November/ December 2008

THE PATH NEWS

A Publication of The Path of Citrus County * www.pathofcitrus.org * Issue 6 - Volume 2

Season of Joy
Jaime’s 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 “For the joy of the Lord is
told recently at The Path Banquet: your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
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 couldn’t love
me. I was convinced God had forgotten me.

After what seemed a lifetime of abuse, ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

dealing drugs, being a gang member and
criminal, I had just attempted an overdose of The Path Spotlight
crystal meth. I didn’t know what to expect at
Director’s Corner
a place like The Path. I didn’t know what
“Christian” was. Deep down, though, I was Path Wish List
scared that I wouldn’t be accepted. And, I
was skeptical after trying
Annual Path Banquet

[Continued on Page 2]
and more . . .
 [Continued from Cover]
five other programs that hadn’t
worked… But The Path was differ-
The Path Spotlight
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, wasn’t
serious about the program—but through counseling at
The Path, my eyes were opened. I started listening to the Volunteers help stuff newsletters at
Bible studies, church and counseling. I was serious about First Baptist Church – Beverly Hills

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 Path Awards for
Completion of Program Classes
be right with God. I now knew why the
other programs hadn’t worked: I was
trying to change on my own without
God’s help—without 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. Jaime (left) with parenting
class coach, Carol (right) Children at Seven Rivers Presbyterian
serve The Path with love for the holidays
I’m 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 I’m 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! Mother and Daughter Reunion

2 THE PATH NEWS

 6th Annual Path Banquet
held on November 7 at 1st Baptist Church Director’s Corner
of Crystal River helped raise $7,000 for
our mission Dear Friends of The Path,

After all the things we have

learned, we are still learning
so much. Some things don’t
change, and the main one is
Love. It was so simple. After
the grants, numbers, the theo-
ries of how to make life better— we have come full
A very special thanks to circle and we find that the best thing we do is buy our
all of our honored guests, clients time with Love.
and to the volunteers
who helped to greet,
serve food, organize, That precious gift of time… Time in a place where
decorate—and make the I know I will be fed, have a roof over my head and
evening a success someone to talk to while I try to get out of this mess
that I’m in...

Time to think about God and why I am alive…

I have this picture in my mind where a cat is claw-

Executive Chef, Hayward “Hap”
Hough sponsored the buffet, as-
sisted by his interns from WTI. Per-
formers included Celebration
Sounds choir from Hernando-Church
of the Nazarene and mime ministry
“Heirborne” from North Oak Baptist
Church. Everyone who attended
was blessed by the testimonies of
three Path graduates.
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 sink
her 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, staff
members do get some claw marks. But, in many cases
after a couple of weeks we look and see a client settled
in the lap of safety and purring while they gently close
and open their eyes because they are finally safe.

Someone like you bought them time.

Thank you for your faithful commitment to the

“Share your food mission that drives us.

with the hungry, May the Lord bless you and keep you, and give you
His peace this holiday season —
and give shelter

to the homeless.
Special speaker and Path Graduate,
Patricia C. Other Path Graduates
Give clothes to included Jaime and Jeff.

those who need Your support has helped DuWayne Sipper

change their lives… Executive Director
them . . .” —Thank you —
Isaiah 58:7 NLT

THE PATH NEWS 3

 t
Path Wish Lis
A volunteer experienced with
Board of Directors
tree cuttings and repotting
to help out our farm & nursery Stuart Green
Th
eP President
ath
Donations– land or houses, to expand (352) 637-3585

Gift Cards– Wal Mart and food stores, Mark Stone

Board Member
especially! These cards are helpful for
(352) 637-2777
shelter needs throughout the year.
Connie Lobel
A volunteer carpenter to help Board Member
us set up a wood shop for (352) 726-1559
building and refinishing furniture. Brian Ludwick
Board Member
Call us at 527-6500 if you can help (352) 563-6508
with any of our needs!
Gary Bryant
Board Member
Welcome New Board Members (352) 344-3100

We are pleased to welcome new board members Maria Converse and Maria Converse
Dick Windle. Maria is a Spanish teacher at Seven Rivers Christian Board Member
School, an active parent there and helps out in the nursery at the church. (352) 586-5087
Although retired, Dick is an avid farmer, a member of several civic groups and
also serves on the board for Hernando-Church of the Nazarene. Dick Windle
Board Member
We continue to seek individuals who can volunteer their time and business (352) 489-4167
expertise for about 10 hours per month, attend a monthly meeting and
have a heart for the hungry, homeless, abused and addicted who find DuWayne Sipper
their way to The Path shelter. Executive Director
(352) 527-6500
Call DuWayne Sipper at 352-527-6500 for information about volunteering for the Board.
Administrative Offices
Holiday Clean-out? Path Donations! 27 S. Melbourne
Beverly Hills, FL 34465
In with the new… donate the old! After the holidays, why not donate new
Phone: (352) 527-6500
or gently used furniture, appliances, bedding, household Fax: (352) 746-6746
furnishings and any other items you no longer need? Your
‘treasures’ will be a blessing to someone else and help our Mailing Address
PO Box 3024
mission. Call The Path Shelter Store at Inverness, FL 34451-3024
746-9084 to arrange a pickup.
Bargain Store

aye r List Reconciliation with family – Path Clients 1729 W Gulf to Lake Hwy.
r
Path P
Lecanto, FL 34461
Concern for family members – Path Staff
Hours: Mon - Sat
Pete, Path Client – in hospice with advanced cancer 9 AM - 5 PM
Vera’s health – Path graduate’s host family member For pick-up, call:
Salvation and growing stronger in their faith – all Path clients (352) 746-9084
Peace and good health to all this holiday season www.pathofcitrus.org
Send us your prayer requests and we will post here next issue.

ASSOCIATION OF GOSPEL RESCUE MISSIONS www.agrm.org