A Time for Change

As many of you know, January 2011, I was accepted into nursing school. Melissa and I both knew God was putting tension on our lives again in the same way he did when I quit AT&T to start Bighouse in 2006. When applying for nursing school our prayer was, “Lord, help us glorify you most.” We desired to continue working at Bighouse if that was going to glorify him most, but if his plan was for me to pursue nursing then I would get accepted into the program. Out of 300 applicants that applied, I was one of the 50 that were chosen. God had answered and we knew we were facing another transition so that He could be glorified.

 This spring finds us on the tail end of this transition. We have had some challenges. Melissa, along with extra volunteers, has taken on a bigger role in the day to day operation of Bighouse so that I can continue with my nursing education. We believe God is going to use my medical training to help the poor of  East Africa. We had no idea where God was eventually leading us when we stepped out in faith to open Bighouse, but we now see that he was preparing us for this moment.

Opening Bighouse was an act of obedience, and in keeping with our call to be obedient and to glorify him, we know God is asking us to get prepared for the next step in our journey, full time medical mission work overseas. God’s command to care for the orphans and widows has been stamped on our hearts in a way that can’t be ignored.  (James 1:27)

“For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty , and you have me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me….I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you were doing it to me!”                                                   Matt. 35-36; 40

In 2006 it was this verse that propelled us to open the doors of Bighouse and our hearts to the teens of Prairie Grove. In 2012 it is this verse that propels us toward the needs in East Africa. All the while we have been privileged with the opportunity to fed, clothe, visit, and love many teens. As I have looked over past newsletters I have been overwhelmed with God’s goodness. So many teens have come, so many prayers answered and so many who have invested their time and resources into Bighouse.

I will be graduating from nursing school in June and then starting to gain medical experience by working full time as a nurse to prepare me for overseas work. Melissa and I will be stepping down as directors of Bighouse as of May 31st.  We will continue to receive donation through May 31st. Your continued financial support through the month of May is very important so that we can wrap up all the expenses of the program while still providing a place for the teens to come until school is out.
It is with very mixed emotions that this letter has been written. We have so many wonderful memories, we have met so many incredible teens, and  have worked alongside so many incredible people. When we think on these things our hearts feel heavy because we will miss these times. God continues to reminded us over and over that Bighouse isn’t ours, it belongs to him. He gave us the idea, He has provided the money, the building, the teens etc… and He will continue to provide for the teens of Prairie Grove because they belong to Him and are dear to His heart.

I humbly thank you,
                   Jay Gresham

We have recieved so many encouraging emails since sending out this newsletter. I have decided to record them here so they we can rember all the good things God has done and continues to do.

Wow! I wasn't expecting news like this, but I think you're starting out on an incredibly exciting time in your lives.

I'm so proud that I was able to be a little part of the beginning of Bighouse. You all have made it into such a tremendous success that our whole community is proud of, and I know that every kid that's walked through the door down there has been touched by your love, support, and generosity. Wherever you end up you'll do great things for the people there, too!

Love, Susan

What a great letter.  My heart goes out to you and Jay and what a blessing you guys have been for the community.  Your going to be missed.  

May God Continue to bless you and your family  Donna

Congratulations on nursing school, Jay.  Much love to you both.  Prayers for your new journey.

Love yall- Shannon

Good luck to you both!  Thank you so much for your much appreciated work you put into Devon and the girls!  May God bless you both.

Praise God for what He has done, for what He is doing, and for what He is going to do in the lives of the Gresham family.  What an incredible Christian example you are!  Love you all!
Blessings,
Andrea

Wow, so blessed by your friendship and your passion for those in need, wherever you are!!! Love, Laura 

jay and melissa - i'm so excited for you both!  congrats on your upcoming graduation and i'll be "thinking" about you both throughout these next few months of transition.  and if you decide that east africa isn't the place for you, you can always come join me at the hospital here in ch!na!!  :-)

loves,
-a
Jay and Melissa,
    It is sure sad to hear that you are leaving, but rejoice in the direction you are heading and wish you all the best.  Thank you for all that you have done for our community and please let me know if I can ever help you in the future.
Thanks,
Rudy

We are proud of you all and support your decision!  God always knows what is best!

Love,
Kayla and Augie

 

Special Acknowledgements:

David Parks– Thank you for helping us from the beginning take our vision & put it into action. Thank you for your listening ear and friendship.  You were such an encouragement to us all along the way.
Keith & Resha Childress– Thank you for being “cheerful givers”. You have been thoughtful , encouraging and your timing was always a God thing. We love you guys!
Larry Oelrich– Thank you from day one! You were so helpful to us. Your vision for the community is inspiring and you were always more than willing to do whatever was needed. We needed that encouragement to keep going!
Rudy & Cindy Timmerman–  God has gifted you with the spirit of giving and we were so blessed and humbled by your willingness to jump in and provide for the needs of Bighouse. Thank you for your friendship. JT and Claira-  Our children, you have been such troopers. Since you were 5 & 8 years old you have been a part of every trend and phase. Skateboarding, rock-climbing, downhill mountain biking, demolition, renovations, hours upon hours of hanging out with teenagers even before you were one! Thank you for being selfless kids and willing to share your mom and dad with the teens. You’re the  best!
Our Parents, Siblings (this includes our brother and sister-in-law) , Grand parents, Aunts , Uncles & Cousins-Thank you for supporting us verbally and financially. You encouraged us when we were down and got excited with us over the “little stuff”. Thank you for taking deep breaths and praying for us instead of telling us how crazy we are!!! We already know that! We love you all and so proud to have you as family.

Board Members Past and Present*: 

For all the hours of meetings, vision casting, fundraising planning, parking, praying, and meals shared etc..Thank you! None of this would have a happened without the special roles you each played.

*Chris Akey
Doug Allen
*Ken Childress
*Leah Childress
Joe Elledge
Rosie Elledge
Dr. John King
Susan Parks-Spenser
Jennifer Patterson
*James Patterson
Tammy West
Carmen Weaver