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THE PATH NEWS

November/ December 2008

A Publication of The Path of Citrus County * www.pathofcitrus.org * Issue 6 - Volum

Jaimes Inspirational Story

This holiday season, Jaime has a lot to be thankful for: he has

graduated from The Path program and has a full-time job. Jaime has

found a place of his own, and continues to attend church regularly.

He is working hard to stay drug and alcohol

free to regain custody of his three children.

Here is his story of courage and hope, as

told recently at The Path Banquet:

Hi, my name is Jaime. Sorry I could not

be here tonight, but I had to take care of my

children from a previous relationship. Next to

God, my children are the most important thing

to me.

Through a series of strange events, I

was led to The Path. I was homeless. I had

nowhere to go. I needed help and hope.

They told me it was a Christian-based pro-

gram, and they had a bed available. I knew

who God was, but believed He couldnt love

me. I was convinced God had forgotten me.

After what seemed a lifetime of abuse,dealing drugs, being a gang member and

criminal, I had just attempted an overdose of

crystal meth. I didnt know what to expect at

a place like The Path. I didnt know what

Christian was. Deep down, though, I was

scared that I wouldnt be accepted. And, I

was skeptical after trying

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:The Path Spotlight

Directors Corner

Path Wish List

Annual Path Banquet

and more . . .[Continued on Page 2]

For the joy of the Lord is

your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Season of Joy

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five other programs that hadnt

worked But The Path was differ-

ent. They were concerned about

me as a person. They were con-

cerned that others know there is a

better way through God.

Immediately, I was envious of

what they had. I took everything there for granted, wasnt

serious about the programbut through counseling at

The Path, my eyes were opened. I started listening to the

Bible studies, church and counseling. I was serious about

changing my life.

I went to church with The Path on a Wednesday

night and saw The Life of Christ. Suddenly, I un-

derstood. I saw that Jesus Christ accepted me with

open arms, even with my past sins. It felt like a

great weight was lifted. Nothing mattered except to

be right with God. I now knew why the

other programs hadnt worked: I was

trying to change on my own without

Gods helpwithout surrendering.

Back at The Path, I had determi-

nation and a new attitude. I com-

pleted the parenting classes and an-ger management. No more parole

or court cases hanging over me. I

got a job, a promotion, a raise, my

own place and real friends.

Im enjoying my life now without drugs, which I never

thought would happen. I was able to give back by helping

to feed the homeless here and sharing my testimony with

those who knew what I used to be like. I thank everyone

at The Path for their love and support. I never had a fam-

ily but I have one today, which is the best feeling in the

world! I know I am not alone anymore. God will see me

through the days ahead, and Im trusting Him to

help me get my kids back. If I can change, anyone

can. All you have to do is forgive yourself and ac-

cept Jesus into your heart. Thanks for listening!

[Continued from Cover]

THE PATH NEWS

Jaime (left) with parentingclass coach, Carol (right)

The Path Spotligh

Mother and Daughter Reunion

Children at Seven Rivers Presbyterserve The Path with love for the holi

Path Awards Completion of Program Class

Volunteers help stuff newsletters atFirst Baptist Church Beverly Hills

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Dear Friends of The Path,

After all the things we havelearned, we are still learning

so much. Some things dont

change, and the main one isLove. It was so simple. Afterthe grants, numbers, the theo-

ries of how to make life better we have come fullcircle and we find that the best thing we do is buy our

clients time with Love.

That precious gift of time Time in a place whereI know I will be fed, have a roof over my head and

someone to talk to while I try to get out of this messthat Im in...

Time to think about God and why I am alive

I have this picture in my mind where a cat is claw-ing the top of a tree to hang on for dear life because

she is sure that she is going to die if she does not sinkher claws deep into the tree to stop from falling.

In many cases our clients at The Path are the same

way when they check into the shelter. And yes, staffmembers do get some claw marks. But, in many case

after a couple of weeks we look and see a client settle

in the lap of safety and purring while they gently closeand open their eyes because they are finally safe.

Someone like you bought them time.

Thank you for your faithful commitment to the

mission that drives us.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, and give you

His peace this holiday season

DuWayne Sipper

Executive Director

Directors Corner

them . . .Isaiah 58:7 NLT

6th Annual Path Banquetheld on November 7 at 1st Baptist Churchof Crystal River helped raise $7,000 for

our mission

A very special thanks toall of our honored guests,and to the volunteerswho helped to greet,serve food, organize,decorateand make theevening a success

Executive Chef, Hayward HapHough sponsored the buffet, as-sisted by his interns from WTI. Per-formers included CelebrationSounds choir from Hernando-Churchof the Nazarene and mime ministryHeirborne from North Oak Baptist

Church. Everyone who attendedwas blessed by the testimonies ofthree Path graduates.

Special speaker and Path Graduate,Patricia C. Other Path Graduates

included Jaime and Jeff.

THE PATH NEWS

Your support has helped

change their lives

Thank you

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Board of DirectorStuart Green

President(352) 637-3585

Mark Stone

Board Member(352) 637-2777

Connie LobelBoard Member(352) 726-1559

Brian LudwickBoard Member(352) 563-6508

Gary BryantBoard Member

(352) 344-3100

Maria ConverseBoard Member(352) 586-5087

Dick WindleBoard Member(352) 489-4167

DuWayne SipperExecutive Director

(352) 527-6500

Administrative Offices27 S. Melbourne

Beverly Hills, FL 34465

Phone: (352) 527-6500Fax: (352) 746-6746

Mailing AddressPO Box 3024

Inverness, FL 34451-302

Bargain Store

1729 W Gulf to Lake HwyLecanto, FL 34461Hours: Mon - Sat

9 AM - 5 PMFor pick-up, call:(352) 746-9084

www.pathofcitrus.org

A S S O C I A T I O N O F G O S P E L R E S C U E MI S S I O N S www.agrm.org

In with the new donate the old! After the holidays, why not donate new

or gently used furniture, appliances, bedding, household

furnishings and any other items you no longer need? Your

treasures will be a blessing to someone else and help our

mission. Call The Path Shelter Store at

746-9084 to arrange a pickup.

A volunteer experienced with

tree cuttings and repotting

to help out our farm & nursery

Donations land or houses, to expand

Gift Cards Wal Mart and food stores,

especially! These cards are helpful for

shelter needs throughout the year.

A volunteer carpenter to help

us set up a wood shop for

building and refinishing furniture.

Call us at 527-6500 if you can help

with any of our needs!

We are pleased to welcome new board members Maria Converse andDick Windle. Maria is a Spanish teacher at Seven Rivers Christian

School, an active parent there and helps out in the nursery at the church.Although retired, Dick is an avid farmer, a member of several civic groups andalso serves on the board for Hernando-Church of the Nazarene.

We continue to seek individuals who can volunteer their time and business

expertise for about 10 hours per month, attend a monthly meeting and

have a heart for the hungry, homeless, abused and addicted who find

their way to The Path shelter.

Call DuWayne Sipper at 352-527-6500 for information about volunteering for the Board.Holiday Clean-out? Path Donations!

Welcome New Board Members

Reconciliation with family Path Clients

Concern for family members Path Staff

Pete, Path Client in hospice with advanced cancer

Veras health Path graduates host family member

Salvation and growing stronger in their faith all Path clients

Peace and good health to all this holiday season

Send us your prayer requests and we will post here next issue.

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