A Letter from Executive Director Abbi Rose:
Dear Barren Heights Community,
Just like you, we as an organization are learning how to live in a new normal. We are drawing strength, peace, and hope from the fact that instability, cancellations, and fears are not powerful enough to mess up God’s plans. We are aiming to dwell on the positives as we discern and navigate the best way to move forward.
As a staff we are actively brainstorming how we can continue to serve the Barren Heights Community with safety being the number one priority. Our Community is so much more than just events and retreats, and we want to continue making sure everyone feels loved, accepted, welcomed, and safe.
Below are some important updates:
FINANCIAL UPDATE
Our staff and board leadership is keeping a close eye on our financial picture and how we can generate cost savings during this period of social distancing. While events and meetings are being rescheduled and cancelled, we are continuing to push forward as best as we can. Our staff still needs to be paid and we are still planning family retreats for this summer.
We are re-evaluating our financial goals and our plans for an upcoming spring campaign. At this time, thank you to our monthly donors for keeping us moving forward. We are so thankful that we can rely on your generosity during this time of uncertainty. You are such a blessing. We will continue to keep you updated throughout the next several weeks and months as decisions are made. We ask that you pray for wisdom and discernment in this area.
EVENTS AND RETREATS
At this time, all Community events have been postponed until further notice. While we are currently planning to reschedule, we are taking some time before picking dates. With summer family retreats starting at the end of May, we will continue to seek guidance and pray for clarity.
Many of our families live in this isolation day in and day out, regardless of the virus. We are just getting a glimpse into those realities. While our deepest desire is to provide community through the family retreats, we do not want to compromise the wellbeing of any of our guests or volunteers. We will continue to keep you updated throughout the next several weeks and months as decisions are made. We ask that you pray for wisdom and discernment in this area as well.
OFFICE
Our staff is continuing to work our normal office hours of 9am – 3pm, Monday through Thursday. We are balancing working remotely and coming into the office for essential activities. If you need to get in touch, please feel free to contact us through our website, reach out to any of our staff individually, or call the office number at 502-327-9495. If we do not answer we will be sure to call back ASAP!
RESPONSE TO THE COMMUNITY
As a small organization one of the best ways we can respond is to lift you up by prayer. Each week our staff gathers to pray for our community, and we want to know how we can specifically lift up you, your loved ones, and your friends during this time. You are not alone, there is always power in prayer. Please submit your requests here
Additionally, there are many other organizations and groups that have the capacity to help in more concrete ways. We have listed several of those in the links below. If you need help getting connected to resources or do not live in the Louisville area, we would be happy to do what we can to get you to the right place. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
Louisville COVID-19 Response Fund
Northeast Christian Church Crisis Help & Resources
Southeast Christian Church Crisis Volunteer Opportunities
Louisville COVID-19 Match Site
Southeast Christian Church Online Church Services
HOW YOU CAN BE A LIGHT IN A TIME OF CRISIS
- Pray for those who are affected by this virus – those who are ill and vulnerable, the medical professionals treating them, the scientists working on vaccines and cures, leaders making tough decisions, as well as those who are feeling lonely at this time. Please reach out to anyone you think might be feeling lonely or isolated over the next few weeks.
- Consider others before yourself and continue to stay home and practice social distancing unless making necessary trips. Together we can reduce the curve.
- Educate yourself about the virus from credible and reliable sources, such as the World Health Organization, the CDC and the Louisville KY Coronavirus Page.
- Check on your friends and neighbors. If you know someone who may not have internet access, give them a call and share the information in this email.
- Consider ways you can bless medical professionals who will be working long hours with acts of kindness and notes of appreciation.
- Remember this is temporary. Our Hope is not in this World, but in the sacrifice of Jesus and the promise of his return. May the following verses in Romans be our anthem:
Romans 12:9-13
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil. Hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, and serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
What a powerful four verses. This is our mission statement for Barren Heights in this season. This is what we are leaning into and praying over our community and we invite you to join with us.
Blessings,
Abbi Rose
Executive Director
