there and loaded my gun, put it under my chin, pulled the trigger, and it didn’t go off,” says Nickolaus Ray, a twenty-nine-year-old born in North Dakota with no Christian background. “And I don’t know why, but at some point that night after that happened, I realized there’s something that doesn’t want me to go.”

Nick grew up in a loving but chaotic family, traveling around the western United States in a trailer until eventually settling in Idaho when he was in high school. He started expressing anger over some of the chaos and abuse from his childhood. Feeling unheard, he started fighting at school and drinking, smoking and doing drugs. That continued through his twenties, until he lost all his jobs and his home and tried to take his life. After God intervened, Nick checked himself into the hospital, where God had placed a Christian counselor who recommended His Mansion.

In October 2022 God brought a hopeless Nick to The Hill. Combative but honest, he soon saw Christ in others and later became “obsessed” with Scripture, where he discovered Christ’s character. Through that process his heart was changed and he surrendered to Christ in February 2023. He had expected to just get sober and “drag” himself through life. Instead, Nick says, “I gained the greatest gift that anyone can get in a relationship with Jesus Christ.” He testifies, “Christ knew me. Even though I may not have believed that He was really there, He was.”

After graduating the Resident Program in November 2023, God brought him back as a Servant Leader. “He’s a very constant presence to me,” Nick adds. “As much as I enjoy running away or ignoring things, He has not allowed me to do that.”

Give thanks to the Lord

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation.” Isaiah 52:7 “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.” This familiar refrain can be found in several psalms, and the sentiment is present from Genesis through Revelation.

For many Residents who come to His Mansion, thanksgiving is far from the cry of their hearts. Often, pain and shame have left a chorus of bitterness, sadness and hopelessness resounding from deep inside. However, the presence of Christ changes everything, and sounds of gratitude, hopefulness and praise begin to emerge. The love of Jesus produces a new song (Psalm 40) and thanksgiving replaces disappointment.

At His Mansion, giving thanks is a regular practice of the community. Whether through personal times of prayer and scripture, gathering together as brothers and sisters at a meal, or through worship on “Thankful Thursday,” expressing gratitude to God is central to the restoration taking place on The Hill.

Another communal expression of thanks takes place each year in October at The Harvest Party. Pie baking and costume contests make the evening memorable, but the real purpose is the corporate call to celebrate God’s faithfulness and to give Him thanks for blessing the ministry with a harvest. Fruit, vegetable and livestock yields are tallied and announced, and the community expresses gratitude through the joy of a celebration. Even more, the community rejoices over the harvest of hearts that have turned to Jesus for salvation.

2024 harvest totals

• 2,006 lbs of broccoli
• 2,200 lbs of corn
• 551 lbs of green beans
• 1,800 lbs of zucchini and squash
• 42 lbs of strawberries
• 181 jars of tomato sauce

Heard on the Hill

Residents were asked what they are thankful for this holiday season.

“Living in a community that is showing me the mercy and unconditional love of God.”

Kayla

“I didn’t have friends to celebrate with last year. This year I have friends.”

Aaron

“The community and the encouragement of my sisters.”

Becca

“I’m thankful for being around people who are authentic and who accept others for who they are.”

Christian

“I’m recognizing the community’s love for me. I’ve never had that before.”

Devin

Gifts From God’s People

Each year His Mansion strives to create joyful memories and a redemptive holiday season for Residents and Servant Leaders while they are away from their families. On Christmas, each Resident and Servant Leader receives personalised gifts curated by staff and made possible through the generosity of His Mansion’s partners.

Prayer requests

• For the Residents during the holiday season. Being away from family can add difficulty; pray for the Lord’s gracious love to satisfy and for contentment to emerge.
• For the October graduates, to settle into their next season of life and for the Lord to surround them with His love and His Body.
• For the staff and families as they travel for the holidays.
• As heating season gets going, for the boiler systems and the Facilities Team.