By Dave Fagerstrom
“Home is where the heart is.” Since my recent return to TLC as the Director of Development, I have frequently been reminded of this old quote. TLC is all heart and can be defined as a sanctuary where God speaks to hearts. It is considered home to so many people because it is a landmark to look back on where God changed their heart forever. The Bible says if any man be in Christ he is a new creation, the old is gone and the new has come. This transformation process of becoming a new creation means a complete change in composition. The world tries to reform from the outside-in that which already exists (i.e. behavior modification). God transforms from the inside that results in a permanent new Identity. This is why the Annual Picnic was so successful. It’s a time to remember the soul journey that was shared with God and other people. A relationship with God is eternal and the relationships that were established at TLC last forever.
This year’s Annual Picnic was at Robert Post Park on the Hudson for a day of food, fellowship, and activities. We started with a wonderful BBQ and then a time of recreation where we played volleyball, badminton, soccer, and basketball. The highlight of this day was most certainly when TLC’s Founder, Pastor Tom Mahairas, lead us in a time of worship, devotion, and testimony where once again God spoke to our hearts. The graduates shared a common theme in their testimony where they cried out to God to change their heart, and He did. In fact, one of the required classes is based on the book called Wild at Heart. This class examines the fact that we were created wild at heart and this can be used for God’s purpose when it is directed properly. This brings tremendous hope to men who thought their wild heart cause a lifestyle that was out of control.
At TLC our students discover God’s purpose for their lives and learn that serving God can be courageous, adventurous, and exciting.