A note from Dave

Remember the story of the Good Samaritan from Luke? The man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and got robbed, beat, and was left for dead. The Bible tells that a priest and a Levite passed on the other side of the road, but a Samaritan cared for this man. (Luke 10:31-34). This is a familiar story. A good story. Yet a humbling story because it challenges us to be like the Samaritan. Jesus said to the expert of the Law and to each of us, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37, NIV).

Despite all that we do at Through, there are still those who are sick, those in need of hope, those struggling with drug addiction, and so many other difficulties in this community. The question glared at us saying, “Are we going to pass on the other side of the road or are you going to reach out and be a help to those in need?” Are we going to walk by the problems we see or will we help like the Samaritan? The decision was not hard.

We’ve been reaching out to businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals asking how we can help. We’ve gone to the Salvation Army and to the shelters. We go to Blair County prison, Cove Forge drug and alcohol rehab, and Adelphi Village. We are even a part of the Blair County sexual trafficking task force. And with the help of some area churches, we now have a family counselor.

With the Light of Christ in hand, and with your prayers and support, we will continue to do our best to shine His Light. The Bible says in John 1:5, “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” We will continue to go where He leads us. We will be a voice for Him.

Thank you for all you do! Let me encourage you to shine your Light and cross the street as He leads.

Happy New Year to you all!

A look Through 2016…

Out of the Clutches

At the beginning of 2016, we collected gently used purses filled with items to encourage the residence of Blair County Domestic Abuse Shelter. Over 150 purses were collected and filled! We were and still are so thankful to everyone who donated!

Nason Hospital 5K

Through hosted Nason Hospital’s 5K. This race is part of the Cove Challenge Series. Over 50 runners and walkers attended this event! Check out the highlight video here!

Spring Cleaning

In May, we had 15-20 volunteers help us do some spring cleaning. We trimmed trees, planted flowers, edged the side walk, scrubbed bathrooms, washed windows, changed light bulbs, fixed smoke detectors, and much more! We were so blessed by all those that attended and spent the day with us!

Later in the year, the Lawler family worked to remove the large juniper bush from around the sign. What a beautiful improvement!

The Fall Festival

Our 3rd fall festival was held in September this year. We had food trucks, vendor tables, hay rides, a petting zoo, kids’ craft table, face painting, and puppet shows! We estimated 500-600 people were here throughout the day! We had a great day meeting our community and celebrating family fun!

Seventh Day Slumber Concert

In September, Through intended to host Seventh Day Slumber in concert. However, because of last minute scheduling changes, the band cancelled.

BUT NOT TO WORRY!

Seventh Day Slumber will be here April 7, 2017!
Follow us on Facebook to keep up-to-date with concert details!

Veterans Day

On November 11, Veterans Day, Through offered free cookies and coffee to all military veterans

Thanksgiving

New Life hosted a Thanksgiving meal for their congregation and anyone else who did not have a place to go for the holiday.

They prepared enough food for a feast! It was a great day of fellowship and being thankful together.

Oh! And they also participated in the mannequin challenge. Watch it here!

Through Health Clinic

Health Clinic continues to offer free medical care for those in need. We recently rearranged our space, which makes it easier and more private for our patients! This year we have been able to offer no cost health care to 130 people.

Dr. Mona Counts continues to be a blessing to our clinic! She volunteers every Thursday to see patients. We are so thankful for her and for all of our clinic volunteers!