Dear Bridges to Home Ministry Friends:
I pray this blog finds you all well and coping with the daily challenges presented by the COVID-19 virus.  It is surreal to think that only a few months ago this term was not even in our vocabulary, and now it is mentioned numerous times each day in every media forum available.  I can only imagine the myriad stories among you as to how this scenario has turned your life upside down.  Fortunately, our faith teaches us one rock solid belief to hold onto--God is in control now as He always has been and always will be.   So fear not and don't despair!   We will emerge better human beings because of this event in our history.

Bridges to Home has been yet another casualty in operations that have been forced to shut down.  We ceased operations on March 21st at least through the month of April.   We will assess updates from the experts and make appropriate decisions about starting to do moves again after that.   It was heart wrenching to tell 9 veterans that their needs will be placed on hiatus due to the Coronavirus.  Here are the stories of the final moves done March 6th, March 14th, and March 21st.

Quinn was in the Navy for 4 years as a Petty Officer Third Class.  He served on the USS Nimitz Super Carrier in the Mediterranean Theater during the Iraqi War.  His wife Norma is a nurse.  They are grateful for the assistance of the VA;  the uncertainty of being homeless was extremely unsettling, but life is different now.  Bridges to Home scheduled a move quickly for them on Friday March 6th before he had his surgery, and we thank members of the Knights of Columbus for answering the emergency plea to supplement our move in team.   
John is an  Army veteran.  He and his family had just moved in to their apartment in San Bernardino  and were not quite ready for the team to set up all the items we brought to them.  At their requst we delivered everything to their home and left John and his sons and daughter to  manage the task of placing things where they desired.   They send their grateful thanks to everyone who contributed furniture, funds, food, and time to make their life so much better.

Byron is a  military veteran who has recently moved into a lovely apartment in Hemet.  Cynthia, also a veteran, is living in an apartment in Fontana, and she and Lee, a veteran living in Victorville, were the last moves completed by the ministry.  Thank you to the loyal team of 7 volunteers (Sharon, Donna K., Donna D., Dennis, Al, Barbara, and Tim) who donned masks and gloves to make sure these final moves were completed on March 21st.    


 

I would be remiss in not mentioning our financial supporters for these all of moves.   Thank you to Pam, Mary C., Bob, Robert & Janet, Wayne & Alice, Upland Travelers, and 3 anonymous donors.  Your faithfulness in giving is a gift that will bring you much joy and countless rewards.   Our condolences to Mary O'Neil, a Bridges to Home supporter, at the loss of her husband, Jack.   She asks that donations be sent to Bridges to Home in lieu of flowers.   

Pope Francis says this prayer daily.  May we add it to our prayer arsenal in anticipation of the return of days we often took for granted.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of good health and peace that we have enjoyed for so many years. As we find ourselves in this time of crisis today, we ask for your divine intervention and mercy to be upon each of us.  Come and guide the minds of those working to discover a treatment to the COVID-19 virus. Grant them wisdom, knowledge, and clarity of mind, so that all peoples will be free from the threat of this ailment.

We also pray for the healthcare workers that are standing in the front line of this battle. Father, we thank you for their hearts of service, putting the needs of society before their own, generously responding to the cry of Your people. We ask that You will grant them strength and protection. As they give of themselves in selfless service, may You fill them with your Holy Spirit as they work to be Your healing hands and feet!

Father, we also surrender to You all those who have been afflicted with the virus. Grant them Your healing grace, merciful Father, so that they may recover swiftly and continue to be witnesses of Your love in their lives.

Mother Mary, we ask for your intercession in this great time of need. Cover each of us with your blue mantle of protection, so that we may be preserved in good health to continue to glorify your son, Jesus Christ. We make this prayer through Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer.  Amen.

 May God's peace be always in your hearts,
Mary