Home of Grace Alumni

Founder Brother Bill Barton passes.

2008-07-03T11:02:00.006-06:00

Today we lost a true kingdom worker. Early this morning, Brother Bill Barton, founder of the Home of Grace passed away. His life and mission were about service. Over these many years, Brother Bill has served as a pastor, a counselor, a leader and an advisor but to those who were touched by his work – we will just call him, “Friend”.

Brother Bill, we will miss you.

(please click below on the word "comment" to leave a comment, condolence or tell your story)

Home of Grace Golf Classic 2008

2008-07-01T13:15:00.002-06:00

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This year's tournament was a success because of you! Take a look at this year's event.

SALT MISSIONS TRIP

2008-05-30T12:50:00.003-06:00

It is that time of year again when S.C.E.I is leading the S.A.L.T.,, servant and leadership training.
check out the web site for more information This is great for college age and young adults. Guys and gals. You'll have a blast this year in Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!!!!
CLICK HERE FOR S.C.E.I. DETAILS

Tues Night Bible Study

2008-05-28T08:07:00.002-06:00

Each week, the Home of Grace provides Support Groups for both Men and Women. Hosted by Crossroads Church on the corner of Hwy 57 and I-10 in Gautier - these groups porvide a great opportunity for alumni and the public alike to come together and discuss life's issues. You're invited. The Women's Group meets on Mondays at 6:30pm and the Men's on Tuesday at 6:30pm.

Events are a regular part of the schedule. These pictures are from the last Fish Fry - if you missed it - you missed some good food. For more information about these programs or to find out how to get a group started in your area - call the Home of Grace office at 228-826-5283 or email alumni@homeofgrace.org.

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Frog Named Dude

2008-05-20T15:11:00.002-06:00

My name is Kristy R. My brother is an alumnus of the Home of Grace. He graduated in 2006. The Home of Grace has become a very important part of our lives. My brother became a new man after going through the program. He was lost for years since our brother KC died in a car accident on December 25, 1995. They were 2 years apart and were very close. My brother struggled after the accident for 10 years with drugs and alcohol.

After his journey to the Home of Grace, he was the man that we all knew was there, just underneath the pain. I attended an alumni weekend with him in 2007 and he gave his testimony in front of everyone. He was so proud to be there on his 28th birthday to celebrate. Last summer he fought the devil again and fell off for several months, but I am proud to say that he has been walking with the Lord again for the last few months.

He has been in contact with fellow alumni and has returned for several Alumni Nights with former graduates. The Home of Grace is an unbelievable place and has captured my heart in so many ways. It is hard to explain the feeling that came over me each time I visited him while he was there. It is a feeling of peace and spirituality.
Last summer I found a story that our brother KC had written when he was 9yrs old. It had been given to our Mom for Mother’s Day. It was a creative writing project. It was so funny and imaginative! God kept reminding me of the story and wanting me to share it in some way.

I hired an illustrator to bring the story to life as a gift to my family for KC’s anniversary and Christmas. The illustrator and I decided to share it with a bigger audience and we self published the book. We also wanted to share any success with a place that meant so much to us. We chose the Home of Grace because of the changed lives and the people that are given back to their families.

We have had great success since March 2008. We have sold over 400 books since then! Our goal is to create a scholarship fund for those who need help getting to the Home. We want to help bring these people back to their families and GOD!
Our website is www.afrognameddude.com. We have a link to the Home of Grace on the merchandise page where books can be purchased. Hannah Lane Romero is the illustrator of the book. The book is being carried at both locations of Barnes and Noble in Baton Rouge, LA.

We have just been asked to do a book signing at the Barnes and Noble in Gulfport, MS!! The signing is Saturday, June 28 from 2pm - 4pm. They will then carry the book in that location!

National Day of Prayer with Home of Grace Men's Choir

2008-05-05T19:43:00.003-06:00

Home of Grace Men's Choir celebrates the National Day of Prayer with local officials. On Thursday, May 1st, the Men's Choir's voices filled the Vancleave Arena as local and county officials gathered to celebrate the National Day of Prayer. This event was an overwhelming success and prayers and praise were lifted to the Father.

2008-04-21T12:07:00.003-06:00

Last week the Home of Grace welcomed the Former Welterweight Champion of the World, Tiger Stokes. Now a minister of God's Word, Rev. Stokes freely shares his testimony to all who will listen. The crowd listened as he charged the graduates to stay strong and live by the standards that have been presented to them.

2008-04-14T13:05:00.002-06:00

Terence Wells and I with Bro. Bill. Terry and I signed our names under our respective pictures. The picture is of a group of eleven active NFL players (1975) that live in the tri-state area. Each year we put a basketball team together during the off-season, and go all around the area raising money for the Special Olympics by playing against local notary people….judges, politicians, college intra-mural teams, etc.

An interesting fact about the group in the picture is that several of the NFL participants belong(ed) to the Fellowship Of Christian Athletes. Along with Terry and I were other coastal guys, such as Fred Cook and Lionel Antoine of Pascagoula. And, of course, Ray Guy, and Hall Of Famer “Sweetness” Walter Payton.

Terence and I played together as So. Miss., then reunited again in Green Bay three years later. (I came to Green Bay from N.O. Saints, and Terence came from Houston Oilers). Now we both are serving the Lord and meet again at the Home of Grace.
--Steve Broussard (broussardjs@homeofgrace.org)

2008 Home of Grace Golf Classic

2008-04-11T07:45:00.004-06:00

It's time for the 2008 Home of Grace Golf Classic. This year will feature a maximum of 30 teams (120 players). Entry Fee is $150 per person. All proceeds go towards providing scholarships to those who are unable to afford the total cost of treatment.

We are expecting a terrific tournament but we are in search of sponsors to help underwrite the costs. You can help support this great event for as little as $250 - or by purchasing or donating unique items for the silent auction.

We need your help. Call 228-826-5283 or email golf@homeofgrace.org to see how you can be involved.

The One Year Bible Program for Graduates

2008-04-08T17:01:00.002-06:00

Prayer is the most important way we can support the Home of Grace and we should always remember to include the staff, clients and alumni when we pray.

Bro. Martin Britt has said more than once that he wished the Home of Grace was a three year program instead of a three month program. I have failed since leaving the Home of Grace but with the Holy Spirit’s Intervention, Prayer, and reading God’s word I am walking closer with Jesus each day. To begin my repentance, I went to see my Pastor, Bro. Larry Thompson of the First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale. At the end of a time of Confession and Prayer, Bro. Larry gave me a One Year Bible. This Bible has been a great tool for me. If you have never seen one, this Bible divides the Word into 365 days so the reader is able to read the entire Bible in one year.

I believe an excellent way we Alumni can help our new Alumni is to give each of them a One Year Bible at graduation. I can think of no better way to help continue the study of God’s word that began at the Home of Grace.

Approximately 300 people, all created for God’s Glory, graduate from the Home of Grace each year. After discussing the idea with Bro. Martin, the King James Version of the One Year Bible shipped directly from Tyndale Publishing was chosen. One Bibles cost $13.99, a special price, plus 7.5% for shipping and handling, so the total cost for each Bible is $15.04. The cost of the One Year Bible program is approximately $4,512.00 per year. If 226 Alumni (less than the number of Alumni who graduate each year) would give $20.00 per year the program would be funded until the Trumpet Sounds and Jesus Returns.

An initial gift has provided the program with 142 Bibles. All of these Bibles will be in Alumni’s homes in less than six months. I ask for your prayerful consideration and to commit to supporting the One Year Bible Program. All money sent to the Home of Grace with a note stating the donation is for the One Year Bible Program (“One Year Bible” on the FOR line of a check is sufficient) will be used for this program.

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have enough room for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the LORD Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty. Malachi 3:10-12 (NIV)

HODGES REPORT FROM NICARAGUA

2008-03-29T19:11:00.009-06:00

SCEI MIGHTY 9 NICARAGUA TRIP.

HEY GUYS!!!! WE JUST RETURNED HOME FROM NICARAGUA THIS EVENING AND I WANTED TO REPORT ON THE TRIP. IT WAS AWESOME!!!! THIS IS MY 3RD MISSIONS TRIP SINCE LEAVING THE HOME OF GRACE IN DECEMBER OF 06. THE LORD CONTINUES TO WORK MIRACLES IN MY LIFE.
I REMEMBER GETTING THE "HEEBIE-JEEBIES" ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE GRADUATION...REMEMBER THOSE?? ALL SCARED AND WONDERING IF I WOULD MAKE IT OUT THERE WITHOUT THE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL,,, I ALSO REMEMBER PRAYING AND BEGGING GOD TO PLEASE PLEASE SURROUND ME WITH CHRISTIANS FOR HIS STRENGTH ... GUESS WHAT ?? HE HAS .. AND HE WILL DO THE SAME FOR YOU.. HERE IS A VIDEO OF THIS LAST TRIP. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GOING ON ANY OF THE SCEI SPORTS MINISTRIES PLEASE CONTACT ME OR JOHN DAVID OR CLICK HERE..

Homecoming 2008

2008-03-19T09:49:00.002-06:00

What a service! Homecoming 2008 was a terrific success. If you didn't get a chance to make it - here are some pictures to encourage you to book your calendar for next year.

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Another Hodges update with SCEI

2008-02-19T21:37:00.007-06:00

God has done it again!!!!!!! the Masters ministry trip was another blessing from the Father-- words can not describe how the Lord showed his awesome presence ...take a look at this video ..

Please contact me or John David if you wanna go on one of these trips.. the next one is the Mighty 9

You Can Make A Difference

2008-02-07T16:36:00.000-06:00

That's the theme for this year's Homecoming Celebration. On March 8th, 2008, we will gather at Crossroad's Church to celebrate 43 years of changed lives. We are expecting record crowds and hope to see everyone there: friends, alumni and families. Doors open for registration at 1pm, service begins at 2pm. Dinner and Alumni Service to follow at each of the campuses. For more information, call 228-826-5283.

Jan 2008 alumni night

2008-01-23T12:57:00.000-06:00

There were 56 alumni in attendance at the Jan 2008 alumni night , Jan 12 2008 6p.m.. The longest drive to be in attendance was David Hodges (11 hours). The most consecutive alumni nights in a row ( and still the champ) , Mike Durst , 13 in a row . 7 men qualified to recieve their 1 year sobriety cake with 3 in attendance, David Hodges , Mike Durst , and George Quina . Congrats from all . These guys understand that they stay clean by staying connected. A new program was introduced this month called 200@200 . Simply put , 200 alumni give $200 and the alumni association buys (names) a classroom in the new multi-purpose bldg. Steve Broussard is in charge of this program . So , call Steve with your committment , or expect a visit from him and the "boys" . F.Y.I. , there are new alumni t-shirts available , $10 . Call today . See you next month .

H.O.G. Alumni Night

2007-12-12T11:34:00.000-06:00

43 alumni attended this month's meeting at the Home of Grace. Mike Durst recieved a free alumni t-shirt for the most consecutive alumni meetings attended . 12 in a row . And congratulations to Kevin Dunaway for winning the fishing trip for traveling the longest to attend. 14 other graduates qualified to attend and recieve their 1 year cake . 5 of those were in attendance . Our new fundraising program for alumni was unveiled , it's called 200 at 200 . Our goal as an alumni association is to raise $40,000 to name a room in the new multi-purpose building . Our plan is for 200 alumni members to give $200 each . Steve Broussard will begin making calls after Jan 1 2008 . and as usual , scriptures were quoted , experiences shared , and words of encouragement given to the men still in the program . My spirit is always fed at these events . See you next month .

HODGES DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TRIP

2007-11-11T16:12:00.000-06:00

Just in from the Dominican and wanted to report on this great trip. I went with a group of about 30 on a softball ministry trip. We also did 5 days of medical clinics and music ministry with the Sin Cadenas band.... what an awesome trip .. the Lord moved in many mighty ways -- I got to see first hand how God turns the blessings right back to us. Not only was the trip for the people we went to minister to but for us.... I was told by several of the guys on this trip,,, that they would never be the same .... God spoke to them thru this trip.. It was a two fold ministry... I cant wait to go again in February on the Masters... for more info contact me .......
Blessings,
DH

October Alumni Meetings

2007-10-20T16:48:00.001-06:00

The Women's Home had a terrific turn-out, as they had their first monthly Alumni Meeting. If you've not made it to an Alumni Meeting lately - you missed out. Mark your calendar for the Second Saturday of each month.

November's Alumni Meeting at the Men's Home will be sponsored by Williamsburg Baptist Church from Collins Mississippi. FOr more information or to sponsor an event at the Home of Grace please email alumni@homeofgrace.org.

Remember This...Watson Chapel July 2007

2007-10-20T16:41:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all the VOlunteers that are such a vital part of our ministry.

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HODGES UPDATE

2007-10-13T14:55:00.000-06:00

Hello all,
This is your friendly Dave Hodges Update. I thought it was about time to let everyone know what and how I’m doing. So…… Here it is…..
Most of you know that I have moved to Tennessee to volunteer my time with the Highland Bluffs Land development project in connection with SCEI, (Sports & Cultural Exchange International). I arrived August 1st, and have been busy every day since. I am currently helping Dave and Brenda Gordon as assistant project manager for the land development of almost 700 acres. I am managing between 15 and 20 employees and problem solving the construction and field operations. The project runs wide open 6 days a week. Currently we are cutting in approximately 3 miles of new roads and installing the electric and water utilities along this road to service the potential 100 plus home sites that will be here.
My cousin Brenda is in charge of the sales. Most of these lots are on an average of 5 or more acres each. 10 lots have sold, and the start of 3 homes and the front guard house / entrance have begun.
There is in no doubt in my mind, this is the largest and most intense project I have ever been involved in. What makes it worth while is the fact that I am working for a common goal. That goal is for the future of missions projects. Mission projects that SCEI has started and begun in other countries around the world.
I believe in SCEI, as did my grandfather many years ago. I have been on some of these ministry trips and plan to go on many this year. I have been asked to sit in on the annual board meeting of SCEI this year, and as I mentioned go on the trips to the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Mexico.

Dave and Brenda Gordon have taken the torch, passed to them by Dave’s late father Jim Gordon. Jim and Dianne founded SCEI nearly 50 years ago. Today there are so many churches with so many different ministries, it is hard to raise funds thru the traditional methods.
Dave Gordon has had the vision to use this 700 acre land development project to fund the ministry via the sales of the property. Needless to say they are a people who are working hard, and not just relying on donations. Donations have, and do come in from faithful people, but are not quite enough to do what SCEI would like to do.

I am excited to be a part of their team, both with SCEI and Highland Bluffs.
I am sending you these 2 web sites for you to look over.

http://www.bluffliving.com/ & http://www.sceionline.org/

Please continue to pray for us. Pray that God gives us the people, resources and the wisdom, to carry out what He has begun here.

Blessings,
Dave Hodges

John 4:23-24-- 'the msg'

"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."

Looking for Bloggers and Messengers

2007-10-06T14:01:00.000-06:00

We are currently looking for Alumni, Friends and Family Members who are interested in helping us with Blogging and the Message Board. The software is easy to use and does not require lots of computer knowledge.

Questions typically are from individuals who want to know about the Home? If you're intested - email alumni@homeofgrace.org.

Newsletters On-Line

2007-10-06T13:58:00.000-06:00

Have you seen our Newsletters Online yet? They can be shared with friends to tell them about the Home of Grace. Check them out at http://www.homeofgrace.org/newsletter

2007 Home of Grace Classic

2007-09-09T23:01:00.000-06:00

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ANNOUNCING - Women's Alumni Night

2007-08-18T20:44:00.000-06:00

Beginning on October 13th, the Home of Grace for Women will be holding a monthly Alumni meeting. Open to the Home of Grace for Women's past graduates, dinner will be at 5pm with a service to follow at 6pm. Please contact us by email for more information or to RSVP, the address is alumni@homeofgrace.org.

August Alumni Night

2007-08-18T20:33:00.000-06:00

This one was a record breaker. Over 50 Alumni in attendence. If you didn't get a chance to make it this month, we'll be looking for you in Sept. A special thanks to the Alumni who provided dinner for the evening. From the Philly's to the Blue Bell it was all delicious. If you would like to sponsor an Alumni Night email us at alumni@homeofgrace.org.