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Today, we have the awesome privilege of breaking ground for the rebuilding of this house and further dedicating it to God and Gods work in Loudoun County. This house will soon become a temporary shelter for unwed pregnant women who need a place to live and be loved during their pregnancy and for a short while after giving birth to their child. Good Shepherd Alliance, a Christian ministry to the poor and homeless in Loudoun County, is leading into this vision by following the example of Jesus who day in and day out loved and helped women and men who had to live on the margins of life. What any one of us believes personally about Jesus is one thing, but the thing no one can deny is that Jesus set for all of us a great example of how we should be with the poor and marginalized who live all around us. Through the example of Jesus we see Gods love extended to each and every person in his day, and now God gives us the resources and ability to show that same unconditional love to the marginalized in this place and in these days. Instead of preaching about homelessness or against abortions from the pulpit in the church, Good Shepherd Alliance is planning to preach by example about the unconditional love of God from the porch of this house. Instead of expecting these women to come to a house of God before they will be loved and cared for, Good Shepherd is bringing the house of Gods love to them. Instead of condemning the person because of a certain lifestyle, Good Shepherd is accepting the person no matter the lifestyle. Good Shepherd Alliance is thrilled to join with Loudoun County and the Town of Purcellville to help turn the dream of this home into reality. Without such teaming this house could not be built. Good Shepherd is always eager to work with other agencies to help fulfill our mission to help the poor and homeless in beautiful Loudoun County find shelter from the storms of life. On behalf of the entire Good Shepherd Board I would like to offer a prayer of dedication for his house. Let us pray: Lord, we pray that your kingdom where love and justice are the rule will come to earth through this house. May all who work here see themselves as the living and loving presence of Jesus. May all who live here seal to body, soul and mind. May this house be a blessing to this Town and to Loudoun County. Watch over this place, protect it from evil, and may it become more than just another house but truly a home where unconditional love is the number one rule. Thank you for the opportunity to share in this ministry. Thank you for bringing us to this day and now by your grace we ask that you will lead us forward day by day. In the name of the one who walked with the poor, ate with sinners, offered new life to all people regardless of status, and then showed us how to do the same, we offer this prayer. Amen. Pastor Dave Norman Crossroads United Methodist Church  Pictured Left to Right : Tom ONeil-Architect,Bob Bryner-Builder,Tom Lazaro-Mayor of Purcellville Paster Dave Norman -Crossroads United Methodist Church & GSA Board Director, Jan Boothby - Loudoun County DFS - CDBG Mark Gunderman-ViceChairman GSA Board, Maureen Ready - GSA Board Director |
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