“ We prayed someone would donate a house . But who donates a house ?” Jowers says .
In April 2015 , Jowers , volunteers , and the organization ’ s board began planning fundraisers for a safe house . Halfway through the month , before any fundraisers were announced , gifts started coming in .
“ Before I could even step out in faith , God affirmed our work ,” Jowers says . “ It was as if He said , ‘ I ’ ve got this . This is my work . You just have to show up .’”
In June , fundraising took a surprising twist when Jowers was invited to speak at a women ’ s Sunday school class at a church in Frisco , Texas . Lunch at a restaurant afterward found Jowers answering questions about Poiema and the safe house idea at a table of eight with the friend who had invited her to speak .
As they left the restaurant , one of the ladies told Jowers , “ I think you may be the answer to my prayers .” She had a home in Texas she no longer needed and offered its use for free . The woman said she had been in the church service asking God what to do with her house .
Jowers , dumbfounded , arranged to meet the woman at her Dallas-area home .
“ It was in excellent condition : fully furnished , a safe place with a washer , dryer , lawn mower and a refrigerator ,” Jowers says . At first , Jowers assumed the woman intended to sell or rent the home to Poiema . She was wrong . “ It ’ s going to be your house ,” the woman replied . “ I am giving it to Poiema .”
Jowers , shocked , realized she had forgotten to ask the donor what the balance of the house note might be . She texted the lady , who texted back , “ Paid in full . Don ’ t you love those words Jesus gave us ?”
Why the name Poiema ? “ Poiema ” is a Greek word found in Ephesians 2:10 , which states , “ For we are God ’ s handiwork , created in Christ Jesus to do good works , which God prepared in advance for us to do .” The word “ poiema ” is translated as “ handiwork ” or “ workmanship .” God intimately and lovingly creates each person , and he cherishes every person as a precious work of art . Sadly , women and children in the sex industry believe they have no value or self-worth . But regardless of how they feel , the truth is they are God ’ s workmanship . They are custom-designed by the Master ’ s hand to do good works . The Poiema Foundation hopes to reach these victims and share the love of Christ and the good news that they have value and self-worth because they are intimately created by a loving Creator .
To learn more about Poiema or find additional resources , visit www . poiemafoundation . org .
Connect with Michelle at www . HandofTheKing . com .