When the Helpers Need Help

Hello, we are the Humphries!

We serve in Alaska with SEND International, ministering to families in crisis. Alaska is a difficult logistically overwhelming and often spiritually dark place to live. Having enough food, shelter, and warmth to survive is a constant concern and when families experience a crisis such as addiction, domestic violence, or a frightening medical diagnosis they can easily spiral out of control and fall apart. We work to connect families with Christian community and the hospitality of Christ. We join with them at their point of need to show them that God loves their family and wants to see it succeed, and so do we.

After eight years and a couple of hundred families, we were long overdue for a time to connect those who support us in this very needed ministry. One of the reasons planning time away from our home in Alaska is complicated for us is that we have children with high medical needs, just like the families we serve. In our family we have a lot of diagnoses: multiple g-tubes, immunosuppression, many meds, multiple shots and a kidney transplant. Figuring out how to change doctors and medical suppliers and pharmacies all over the country is overwhelming! In addition to the stress of constant traveling since October and the ongoing stress of  fundraising, we have to make sure our thirteen year old flies to Austin, Texas every 28 days for his infusion! God worked to make this time away possible and gave us many opportunities to talk to our supporters and churches.

Sanctuary Inn has given us a place of rest and refreshment as we get ready to go back to the field at the end of February. I have loved the chance to walk by the river, feel the sunshine on my face and take a breath between these stressful times. The kids have loved meeting new friends, building cool forts and swinging in the hammock. We have been especially blessed by the food and the way they have figured out the things the kids love! Our kids walked in and had so much joy about finding a bunch of pudding and special chips! In both the big and the little ways, Sanctuary Inn shows Christ’s love when we are tired and worn out. The gift of people to walk beside us as we get ready to return is something I didn’t even know we needed, but God did!

Blessings,
The Humphrise, Sanctuary Inn Guests