On September 25th is when every person who has supported us whether it's been since the beginning or in the last few years; got the email that Josie was stepping out of the shoes she's worn for the last 14 years into something totally new. If you missed that update, here it is. Thank you for being along the journey with us...
'As you know, Consider the Lily (CTL) was founded in 2011 by Josie Long, who has been both the heart and "mom" of our home from the beginning. Many of you have faithfully supported us through the years. It’s amazing to look back on our journey- starting with 24 girls in one, tiny, four-bedroom house- to now, caring for up to 72 girls across two homes. Thank you for choosing to continue to walk with us through this journey of growth. We would not be able to serve these girls without you.
Over these 13 years, our greatest joy has been watching our first, young girls grow in their faith under the roof of CTL, graduate from college, and then thrive in careers of their choosing. In many cases, these remarkable, resilient young women choose to get a degree, return to the home in a leadership role, and offer their services to the home in their new fields of study. Praise God for breaking the chains of their pasts and offering them these incredible freedoms. This is what continues to motivate us to rescue more girls: the hope of cultural change in the Philippines through the discipleship of young girls.
As we begin to host mission trips to prepare our third home to rescue more girls, the Lord has made it clear it is time to take a step of faith in order to facilitate growth. After much prayer and discernment, Josie has decided to step into a new, state-side role with CTL as Director of Fundraising. She will move to the United States on October 8th and immediately begin working full-time, traveling nationwide, to speak and raise funds for her "daughters" in the Philippines.
While Josie was on her 6 month sabbatical from March 2024-September 2024, we were able to witness a "dry-run" of what the new leadership structure within the homes will look like. By God's grace, Josie's absence allowed the space for other CTL-raised "daughters" and current Filipino staff to step into leadership positions. It was an answer to many hours of prayer to watch them thrive (and, honestly, a personal relief for Josie who felt the Lord clearly pulling her in this direction for over two years). Josie has been so prayerful and patient in discerning if this is the will of the Lord for her and CTL. The board unanimously supports her in this decision and we pray our supporters will as well. We feel there is no better person to advocate for the needs of a child than their parent.
When Josie told the girls the news, there were (of course) many tears as well as some anger as the girls processed this change. The step of separation is hard for everyone involved. However, it also ultimately leads to a season of new, beautiful growth. We are grateful we get a front row seat to witnessing God's work in this transition.
The ultimate vision for CTL has always been to be a self-sustaining, Filipino-run home. We are both excited and a bit nervous to be seeing this come to fruition. However, we are confident that CTL will be in capable hands, led by women who have grown up within our CTL family and deeply understand the values and culture we cherish. Although Josie will be moving back to the United States, she will fly back to visit the homes regularly each year.
We are incredibly grateful for your prayers and continued support during this time. If possible, please join us in routinely praying the following prayer over Josie and the girls over the next days, weeks, and months:
Lord, thank you for choosing Josie to be an agent of change in the Philippines. Thank you for her obedience and her desire to be your hands and feet by physically loving on your children for the past 14 years. We pray you will abundantly bless CTL in her continued service through fundraising. Please open doors for her and richly bless her and this organization. Please do more than we can ask or imagine. We pray Josie, all the girls, and staff feel supported and loved throughout this transition. Please calm the storms that will come and provide your overarching peace in all hearts involved. We pray for Josie's safe travel. Lastly, we pray our steps are always in line with your will and that the fruit will be evidence of that alignment. Amen.
We will keep you updated throughout this transition and are happy to answer any questions you may have. If you are interested in having Josie speak at your church or at a fundraiser, please contact Kim Hommel at kimhommel@considerthelily.org
Thank you again for playing an integral part in CTL's journey. Your partnership makes all of this possible and is needed even more as we take this step of faith to grow and further serve the Lord.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kim Hommel
Executive Director
Consider the Lily, Inc'
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