In January our Oakwood University Overcomer’s Support Group reconvened after a two-month visit at DAP Headquarters in California. The students were glad to see their peers and us together again! We introduced them to the Drug Alternative Program clients, Jaython Betterton and Casey Steich. They shared their testimonies with the group and the students were amazed as they witnessed God’s transforming power in their lives.
With our added responsibilities of the Alabama Recovery Home, we told the students that ‘our plates are full.’ They encouraged us not to think about giving up the weekly group sessions. They explained that we bring an element to the campus that they need. And truly it’s a joy for us to spend time with all of them each week. The young people are from different places and from all walks of life. At each meeting, the members bring new friends and the group continues to grow.
As we responded to them with compassion and concern, they accepted our love and opened their hearts to feel the healing power of God. These experiences have knit us closer together as a family. Our prayer is for each student to experience God’s love through us and allow Him to transform their hearts.
Last month we were invited by Timothy Harris to be the guest speakers at the University’s United Student Movement Power Half Hour. Cliff gave a short testimony and asked me to tell my story. I bore my soul to the group and the response was phenomenal especially from the young ladies. I gave 30 copies of my book, Yours, Truly, and the poem, Most Wonderful Love, to each of them. After reading the poem and the introduction to my book, they wanted to know more about the steps in finding the right mate.
I received the following text from one of the students:
“…I am willing to begin a relationship with God the way you did. I normally write in a prayer journal every night but it’s always just me praying to God but after I read the first few pages of your book, I decided to do it as a two-way conversation. I realize that today marks the beginning of my relationship with God. I need help though. Can you please help me through this relationship? Can you give me scriptures and devotions to get closer and begin to know who God really is?”
The young lady and I met together and after a heart-to-heart conversation, we began our relationship. She is ‘ripe as a peach’ in following God’s method and not her own. I am sharing the good, bad and ugly’ of my life in hopes that she will not make the same mistakes that I made. I want her to become satisfied in her relationship with God and allow Him to choose her husband. By the way, I will be happy to send you a copy of my book as a gift. Contact me by iPhone, 951-544-1307 or email dapcalif@aol.com.
Last month we prepared a Sabbath luncheon at our home for the group. Getting invited off campus to enjoy a home-cooked meal is a treat for the students. They showed up despite the pouring rain. Over 20 members including their guests made the journey. We enjoyed an afternoon of bountiful delicious food, warm fellowship and ended the Sabbath with an inspiring Vespers. These students are close to our hearts and our aim is to provide them “a home away from home.”
We can’t do the work of DAP alone. We’ve never been a “one man show.” You have always been an integral part of our ministry and we believe God has sent you to help us. As we continue to move where God leads, we are asking you to please give as God has blessed you. Right now, your gifts are as important as ever. We could never have imagined how God would open a new way for us to reach out to His Children, but He has. And we invite you to be part of His work on the Oakwood University campus.
Thank you for your part in our ministry and especially for your faithfulness through the years. Whether you send a gift of $25 or even $250, please know that every gift is important and helps us reach another person for Jesus.
Your family,
