After submitting the grant request, a few days later, the property owners called us (not knowing about the amount of the grant request) and said, “We’ve decided to let you have the property for $95,000! Now we knew…and rejoiced…believing we would get the grant. By faith, I said, “Fine, we’ll take it.” They prepared for the closing…still no money! Two weeks before the closing date, I received a letter from the Edyth Bush Foundation, saying, “We are happy to announce that you will receive your request of $95,000!” God is so good; He is never late!
After being a guest on a local TV program, Charley Reese, a nationally syndicated columnist for the Orlando Sentinel, hears about House of Hope. Hearing about the ministry and being impressed with the fact that we take no government funds, Charley asked if he may write an article about House of Hope. The article was scheduled to appear in the Sentinel on May 29, 1985, the same day that President Regan would visit Epcot Center for only three hours for its dedication. We prayed that somehow, in spite of his busy schedule, the President would read the article. Once again, God answered our prayer. The President read it and wrote a letter of congratulations, encouraging the community to get involved in free enterprise. He included a $1,000 check from his personal account! Another God-incident!
The community began to become aware of what we were doing and of the great need for this unique home. Carpenters donated material and labor; plumbers, electricians, painters, repairmen, etc. rallied to God’s calling. One house on the property had a huge hole in the roof. Early one morning, as I arrived at HOH, five men were on top of the house, building a new roof! These men were unknown to us…but known to God!
Our doors to House of Hope in Orlando – now the National House of Hope Affiliate model – opened August 22, 1985. Just exactly what we needed: beds; furniture; appliances; dishes; linens; pots and pans; clothing, etc. came from individuals, organizations, and churches.
