House Resolution 23

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING HOME OF GRACE IN VANCLEAVE, MISSISSIPPI, FOR 60 YEARS OF SERVICE AND CHRISTIAN MINISTRY TO THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION.

WHEREAS, Home of Grace, located in Vancleave, Mississippi, was founded in 1965, and now, upon the occasion of its 60th anniversary, it continues to provide a nurturing and safe space for the most vulnerable in the community who are recovering from addiction; and

WHEREAS, in 1964, Reverend Bill Barton, Sr., while pastoring a church in Pascagoula, Mississippi, took 13 men to a Christian recovery program for alcoholics in Tallulah Falls, Georgia, called the Victory Home, and while he was there, he became convinced God was calling him to establish a home for alcoholics in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, out of obedience to what he believed to be God's will for his life, he returned home and asked 18 men to be on the board of directors for the Home of Grace, and Reverend Bill and his wife, Jean, founded the Home of Grace to bring light into the darkened lives of those who struggle with addiction; and

WHEREAS, soon, others in the community also became involved, as E.H. Bacot donated 10 acres of land nestled on the banks of Bluff Creek to the ministry, and a small house trailer was also donated by C.D. and Norris Faggard; and

WHEREAS, in January 1965, even before there was electrical power, the first man entered the Home of Grace, and since that time, thousands of men, women and children have been served through the ministries of the Home of Grace; and

WHEREAS, since 1965, the Home of Grace has continued to be a light in the community, and it has provided a place for men and women to seek refuge and renewal from a life of chaos and danger; and

WHEREAS, the Bartons' vision of transforming hearts in order to transform lives has remained the constant core of the Home of Grace's success, and as one of the overriding evidences that someone has a genuine relationship with the Lord is their consistent attitude of joy and outlook on life, Bill and Jean Barton have exemplified that joy and have freely given of themselves so others may find the same joy; and

WHEREAS, each person who comes to the Home of Grace deserves the utmost attention and God's intervention in their life, and Home of Grace thanks God daily for the privilege of helping those in need as well as for the faith that they will be able to serve many more even more effectively in years to come; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding institutions in Mississippi, especially those such as Home of Grace, which has provided Christian counsel and refuge to thousands of Mississippians who are struggling with addiction for the past 60 years, bringing glory and honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend Home of Grace in Vancleave, Mississippi, for 60 years of service and Christian ministry to those who are struggling with addiction, and extend sincere wishes for their continued services and counsel in the years to come.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Home of Grace and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.