The Palm House - an Oasis ministry - for those who thirst

Several years ago some women had the idea to buy an old house in a neighborhood that was "at risk". They spent hours driving around looking for the house God would show them and ended up purchasing the house at 433 Palm here in Abilene. I was not a part of the original idea but as they talked about it I caught the vision and wanted desperately to be involved. So I jumped in with both feet.

At one of our first meetings we were talking about what to call it. I went home and asked Geoff if he could come up with something. He thought about it for about 30 seconds and came up with "Oasis on Palm - a ministry for those who thirst". He's amazing. I love the part about "for those who thirst". Isn't that all of us?? It doesn't single out anyone. It's for everyone. Inclusive. I love that. I like to think this house will be an Oasis. Many words have been spoken over this house. Words of hope and glory. Words of healing and restoration. I pray that this will be a place of rest. Doesn't that sound divine?

One of the first things that happened in the divine sense was that a friend of ours' ex-husband, who was in jail, heard about the vision and drew a picture of it. This was before the house on Palm had been purchased. In the drawing God is holding His palm over a house with glory pouring out over it as 12 women surrounded it with their arms linked. It was really cool to find out the house is on Palm Street. It kind of made sense.

But for now there is much to do. The house is over 100 years old. It's both amazing and in need of TLC. To date we have had it levelled, central heat and air installed, plumbing and electric redone and it is sheet rocked. There is still much to do. We have appliances donated but we need a kitchen (cabinets, etc.)- and bathrooms. And lots of finishing touches. As a bunch of women we can't wait to get to those! This weekend a social club from a local university (HSU) is coming to tape and bed for us. How cool is that?? Many hours have been served. Many people have been incredibly generous. God just keeps bringing people. We are so grateful!! There is no way we could have done it all ourselves.

The cool thing is that we have noticed the neighborhood around us beginning to show signs of restoration as we work on God's house. It's contagious! I just hope the neighbors don't give up on us. It's been a long road. We run out of money and have had to wait some things out. But we are determined to see this vision to completion!

I was spurred on to write this when I had a text from a friend this morning. You see, we sent out letters explaining our "mission" and asking for help. If you received one of these letters may this serve as a little more explanation. If you catch the vision, jump in. If not, pray for us. We need all the prayers we can get. If you didn't get one and want to help out, leave a comment and I'll fill you in.

I'll keep you updated. I thought I had a picture of it but I can't find it now. I'll take one and post it. It's really quite an incredible place.