Supporting Houston Ministries

So What’s Ahead for the New Year?

Thursday, January 12, 2012 by Hank Rush

That’s the question we are all asking, isn’t it? And when we consider that for our homeless men, women and children in Houston, we know that “2012 will be a year of significantly more needs to be met.”

Star of Hope has always been on the cutting edge of ministry to the homeless. Over the past 105 years of service there have been three distinct transitions in the homeless need:

Serving men-only for our first 80 years.
Serving women and families beginning in the mid-80‘s.
Now, the third transition…serving a growing percentage of our city’s AT RISK and ON THE BRINK of Homelessness population.

The face of homelessness has changed. For every person you see on the street corners asking for help or money, there are at least 10 others who are hidden…living in cars, on friends couches or in abandoned buildings, or about to lose their ability to maintain their ability to live and function independently.

2011 was a record year…with 25% more homeless people in Houston, and twice as many families homeless as there were just 2 years ago. Star of Hope stepped up, thanks to your amazing support, and served record numbers, all with open arms to anyone who came for help. Thank you for YOUR help…volunteering your time, bringing donations, giving financial gifts…and most importantly remembering us in your prayers.

One thing that you can always count on when you think of Star of Hope…this is a place where God Is At Work in the lives of our most needy individuals, and He does His Miracles here every day. It is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen! And all of us who work here do so with a reverent awe every day!

This new year, we are already focusing on how we can expand our job preparedness and job skills efforts for our clients. We are staying in touch with more of our graduates than ever before, to support them when they stumble or need a little extra help to stay on track. We are working in a more deliberate way than ever, to assist families and individuals who are ABOUT TO BE HOMELESS, by growing our day services and partnering more closely with other great organizations in Houston. And we are expanding our children’s and teen ministries to help prepare the children of our homeless families to live a different life…and break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in their generation.

Sound exciting? Then come join us and let’s make 2012 our best year ever of CHANGED LIVES in our great city!

Blessings to you and your family in the new year, and we look forward to working together with you in 2012.

Discover ways you can help with Star of Hope today. Visit:
Donation Opportunities Houston
Volunteer Opportunities Houston

Faith & Hope Are Alive This Summer

Thursday, August 25, 2011 by Hank Rush

About two months ago, an 11 year old girl named Faith arrived at Star of Hope's downtown Women & Family Emergency Shelter with her grandmother. She was quiet, polite and read during her free time. Soon, Faith was invited to attend Summer Camp where she experienced a week of freedom from her difficult family life in the Piney Woods of East Texas. She opened up and had such a great time!

One night at dinner time, Faith shared with her counselor that she had been struggling with the idea of taking her life. When her dad died, she had tried to jump in front of a car, but it swerved just in time to spare her young life. Faith has felt so alone. Her mom abandoned her as a baby, her brother disconnected from the family, and her high school age sister has moved away.

As she shared her deep scars that night, a whole new world opened up for Faith, as our staff shared with her the truth of God’s love for her, through His Son, Jesus Christ. Faith placed her trust and hope in Christ that evening, and began a new journey. Today she is learning from God’s Word and about God’s Plan for her life…the future and the hope He has for her!

We thank God for his infinite wisdom and perfect timing. We also thank so many of you who provided financial resources for Faith, and over 100 other homeless children and teens who attended Summer Camp this year!

Faith and Hope are very much alive, this summer, through the Children’s Ministries of the Star of Hope Mission.

See pictures from Star of Hope's Summer Camp on Facebook
and share with your friends!

"Like" Star of Hope on Facebook

Get involved and help homeless Houston families.
Visit Star of Hope - Supporting Houston Ministries.

Making the Bed of the Homeless

Friday, August 5, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

How many times have we prayed for God to use us…to send us. Now we are just waiting…waiting. Still, 5 years later we are waiting for God to tell us where we are needed, patiently waiting for God to buy a plane ticket to where we need to go to be of help. I have been told that unless God is specifically telling you no he undoubtedly is telling you yes: go, make the bed, help by cleaning the floors, forgive, call the long lost friend, bring the lonely a lunch, look the man on the corner in his eyes, and share your story to your friends, co-workers, acquaintances, and family. I think that just maybe, God has given us the wisdom to know where and how we are needed and he started waiting 5 years ago for us to say, yes.

Discover ways to help Houston's homeless men, women and children.
Visit Star of Hope Mission - Supporting Houston Ministries

Learning to Serve with Gratitude

Thursday, June 30, 2011 by Troy Williams Sr.

Not only do Star of Hope Alumni (ACTS - Alumni in Community, Transformation & Service) return to the campus to serve and give back, they build relationships and enhance the spiritual life of programmers in a number of ways off campus as well.

Alumni conduct weekend spiritual retreat camps.
They organize many types of fellowships such as bowling fund raisers, acts of service outings, and sporting events to name a few.
Several Alumni pick up current SOH programmers and take them to churches, ministry events and family outings.

A hand full of our alumni have been certified by Texas Department of Criminal Justice to return to prisons to minister to inmates. Each of the alumni who have received certification have felonies and have served time in prison. The good news is that they have already returned on several occasions to give back to inmates behind prison walls.

This year the alumni were privileged to coordinate and participate in the Annual Cancer Relay Walk in Conroe, Texas. The alumni labored 24-hours around the clock and ministered to about three thousand people. The most exciting part however was the fact that they enlisted over 20 programmers from the Star of Hope Men's Development Center to serve in this event. These men manned prayer stations, set up tents and vendor stations, and passed out Christian information about salvation. During this event, ACTS in Worship set a precedent by providing Christian music for the first time ever during this particular Cancer Relay Walk.

As you can see, the alumni not only want to give back to the men in the program. They want to give back to those who have needs that are free and even those the locked up throughout Houston also. The alumni are consciously aware that they have been tremendously blessed by the generous gifts of donors and volunteers of the Star of Hope. "Because they thought enough of us to give their time, talent, and resources, I want to give back to others who may have needs throughout Houston. I was spiritually transformed and socially transitioned to a better state because of their generosity. I just have an Attitude of Gratitude," stated one alumnus.

The Star of Hope Alumni, ACTS Ministry would love to host a Spiritual Recovery Retreat, conduct a Worship & Praise Service or just help you on a service project on one of their Servant Saturdays. Contact acts@sohmission.org to get started.

The Star of Hope staff is boasting in the Lord about the great works that the Star of Hope Alumni Ministry is doing in Jesus name. We pray that they continue to grow spiritually and continue to service Houston and surrounding area.

Learn more about ACTS at Star of Hope Mission - Supporting Houston Ministries

An Attitude of Gratitude

Wednesday, June 29, 2011 by Troy Williams Sr.

The Star of Hope Men’s Development Center hosted their Annual Alumni Fellowship Celebration on Saturday June 25, 2011. This is a time when the Star of Hope (SOH) staff celebrates their appreciation for and demonstrates their love towards the alumni by sprucing up the place, preparing a delicious full course meal, sharing surprise gifts and cranking up some high praise and worship in Christ's Name.

Our alumni are men who have completed one of the many SOH programs, moved off the SOH campus in good standing and started a new life for themselves. In many cases, the SOH programs helped alumni to overcome homelessness, to receive healing from drugs and alcohol addiction, and to reconcile with their loved ones. Many of the alumni are so grateful to get a fresh start in life, to find new jobs, and to start afresh with their families that they want to give back even before they move off campus.

To help the alumni to satisfy this Attitude of Gratitude, the Alumni Ministry has developed over 20-service points that allow alumni to give back. Some alumni return to the Star of Hope Mission to minister and build relationships with men who are still in the SOH programs. Several alumni achieve this by visiting the campus and sharing time with programmers in one-on-one heartfelt talks. Several others return and facilitate small group meetings such as the 12-steps and process groups. A few of them return to the MDC campus to teach the Saturday Morning Bible Study. Several have received their callings to preach the Gospel of Christ and return after two years to preach in the MDC Chapel.

"We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring" -- 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 ES"

Learn more. Visit Star of Hope Mission - Supporting Houston Ministries

Happy Third Anniversary - New Horizons!!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011 by Erika Wise

June 6, 2011, marked the official Third Year Anniversary of Star of Hope's New Horizons program. We moved in the first FIVE clients on June 6, 2008. While none of those clients remain in the program today--several left successfully before completing the entire 3 year program--there are a few in their third year now.

Sandra is excited about her future...she is working for Goodwill Industries and loves her job. While she was just diagnosed with a potentially terminal illness, she and her children continue to trust God with their present and their future. Sandra is concentrating on ensuring her children; Keiara-18; and Shawn-16; are ready for whatever life brings them. She prays that they know they are loved and she encourages them to dream for big, bright futures.

Cheri is gaining some ground. She felt she was spinning her wheels until recently. She had big dreams and plans that always seemed to be dashed at the last moment. However, she is getting those dreams and plans on track and the Lord is blessing her by placing encouraging, loving people in her path to help her along. Cheri was able to transition from part time to full time work last month; she was able to purchase a more reliable vehicle; and, she completed her FAFSA (financial aid forms) so she can return to school next month to complete her few more credit hours toward her BA in graphic design. She plans to leave this program a complete success.

As the staff consider the program since its inception, we have learned many things. The clients respond well to the spiritual and emotional encouragement offered through biblical counseling, Recovery Class, and Bible Fellowship. They encourage each other by offering to help when needed (see Artie's story "Please Pray for Me") and finding themselves as part of a positive community.

This past weekend, on June 4th, we had a Summer Fest. We reached out to our neighbors in the apartment complex and were able to encourage over 150 of our neighbors. "These are people we see every day in passing," Henry O. said of the event, "But, today I got to really talk to them and encourage them. They are nice people."

When we begin to see the next few "graduates" leave our program, we will know even more about them and the program's effectiveness. One thing we do know...we sure do have a great time encouraging each other with the Word of God and praying for each other, too.

Here are some of our kids who made some crafts for their mothers for Mother's Day:

We hope you will join us in the Summer of Hope and donate to Star of Hope Mission as we help our neighbors, others who are having hard times, and those who seek out shelter and assistance during these HOT summer months. Bless you and your families as you seek God's will for your lives!!

Learn more about New Horizons and Star of Hope's other life-changing programs at
Supporting Christian Ministries Houston.

SummerOfHopeHouston.org

The Best for Our Children's Education and Career

Wednesday, June 1, 2011 by Troy Williams Sr.

Congratulations and many blessings to our graduates, parents, and supporters of our children. I would like to encourage parents and supporters to continue praying for, paving the way, and providing for our children’s academic pursuits and career advancements. As we strive to achieve excellence in academics and for the perfect vocation, let us always seek God first and His righteousness (Matt 6:33). As Christians, we should always expect God’s supply and will for our children’s life. After all, He is the supreme provider and wisest counselor. Whatever we need He will provide. Whatever we desire to become and long to achieve it will come to pass because of His wonder working power manifesting through us. For in him we live and move and have our being, Acts 17:28.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth, Psalms 127:4. Every archer’s arrow has a specific purpose—a target to hit. So, shall every parent position and aim their arrow (their child) to hit a spiritual bull’s eye (God’s will) every time. We must keep pointing our precious children towards the heart of God and trust His will for their life every step of the way.

Below are a few steps we can take as parents and supporters to position and lead our children into God’s desire for their lives:

Give Them Direction: Spiritually nudge and encourage them with God’s Words to facilitate God’s will in their lives
Creative Culture and Opportunity: Expose them to activities, environments, and organizations that arouse their spiritual consciousness and interest
Connect Them to Others: Introduce them to strong believers they can relate to and who are capable of discipling them
Train Them Up: Teach them to identify how God actively moves in all situations, i.e., work, home, play
Pray Daily: Pray with them and for them. Pray God’s blessings and prosperity into their lives daily.
Constant Communication: Maintain open dialogue with children. Listen well. Don’t solve all their problems. Every opportunity to teach them a lesson does not have to turn into a lecture. Give them support. Share from your own experience and let them make the connection with their own life. However, don’t use your child as a storehouse to stow your past sins and failures. Use wisdom in being transparent. Make sure you share things of the past that are applicable and useful to them for present situations.
Walk Worthy: Live a lifestyle of godliness before them as an example of hope and holiness. Often times while rearing children, many lessons are caught much easier than taught. How parents respond under stress, in distress, and while going through life's test often times paint a more vivid, memorable, and meaningful picture than a 1000 words.

Reference Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-6, Joshua 24:15, Proverbs 2:1, Proverbs 22:6, Psalms 37:23, Colossians 1:10

Star of Hope Mission - Supporting Christian Ministries Houston

Today Is A Day Of Hope

Thursday, May 26, 2011 by Hank Rush

Give hope to families in crisis with Star of Hope

You may have seen the story "Homeless Population Keeps Increasing" in the Houston Chronicle this week, the results of the 2011 Homeless Count for our city. It's no surprise to me that the number of homeless people in Houston has risen by 25% in just one year.

If you've been following my blog the past two years, you know that Star of Hope has served record crowds since 2009, with the greatest overflow occurring at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter downtown. We have averaged 50 per night on the floor, with peaks of up to 118 for the past two calendar years. It's clear that the economy and all the disasters around us are displacing more and more families.

I must say, the most troubling number released yesterday, however, is the 10,933 school age CHILDREN in Houston, who are documented by our Houston area public school systems to be living homeless.

It's clear we need to do more. For some families, housing and job assistance will help get them back on their feet and living independently again. For most however, the causes of their homelessness run much deeper, and they need more comprehensive services to recover.

Star of Hope has been serving Houston's homeless continuously for 103 years now...it is Houston's oldest and largest ministry for our most needy Houstonians. We have learned so much about how to lead our guests into a new and fulfilling life. And we are working harder than ever in our history to expand our services and partnerships to reach the growing numbers of those in need.

The good news is that Today Is A Day Of Hope for thousands of these in our community, as Star of Hope and over 100 other service partners in our community reach out to help them!

Want to help? Go to our website and check out Volunteer Opportunities, or make a financial gift today. Summer is here and the numbers needing help are extremely high.

Houston, we have a problem. But together, with God's help and blessing, we can make a major, and for many, an eternal difference!

Get involved with Star of Hope Mission in helping Houston's homeless men, women and children today!
Visit Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston.

Last Night 52 Homeless People Slept on the Floor of Star of Hope's Emergency Shelter

Friday, April 29, 2011 by John Mills

I wanted to tell you about Charity Navigator, a national nonprofit rating service. They take nonprofit tax returns (Form 990) and calculate 9 factors which give an overall rating as to the effectiveness of the nonprofit. They have incorporated written reviews which have been posted by those who feel that the nonprofit is especially effective. Star of Hope now has a “three star” rating (out of four stars) and have twelve reviews posted to the Star of Hope Mission Reviews page. You might be interested in Googling Charity Navigator. You would need to register but that is an easy process; type in “Star of Hope” and learn how others view Star of Hope and the work that is done here! The folks at Charity Navigator seem committed to helping Charities get the word about their passion to the public!

I thought that you might like to know that last evening we had 52 people sleep on the floor at the Women and Family Emergency Shelter (here in Houston). Thirty six of those were single women! Typically 40 to 50 percent of our clients suffer from some level of mental illness. Yesterday we received word that we have been conditionally approved for a grant to provide shelter to approximately 20 homeless and mentallyy ill women on a longer term basis! This is great news because today’s society does such a poor job of assisting the mentally ill. Twenty women may not seem like very much, but it is a start! Mother Teresa said “if you can’t feed 100 hungry people, just feed one”. I guess this grant is like our ONE! God bless, and remember: “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.” -- Proverbs 19:17. Who would not want to have a reward from the Lord?

See how your support touches and changes lives in Houston. Visit Supporting Houston Ministries to get Star of Hope's full 2010 Ministry Report.

More Servant's Hearts!

Friday, April 29, 2011 by Chad Smith

Myron and I were frantically looking for the teens to take them on an outing. Because of the time strain, we tried to leave earlier than the time on the permission slips. To our surprise, we could only get a handful of teens, because about 9 teens were pre-occupied – with serving in the kitchen! The serving line and dishwashers…full of teens serving the guests with smiles on their faces!

Then today when I came into work, I was greeted by one of our kitchen staff with a couple of bags of candy that she wanted me to give to the teens. I gladly accepted the gift and she proceeded to tell me how much she missed the teens being there this weekend. (we took the teens to a spiritual weekend retreat in Huntsville, TX) She said that it makes such a difference having them in the kitchen and that they have been such willing servants to help out.

Recently, we finished a two week discussion with the teens about reaching their communities. We know that God is doing great things in the hearts of the youth here, and it is a blessing to see the evidence of the work that He is doing! I’ll be sure to give this gift of candy to the teens as an unexpected reward for their acts of service.

Learn more about Star of Hope Mission's Teen Ministry - Star of 2morrow and more at Supporting Houston Ministries

A Portrait for Mom!

Thursday, April 28, 2011 by Hank Rush

portrait from Trees of Hope Mother's Day event

Mother’s Day is coming up next week…Sunday, May 8th! In preparation for that, one of my favorite events for our children here at Star of Hope is being held next week at our Transitional Living Center, for all of our client’s children. It’s a fun afternoon hosted by Trees of Hope, our affiliate which has been serving Star of Hope for over 20 years now.

After school, all the kids will gather in our Chapel and have a fun afternoon making crafts and preparing gift bags to give their moms for Mother's Day.

At this event last year, each child had their picture taken to give mom as a gift. These were really nice "portrait" type photos, and in their frames, decorated by the children, made an especially nice gift. For many of these kids, this was the FIRST photo of themselves they had ever been able to give to their mom!

Later in the afternoon, when the parents came in, there was so much joy in the faces of the children as they presented their gifts…and their portrait, to their mothers. They were so proud and excited to give such a special "gift of themselves". Can’t you just picture it? I can’t wait to see what gift the Trees of Hope volunteers will help our children make this year!

Summertime at Star of Hope is all about the Kids… and it is such a special time! We have over 200 kids with us, home from school all summer. This gives us all day to work with them, provide enriching activities, teach them from God’s Word, and help them with their own issues in overcoming homelessness.

Please join us as a partner and make this a Summer of Hope by volunteering, making a donation of needed items, or giving financially to help at this very special time of year!

Learn more about Star of Hope Mission and how you can help at
Supporting Houston Ministries

Servant's Heart

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 by Chad Smith

“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” -- John 13:14-15

following Jesus the Servant Last week I came into work like I always do on a typical Thursday. As the time rolled around for the teens to return from school, Dominck Mancuso came through my door. This surprised me a little bit because this is my faithful volunteer that helps out with the teens whenever he can. This man works for a large corporation that’s known all over the world and every week it takes him all over the world. He actually lives in New Jersey, but does work in Houston throughout the week. I remember one evening he came in looking a little ragged and I asked him how his day was and he said, “Oh, all-right. My day started in Bogota, Columbia.” But yet there he was faithfully showing up in my teen room hands out, ready to serve. On this particular day when he showed up, my surprise came because he normally shows up at 7:00 in the evening, not 4:30 in the afternoon. Then I remembered that he was here to tutor one of my teens who desperately needed his help to get caught up in school. Well, he did help her that day and other times since then! Week after week for the last three years, Dominick shows up- hands out, ready to serve.

So, why highlight this “star” volunteer of mine? I think Dominick’s faithfulness displays the example that Jesus calls his followers to demonstrate as servants. You see, the hands that formed this world, also reach down and washed dirty feet of the disciples displaying true humility as a servant. A servant’s heart is always willing to give whether of finances and possessions or time and energy. So, how dirty is your towel? How has God gifted you to give to your community? I thank God for sending Dominick Mancuso our way and greatly appreciate those who give as servants to those in need.

Visit Supporting Houston Ministries and learn more about Star of Hope Mission's Teen Ministry, Stars of 2morrow.

College Bound for the Stars of 2morrow

Thursday, March 31, 2011 by Myron Cooper

Teens from Star of Hope getting ready for college!

Imagine being two years behind in school and never knowing if you be able to return to the same school the next day, the next semester or the next year. This is a reality some this year's graduates have faced. We constantly have teens who stay with us who are two years behind. That is sometimes heartbreaking.

But this year we have FOUR teens to get accepted into college. Reva is going University of Texas @ Austin to study English, her sister Ronnesia is going to Lamar University for Nursing, Jasmine is going to Sam Houston State university to study Forensic Chemistry and Chanice will be attending University of Houston to study Psychology. That’s amazing.

It has been exciting for me as well as for them. And The Grace Foundation is helping each one of the girls with a $3000 scholarship. Maybe you can help these girls too.

I look forward to watching them walk across the stage this year and four years from now! Who is coming with me?

Learn more about Star of Hope's Star of 2morrow and how you can help at
Supporting Houston Ministries

"Please Pray for Me" Part 2

Monday, March 21, 2011 by Erika Wise

It is a humbling experience to be at the mercy of others during a time of injury, illness or their need. And, that is exactly what I am facing.

As Director of Star of Hope's New Horizons Program, I get to minister to the needs of others every day. I have the privilege of encouraging others in times of worry/distress and times of achievement/success. I also get to pray with others on a daily basis for just about anything and everything.

My clients have been concerned about my upcoming leave of absence for medical purposes. But, they are not concerned in the way we might think:

They are not worried if their rental subsidy will be paid;
They are not concerned as to whether the Community Prayer Time on Mondays will be canceled;
They don't ask about services which will be delayed or eliminated...

But, they ask...what can we do for you Miss, Erika. And, I have taken my cue from my client, Artie. When he was injured on the job recently...I asked him what we could do. And, he replied "Pray for me."

So, that is what I am asking..."Please, pray for me." I will miss all my clients, staff and the daily running of the New Horizons Program, but I know that all will be fine in my absence. The Lord will guide the staff and clients just as He will guide me in my recovery. Again, what an honor and privilege to be a part of the Star of Hope and this New Horizons "family."

Visit Star of Hope Mission and learn more about Supporting Christian Ministries Houston

"Please Pray for Me"

Monday, March 7, 2011 by Erika Wise

It is a call every parent dreads...a call that your child has been hurt and is in the hospital.

Well, these clients are certainly not my children--many of them would cringe at the thought!! But, as I interact with them, pray for/with them, share their struggles and cheer their achievements--I feel much like a parent.

On Saturday, March 5th, I was told that one of the Star of Hope Mission - New Horizons clients had been injured at his job and was taken to the hospital. I immediately prayed, "God, please let him be alright!" I texted him...asked him to call when/if he was able.

He called right back. "I got hurt at work, Miss Erika." More details followed...then, "I have to have surgery on my leg." I asked him what we could do for him...could we bring anything, do anything??!! And, in the most humble, contrite spirit, I heard him say, "Please pray for me."

I can do that, I thought. "I will let everyone know to pray for you...is that okay." He agreed that I could tell the others in the program. I sent out the word that he was in the hospital and needed prayer--many of the clients texted back saying, "I will be praying!", "Oh, I just talked with him yesterday! I will keep him in my prayers."

And, that is why I do what I do...I get to encourage others, pray for them, and minister to them in their time of need. What better job in the WHOLE world??!!

UPDATE: I visited Artie in the hospital today. He is in a lot of pain and I was able to listen to his concerns, pray with him and encourage him...what a privilege and honor.

Get involved with Star of Hope. Visit Supporting Houston Ministries

Because You Love

Thursday, February 17, 2011 by Hank Rush

“Star of Hope in Houston Texas, You're truly changing lives, not with lip service but with hope, love & opportunity, amazing job. Thank You!” @LeighAnneTuohy

These words were posted on Twitter last Saturday by LeighAnne Tuohy, following Star of Hope’s Annual “Because You Love” Banquet the night before. It was our best attended banquet ever with 1700+ donors, corporate sponsors and community partners in attendance. Sean and LeighAnne Tuohy, the couple who inspired the movie “The Blind Side”, were our guest speakers.

This week, we are hearing stories from those in attendance who were touched in a special way by the evening’s activities. We always work to educate and inspire. We want to educate folks on what homelessness is, who it is currently affecting in Houston, and how they can help. And we seek to inspire through videos and live testimonies of clients of Star of Hope… who have seen their lives completely turned around by the power of God’s love and by the opportunity they receive to start a new life while at Star of Hope.

The number of homeless families in our community doubled in just one year, from 2009 to 2010. With your help in 2010:

Star of Hope’s family of ministries graduated 46% more clients from our programs
44% more completed and were awarded high school equivalency GEDs
40% more Clients found jobs, than in 2009
We also were excited to announce that during 2010 we saw 629 households restored into independent living in the Houston community

All of this could not have been done without YOU, “The Star of Hope Family”…our donors, volunteers, church friends, partner service providers and corporate supporters.

Thanks for all you do in the many individual ways you serve along side of us at Star of Hope. And if you’d like more information, visit www.sohmission.org right now and find out how you can become involved in this exciting ministry in our city!

Get involved with Star of Hope Mission at Philanthropy Houston and Volunteer Jobs Houston.

Sometimes, All You Can Do Is Help Them Cry

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 by Erika Wise

He left the office with his two framed photos and an envelope of pictures...the only tangible memories of a year-long relationship with the woman he hoped to marry one day.

Back-story: I read an email one time:

"Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked him what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry.'"

Today, I was told that one of our New Horizons residents had lost his long-time girlfriend. She had become ill last week and succumbed to her illness within a day. This man, in his time of grief, was offering encouragement to others this past weekend. "Make sure you say the things you want to say to those you love," he said to another resident, "because, you never know when it will be your last day to talk to them."

This afternoon, he came to the office asking me if I could help him get some pictures off his phone and print them. So, that is what we did! For about 40 minutes, he emailed me the photos he wanted and I printed a few of each picture. I even framed a couple for him to put in his home. I was so blessed and honored to be able to "help him cry." He left the office with his two framed photos and an envelope of pictures...a few tangible memories of a year-long relationship with the woman he hoped to marry one day.

Learn more about Star of Hope Mission and New Horizons. Visit Supporting Houston Ministries.

A Child's Present, A Father's Hope

Friday, December 10, 2010 by Dick Druary

Christmas at Star of Hope - Men's Development Center

The Bible says that the Messiah will "turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers" (Malachi 4:6). At the Star of Hope Men's Development Center we teach our men that there is a galactic difference between paternity and fatherhood. Paternity requires no relationship and no sacrifice. Fatherhood does. Paternity is the compromise of the Godless. Fatherhood is the mantle worn by sons of the Kingdom.

Many of our men have children from whom they have become estranged. Beneath the surface of their bluster and bravado gnaws the grief of knowing that their sin and self-serving lusts have separated these men from their boys and girls. In our shelter they come to understand that it is through the love and power of Christ alone that the grace of harmony has hope. Our men, knowing that they have demolished the blessing of fatherhood, look to Him for a miracle. So they pray for a spirit of forgiveness. They search for some opportunity to humble themselves before their children. They seek an avenue by which to demonstrate to those innocents whom they have wounded that they are new and trustworthy creations through the renewing mercy of Jesus Christ.

In three weeks, 51 men who have come here to begin again will have a simple gift to give to their children. Though not one of them has earned the money to purchase it, all will have something to give precisely because they have made the best decision possible: to come to Star of Hope where they may be cleansed and equipped for the walking of a new way. One man will have a football to give a young son. Another will have a doll to give his little girl. Each - through the generosity of Christ-honoring donors - will be supplied with a tangible expression of love's yearning. The father's hope is that his child's present will serve as another brick helping pave the pathway advancing toward a day of reconciliation.

At the Men's Development Center we expect Christ to undo the arrogant works of hell as He establishes, through the servant-leadership of redeemed fathers, multiplied houses built upon the rock. That will be an Advent-level miracle. That is what Star of Hope is about. That is what you support and love.

Learn more about Star of Hope Mission at Christian Ministries Houston

Heading Hopeward

Thursday, December 9, 2010 by Marilyn Fountain

2000 years ago, three men set out on a journey in search of the one who would make a difference in the world and change things for the better. It was a long, probably uncomfortable trip. They were not cruising on a high-speed road in a luxury sedan, or listening to their favorite tunes through surround sound. They were lumbering along for hours on the hard backs of camels.

But they were determined to find what they were seeking. So they followed a bright, eastern star. For them, it was a star of hope.

Every time I think about the trip they made to see Jesus, I am so grateful to be living today. Just think about it….you and I don’t have to travel to find Jesus. He is Emanuel—God with us! No matter where we are, he is there, too. Our hope for today and all our tomorrows is woven into that fact, and his promise to never leave us or forsake us. This, I believe, is the true joy of Christmas.

In Jeremiah 29:11 the Lord says, “I know the plans I have for you…, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future?" Is there anyone in reach of this blog who doesn’t need hope and a future? I know I need this promise more than my morning jog, and I have to have my morning jog.

Though troubles come and go, we must always take time to reflect on how easy our Father has made it for us to receive this promise. He has given it to us freely, through the finished work of Jesus Christ, and the word of his testimony, spoken through scripture throughout the pages of our Bibles.

We also have a legacy in the experience of the three wise men, because it was the bright star that led them to the hope that is in Christ Jesus. And for those of us who work or reside at Star of Hope Mission it is the name Star of Hope that reminds us everyday that we, too, have been led to a place where Emanuel is found. He is available, loving, and willing to change things for the better. In this we join the men of old, having also received the great and amazing gift of hope: Jesus Christ

I would like to leave you with Isaiah 40:31

Those who hope in the Lord
Will renew their strength,
They will soar on wings like eagles,
They will run and not grow weary
They will walk and not be faint

Have a blessed Christmas and precious time with our Lord.

Learn more about Star of Hope and Supporting Houston Ministries.
Give online today at Charitable Donations Houston.

Hope for the Holidays!!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 by Erika Wise

We ended the day in prayer...20 men, women and children having given "hope" to need families and individuals for the Thanksgiving holiday. What a blessing it is to be a blessing to others.

A group of 18 volunteers from City Life Church, Houston, TX, came to help the New Horizons and Follow-up Staff make 24 Thanksgiving Meal baskets to distribute to families and individuals in the programs. City Life Church wanted to find a way to do Charity Work Houston and Supporting Houston Ministries. They found a way to do just that.

Having collected food items which included green beans, sweet potatoes, rolls, and more; the group delivered the food and assembled the baskets.

All 24 baskets prepared...what next?? Some of the residents picked up their baskets--but, we got to deliver some, too.
Volunteers went with staff to deliver the baskets to five of our Follow-up clients. They were so excited to receive this blessing!!

We had a few baskets leftover...what were we to do with them. One of our New Horizons residents came in and asked if he could give on to his neighbor; another former New Horizons resident said he had a co-worker who was having a hard time. They wanted to know if they could have the extra baskets to give to these people in need.

What a wonderful thing to see--formerly homeless individuals reaching out to others in need. That is what this season of gratitude and giving is all about. These two men, Brian and Ken, KNOW what it is like to have nothing and receive grace and mercy. Now, they were on the other side of the exchange--they were the ones giving!! They loved it!!

The volunteers wrapped up with day with prayer and said--"We will be back!!" I love the holidays--Hope always floats up--especially around the holidays. I can't wait for Christmas!!!!