Phase One – Page 2 – The Refuge Ministries

Happy Father's Day!

We know that every holiday can be tough when you're separated from your kids.

But we also know that sometimes a short-term sacrifice can pay off long-term.

These are the men in Phase One at church on Father's Day.

They're not spending the day with their own dads, and the ones with kids of their own aren't spending the day with them, either.

But each and every one of them is demonstrating their love for their dad and their kids by being here.

Happy Father's Day to all the men in our Ministry who are working every day to be better sons and better dads to their kids, through the love of Jesus Christ.

by Tom Orr

We recently celebrated Founder's Day at Phase One. It's a very special event where guys who have completed our Ministry go back to where it all started in Vinton County, along with our founder, Tom Thompson.

There, they talk to the newest men in our Ministry about their experiences, encourage them, and answer questions.

Tom Thompson Founder's Day Founder's Day Tom Thompson

by Tom Orr

Courage Crosses

One of the first milestones of a man's time at The Refuge is when he receives the Courage Cross after his first week.

For many guys, that first week in an unfamiliar place can be the most difficult. This recognizes the brothers who have stuck it out through that.

This week, Christopher McGee and Dan Noble received their crosses. We are grateful for the growth we have seen in both of you already.

by Tom Orr

Witnessing The Fruit Of Our Ministry

Two men from Phase One have now completed their first month in our Ministry and are moving up to Lancaster.

We are so grateful for the growth and transformation we have witnessed in Kendall and Thomas over the past few weeks.

Tyler, Tom, and Tim are now our servant leaders in Vinton County.

Kendall and Thomas Phasing Up

Tyler Tom Tim Servant Leaders Phase One

by Tom Orr

Swimming in Raccoon Creek

Our Ministry is about worship and hard work as men and women transform their lives through Christ.

But we like to have fun, too. The guys at Phase One in Vinton County spent part of the weekend swimming in Raccoon Creek.

It's a summer tradition there, and always a great time.

by Tom Orr

One Day At A Time

How can The Refuge help you change your life? One day at a time.

Coty completed our Ministry earlier this year.

If you're struggling with addiction, listen to his story of growth and transformation through Christ.

by Tom Orr

Phase Up!

Monday is a day of transition at The Refuge.

Every week on that day, we welcome in new men and women at our Open Orientations.

It's also the day that men and women who have been part of our Ministry for 30 days move from Phase 1 to Phase 2.

This week, three guys are making that move. Timothy Dunbar, Tim Lane, and Brett Burgett all completed their first month, and are now going from our home in Vinton County to Lancaster to continue their journeys of growth and personal transformation through Christ.

by Tom Orr

Work Day At Phase One

We had a work day at Phase One on Wednesday.

The guys got out to work in the beautiful weather to mulch and plant flowers.

It's a wonderful opportunity to cultivate and care for the wonderful place that God has provided for us.

by Tom Orr

Turning Your Life Over To God

A man's first month in our Ministry is always a time of tremendous growth and transformation.

This week one of our newest brothers, Timothy Dunbar, turned his life over to the care of God.

As often as it happens, it's still a powerful moment to witness every time. And it marks a fundamental change in both the man and his priorities.

by Tom Orr

A Day Of Transition

Monday is a day of transition at The Refuge.

We welcome new men and women to our Ministry at our weekly Orientations, and some of brothers and sisters complete their time at a certain phase and advance to the next one.

This week, Michael Dozer and Bryan Allan finished their first 30 days with us, and phased up from 1 to 2.

We are grateful to God for the growth and transformation we have seen in both of them already!

by Tom Orr