"God makes the difference at Harvest Home” for Jane and her daughter Brieanne.

Battered and abused, Jane came to Harvest Home just over five months ago with her daughter Brieanne. She had suffered abuse twice at eh hands of people she trusted and loved.

For nine years Jane was married to a violent and abusive man. With help she was able to leave him and was granted a divorce.

Jane and Brieanne made a new life together. She was working as a Nursing Assistant, they had secure housing, and life seemed good. Jane received Christ as her Savior and found a local church to attend. For three years Jane worked hard to rebuild a better life for Brieanne and herself.

Then she met another man and fell in love. Jane thought he loved her and he loved her daughter, but found out after a few months all he loved was the control he had over her life. Abuse began again and Jane wondered how it could be happening to her a second time. “Threats against my life, fear and my pride kept me from leaving,” Jane explains. “I prayed to God and did not lose my faith.”

Friends told Jane about Haven of Rest and a special place there for women and children in crisis situations called Harvest Home. Both Jane and Brieanne have found strength and peace through the Bible studies and devotional times with the staff at Harvest Home.

During their stay at Harvest Home, Brieanne was able to attend Haven of Rest’s Hope Basketball Camp. She enjoyed the games they used to build skills in basketball and made new friends at camp. Now she has a trophy, basketball, shirt and new Testament Bible to add to her collection of memories while staying at Harvest Home.

“God makes the difference at Harvest Home! You know that when the staff prays for you, loves you and reads the Bible with you.” Jane continues as her eyes fill with tears, “Forgiveness is always there, and God’s love is always there. Now I know that deep in my heart. No one can ever take that from me again.”

Yvette McMillan, director of the women’s division at Haven of Rest, has asked Jane to stay at Harvest Home awhile longer to participate in the new Discipleship program. Jane will be learning how to minister to women and children while they stay at Harvest Home with the same love and compassion she and Brieanne received when they arrived. Her life is full of hope for a better future.  

CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Canned Food Drive

On July 25th - 27th Rita’s Water Ice, State Road in Cuyahoga Falls, celebrated “Christmas in July” to benefit Haven of Rest Ministries. Rita was giving away a free, 10-ounce Italian Ice to each guest who brought in a canned food donation.

“We looked forward to having some holiday fun, sharing the Christmas spirit with our loyal guest and making new friends, while supporting this worthy cause,” said Stephan and Teresa Lienk, the store’s owners.

Thanks to all who helped to make this event a success. With your help we were able to collect four huge containers of canned goods along with a cash donation.

Canned goods collected will help feed needy and homeless men, women and children that come to Haven of Rest
 

The traveling “Love Kitchen”

Brother’s Jason and Scott Zieman (pictured with Rev. Ben Walker, Executive Director of Haven of Rest Ministries) have a Little Caesars franchise in Tallmadge and are opening up another one in Cuyahoga Falls. They contacted Little Caesar’s corporate headquarters to request the Love Kitchen come to Akron because they wanted to help Haven of Rest feed the poor.

Little Caesar’s Love Kitchen travels all over the country to help various shelters that feed the hungry. Jason and Scott donated all the ingredients and three men from their corporate office came and assembled and baked the pizzas inside the Love Kitchen.

Hundreds of people enjoyed the delicious meal of pizza, soup, salad, punch and a brownie. The festive atmosphere included Italian background music in the mission’s dining room.

Jason, Scott and the corporate crew were thrilled to be able to give back to the community and help the many hungry men, women, and children who come to Haven of Rest.

Thank you Little Caesars for “Making A Difference.”