FROM THE OYSTER
Delois Carpenter
Executive Director - House of Pearls
A Fall Update from the Executive Director
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Dear Friends and Supporters,
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As the leaves begin to fall and cooler weather ushers in the beauty of autumn, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and abundant blessings here at House of Pearls. This season is a time of reflection, gratitude, and new beginnings, and I am excited to share with you all that God has been doing in the lives of the women we serve.
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One of the highlights this year was our recent trip to Kentucky to visit the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum. It was an awe-inspiring experience! The women were moved by the powerful depiction of God’s Word, as we walked through the life-size Ark and marveled at the magnificence of His creation. It was a time of spiritual renewal and deepened faith for everyone. Watching the women’s faces light up as they connected with God’s story in such a tangible way was truly unforgettable.
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We are also excited to announce our upcoming October banquet, which will be a night of celebration and testimony as we reflect on the incredible work God is doing at House of Pearls. This banquet is not just an event, but an opportunity to gather as a community, share in the stories of transformation, and thank the Lord for His endless provision. Your support makes this ministry possible, and we would love for you to be a part of this special evening.
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As we move into this new season, we continue to see God’s hand guiding us, providing for our needs, and transforming lives. The changing leaves remind me of the transformation happening in the hearts of the women at House of Pearls. Just as the old leaves fall away to make room for new growth, the women here are shedding their old selves and stepping into the new life that God has for them.
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Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, and support. We are so grateful for each one of you, and we pray that you too are experiencing the beauty of this season and the blessings of our faithful God.
With love and gratitude,
Delois Carpenter
Executive Director, House of Pearls
"Oyster" hmmm...
Being called an oyster didn't set well with me at first! My Pastor, Trent McLaughlin was the first to refer to me in that manner and I remember flinching! Thinking "what did he just say"? But then I started hearing the reason... what comes from an oyster? Pearls!! How does this happen? I started looking up information about an oyster, here is what I found:
1. An oyster is tightly closed, protecting itself.
2. An oyster has a hard shell but is soft inside.
3. Although small, an oyster is a very tough creature.
Interestingly, that sounds a lot like me! . Life has a way of doing that to you. You become harder, protective, tough. But then you meet a man named Jesus and He changes you on the inside. There is a softness, a caring spirit that didn't use to be there.
“Oysters make pearls in response to an irritant, such as a grain of sand. When any irritant makes its way between the mollusk's shell and mantle, the creature produces nacre, a protective coating that helps reduce irritation. The oyster's natural reaction is to cover up that irritant to protect itself. This eventually forms a pearl.”
"The irritants, the stinging -- without them the oyster would not make the pearl, the thing of beauty, the object of great worth."
If you have been around our Pearls any amount of time, you will begin to love them. When they come to us, they are irritated from many things. If they stick around you will begin to see these women heal from past hurts, brokenness, pain, & anger. God begins doing a might work in them. As Pastor Trent says: What He allows to happen TO you, He will do THROUGH you to help others.
That is exactly what He did through me. He took a broken girl, from a broken home of addiction. Gave her a family, and allowed addiction to even touch the life of her child, just so He could mold her, help her learn to forgive in order to help other women learn about the love of Jesus Christ and His healing power.
And He will do that through YOU as well. To every Pearl that has come through our 1 year program, He isn't finished with you. Let him use your story, to help others, for His Glory!
I now love my nickname "Oyster". I'm honored God saw fit to include me in His redemptive work at House of Pearls.
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Delois Carpenter
Executive Director, House of Pearls
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. If you would like for us to come share at your Church, community event, ladies meeting, give me a call or text!
803-287-3906