21. Oktober 2002
Related Sermon

Liebe Freunde in Christus,

MAY THE JOY OF CHRIST FILL YOUR HEART AND MIND.

I have mentioned in past letters my desire to establish a home for widows and their children here in New York City. When I read through the Bible, I see God's concern for such, in both the Old and New Testaments.

I am 71 years old now and this is what's on my heart. God has used me to establish Teen Challenge, which is now a worldwide ministry reaching multitudes of addicts and alcoholics. The Lord also has led me to establish a farm in Pennsylvania that now houses and trains about 250 addicts and alcoholics. And we have established a center for women with life-controlling habits, and their children.

I want my last gift to Jesus to be a home for at least 50 homeless widows and their children. My associates tell me we need at least 15 placements for people from Times Square Church alone. These are mothers who struggle to hold down paying jobs while trying to keep their children. They can't keep up with the expensive rents in this city.

For example, Susan has two children. Her Muslim husband abandoned her and quit his job so he wouldn't have to pay child support. Susan has a handicapped son and a daughter. Her sixth baby-sitter quit, unable to handle the special needs of the son. Now Susan is about to be evicted from her apartment for back rent. She fears being put out on the street. Her nerves are frayed, but she comes to church faithfully. At our proposed home, she could work while our volunteer staff home-schools her children.

Maria has two children and lives in a very dangerous neighborhood. A man broke into her apartment recently and raped her. The job she was offered would only cover rent, but nothing for food and bare essentials. Maria also attends Times Square Church. But she gets so discouraged, she thinks of giving up her children to someone who could give them a better life. We help her and counsel her, but she needs a small, safe apartment and childcare. Then she could take any job offer and be able to make it.

These mothers, abandoned, bruised and broken, want to work. None are lazy. They want to raise their children in church and to serve the Lord themselves.

We have been trying to get the city to donate a vacant building. But there is so much red tape and politics involved, we decided to trust God to help us purchase a building. It will take a miracle. But I believe that within the next 12 months, the Lord is going to give us just what we need.

I have not asked for funds. Months ago Gwen and I sold a car and started what we call "The Widows Fund." We have been surprised by the gifts coming in without our asking. I am confident that this 50-unit building will be ours, debt free, in God's time and his way. Still, I am not asking for funds. This has to be the Lord's doing, or I don't want to do it.

Meanwhile, thank you for your continued support for all our ongoing ministries to the needy. The Lord has been wonderfully supplying every need. God be praised.

Love in Christ,

Sein Diener,
David Wilkerson

DW:bbm:21. Oktober 2002