Avonlea Acres - Serving Homeless Women

How Avonlea Acres came to be….the Founders’ testimony

The seed for a home was planted in the late 1980’s when we realized that God kept calling us to open our home to those in need of our hospitality for one reason or another. During our 27 years of marriage, 31 people have called our house “home” (this doesn’t include the odd hitchhiker Tom couldn’t leave on the street); countless people have spent summers with us; and more times than I can count we’ve prayed for God to multiply our food supply like He did the loaves and fishes because another hungry mouth showed up at mealtime. When I began volunteering at a women’s shelter in Canada our eyes were opened to the huge need of women’s housing ministries, coupled with the realization of the natural gifts God had entrusted us with, the first sketch of a ministry house was put on paper in 1990.

Always tucked in the back of our minds during the time of raising our daughters was the thought of “someday we’ll see a ‘home’ become reality.” But God had much preparation to get done in us before such an idea was to be. There was education and experience to be had before such a task could be pursued wisely. Looking back now we catch a glimpse of why we may have been allowed to face near homelessness twice; the desperation of not having transportation because the one vehicle we owned was broken down; and what it feels like to pray there would be enough groceries to last until payday. We gained much understanding of what the women we would be serving might feel like as they faced their desperate circumstances. We have also experienced and learned more deeply of God’s faithfulness as He gave us miracles all along the way and always He cared for us. When we became empty nesters the vision of a ‘home’ began to materialize once more.

It was when I began teaching bible study at a local maternity home that I realized the desperation of the some of the girls in that home. I realized that some of them literally did not have a place to go after their babies were born, the time when they really needed the help. Meeting with the gals once a week for bible study helped me see that there is no greater joy in life than witnessing hope restored. When these women began to understand that there is a God who loves them, cares for them, and will direct their paths, I knew this was where God wanted me to be. These women no longer had only themselves to care about, they had babies, and they were hungry for a new way of life but had very few options and we believed God was calling us to make a difference. When I researched the statistics and visited some of the women’s homes from Seattle to Portland, the need for a home such as Avonlea Acres was solidified. And we began to cast our vision.

We have been in awe of how God has planted this same vision in enough people to move forward. He has been fitting pieces together in ways we never could. Currently we have gotten out of the boat but are truly walking on water. Such a large project is never too big for our God and He has prepared the hearts of some wonderful servants whom have come along side of us to help fill this need in our society. Everyday we anxiously wait to see what God is going to do next, it really is an adventure we are extremely privileged to be a part of. As one of our board members said “it’s like being on a roller coaster – in the back seat – hanging on, scared, yet enjoying the ride.”

Rhoda

Having grown up in a large family, 19 siblings with different personalities, I learned to appreciate all the different gifts and what they can contribute to the world. Later as our own children were born I realized how the circle of life is completed and it was reinforced in me the treasure we have in children and how vulnerable each life is in each stage. It settled in my mind very early that life is most valuable, in the here and the hereafter, enough so that Christ gave his life for it. God’s word instructs us to choose His life. Our greatest calling is to protect and nurture life, physically, spiritually and emotionally, especially the lives of those whom cannot protect themselves. He calls us to be living sacrifices for this purpose, to look on the things of others and not only on our own things. He has given me glimpses of how each person can glorify God by becoming who He intended them to be.

With the vision we had so many years ago we began planning to open a ‘home” where we could minister to the needy. After pursuing many different avenues that failed we realized the timing wasn’t right. We intended to build a ‘home’, but God was calling us to use the home we had - He regularly brought people to us who needed a roof over their head for one reason or another. We see now how different God’s plan was from ours and the hardest thing to do was wait on the Lord. We also thought we were called to use just our lives this way and build this home ourselves, but now we realize how He was preparing so many more people to work on this project with us. As God puts the puzzle together, it is inspiring and a consolation to see the support we have and the people He has brought along side of us. I find it very exciting to be apprehended for such a cause as this, at such a time as this. In times like these, in days like these, to be able to step forward and be God’s hands and feet is indescribable and food for the soul.

It is out of obedience we move forward at this time. It’s not that we are more worthy now than before, but we know that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. We step forward in His mercy, standing in His grace, trusting in His provision for the sake of innocent children. In faith we will defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed; and rescue the weak and needy. (Psalm 82:3-4) By helping young moms, we will be helping the children, and affecting generations. God has confirmed in us that now is the right time.

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” (Matt. 10:42) I have recently had the opportunity to hold some of the little ones from the maternity home Rhoda teaches at and realize how precious each life is, and the desperation of their situations. All things pale when I hold one of the little ones, and the innocence of each one touches me deeper. It is humbling to know that God has a plan and purpose for each life He ordains for this world. So in obedience we are pursuing the home of our vision so many years ago. We look forward to watching how God is going to put Avonlea Acres together, because, “except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” (Psalm 127:1)

Tom

Tom & Rhoda Hilman	How Avonlea Acres came to be….the Founders’ testimony The seed for a home was planted in the late 1980’s when we realized that God kept calling us to open our home to those in need of our hospitality for one reason or another. During our 27 years of marriage, 31 people have called our house “home” (this doesn’t include the odd hitchhiker Tom couldn’t leave on the street); countless people have spent summers with us; and more times than I can count we’ve prayed for God to multiply our food supply like He did the loaves and fishes because another hungry mouth showed up at mealtime. When I began volunteering at a women’s shelter in Canada our eyes were opened to the huge need of women’s housing ministries, coupled with the realization of the natural gifts God had entrusted us with, the first sketch of a ministry house was put on paper in 1990. Always tucked in the back of our minds during the time of raising our daughters was the thought of “someday we’ll see a ‘home’ become reality.” But God had much preparation to get done in us before such an idea was to be. There was education and experience to be had before such a task could be pursued wisely. Looking back now we catch a glimpse of why we may have been allowed to face near homelessness twice; the desperation of not having transportation because the one vehicle we owned was broken down; and what it feels like to pray there would be enough groceries to last until payday. We gained much understanding of what the women we would be serving might feel like as they faced their desperate circumstances. We have also experienced and learned more deeply of God’s faithfulness as He gave us miracles all along the way and always He cared for us. When we became empty nesters the vision of a ‘home’ began to materialize once more. It was when I began teaching bible study at a local maternity home that I realized the desperation of the some of the girls in that home. I realized that some of them literally did not have a place to go after their babies were born, the time when they really needed the help. Meeting with the gals once a week for bible study helped me see that there is no greater joy in life than witnessing hope restored. When these women began to understand that there is a God who loves them, cares for them, and will direct their paths, I knew this was where God wanted me to be. These women no longer had only themselves to care about, they had babies, and they were hungry for a new way of life but had very few options and we believed God was calling us to make a difference. When I researched the statistics and visited some of the women’s homes from Seattle to Portland, the need for a home such as Avonlea Acres was solidified. And we began to cast our vision. We have been in awe of how God has planted this same vision in enough people to move forward. He has been fitting pieces together in ways we never could. Currently we have gotten out of the boat but are truly walking on water. Such a large project is never too big for our God and He has prepared the hearts of some wonderful servants whom have come along side of us to help fill this need in our society. Everyday we anxiously wait to see what God is going to do next, it really is an adventure we are extremely privileged to be a part of. As one of our board members said “it’s like being on a roller coaster – in the back seat – hanging on, scared, yet enjoying the ride.” Rhoda Having grown up in a large family, 19 siblings with different personalities, I learned to appreciate all the different gifts and what they can contribute to the world. Later as our own children were born I realized how the circle of life is completed and it was reinforced in me the treasure we have in children and how vulnerable each life is in each stage. It settled in my mind very early that life is most valuable, in the here and the hereafter, enough so that Christ gave his life for it. God’s word instructs us to choose His life. Our greatest calling is to protect and nurture life, physically, spiritually and emotionally, especially the lives of those whom cannot protect themselves. He calls us to be living sacrifices for this purpose, to look on the things of others and not only on our own things. He has given me glimpses of how each person can glorify God by becoming who He intended them to be. With the vision we had so many years ago we began planning to open a ‘home” where we could minister to the needy. After pursuing many different avenues that failed we realized the timing wasn’t right. We intended to build a ‘home’, but God was calling us to use the home we had - He regularly brought people to us who needed a roof over their head for one reason or another. We see now how different God’s plan was from ours and the hardest thing to do was wait on the Lord. We also thought we were called to use just our lives this way and build this home ourselves, but now we realize how He was preparing so many more people to work on this project with us. As God puts the puzzle together, it is inspiring and a consolation to see the support we have and the people He has brought along side of us. I find it very exciting to be apprehended for such a cause as this, at such a time as this. In times like these, in days like these, to be able to step forward and be God’s hands and feet is indescribable and food for the soul. It is out of obedience we move forward at this time. It’s not that we are more worthy now than before, but we know that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. We step forward in His mercy, standing in His grace, trusting in His provision for the sake of innocent children. In faith we will defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed; and rescue the weak and needy. (Psalm 82:3-4) By helping young moms, we will be helping the children, and affecting generations. God has confirmed in us that now is the right time. “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” (Matt. 10:42) I have recently had the opportunity to hold some of the little ones from the maternity home Rhoda teaches at and realize how precious each life is, and the desperation of their situations. All things pale when I hold one of the little ones, and the innocence of each one touches me deeper. It is humbling to know that God has a plan and purpose for each life He ordains for this world. So in obedience we are pursuing the home of our vision so many years ago. We look forward to watching how God is going to put Avonlea Acres together, because, “except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” (Psalm 127:1) Tom
Greg & Carmelle Helmes	My involvement with Avonlea Acres began when I received a phone call from Rhoda who shared with me her vision for a home for unwed mothers where they could live while learning skills and spiritual truths for living a life on their own. I have been active in ministry for a number of years. God has allowed me to work as a women's Bible study leader, with young adults in Bible study settings, with a support group for women survivors of childhood sexual abuse, with a committee whose focus was to teach women the biblical perspective of womanhood and their roles as wives and mothers. I graduated from Seminary in 2001 and since that time I have worked as a lay pastoral counselor, primarily working with women and the painful issues they face in their lives. God has allowed many difficult circumstances in my life to prepare me for the roles that He has given me the privilege to work in. His faithfulness during those times has taught me that He is able to redeem even the darkest situation and I firmly believe that He has called me to "comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we are comforted by God." (II Cor. 1:4b) My prayer is that the young women I hope to work with at Avonlea Acres will come to know the riches of God in Christ Jesus and that they will go on to share with others the redeeming love they have found in Him! "And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment." (I John 3:23) Carmelle Helmes My role in ministry could be described as "varied." My wife and I have worked with a young peoples Bible study group for a number of years, I have served on a church board, and also a mission board to Russia. I have traveled to Russia and China on mission trips. I feel like God has given me an interest in areas of administration and I am pleased to be serving on the board of directors for Avonlea Acres. I believe there is a huge need for housing for young women with babies and I think that Avonlea Acres will meet the needs of these young women. It will help them to progress and grow in an environment of encouragement and safety. God's Word instructs us to "care for the orphans." Jesus said to "suffer (or allow) the little children to come unto Me." The heart of Jesus loved little children and it is our duty to introduce them to, and teach them about the Savior. Greg Helmes
Ivan & Sara Olin	Ivan serves as Treasurer/Secretary of Avonlea Acres and Sara serves on the Advisory Board. They met at Stevenson High School, have five children and have been happily married for 17 years. They attend Crossroads Community Church and are excited to serve young ladies and their babies here at Avonlea Acres. Ivan is Office Manager at Olin Homes and Sara is the "Executive Director" of the Olin home.
Al & Gaylen Luher	Al and I first heard about Avonlea Acres in 2007, and we were immediately interested in the project. I have been a teacher and a GED instructor for over 25 years. As I started looking toward retirement, I asked God to show me where I might serve Him. When Rhoda called and said they needed an education director, I felt God was telling me that this would be a perfect fit. We can think of no better way to serve God than to help mentor, guide, and care for new moms and their babies.
	Danny and I have a great compassion for those in need and are honored God is allowing us to be involved with Avonlea Acres. God has given us 5 beautiful children and has blessed us in many ways with each child. We are grateful for the personalities and gifts that they share with us as we learn parenthood. Danny has been a Sunday school teacher for the past 5 years and will be serving on the advisory board for Avonlea. I am co-founder of a committee whose focus is biblical perspectives of womanhood and our roles as wives and mothers. I will be case manager for the residents of Avonlea Acres. I graduated from Seminary with a Certificate of Pastoral Care to Women and have a passion for education and helping women to know that no one is hopeless. According to the Lord’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Our prayer for Avonlea Acres is that God would be glorified and that those who are willing spirits can reach for Him in the trust and knowledge that they are loved. Stephanie (and Danny)