May 2026

Dear Friend of God’s Resort,

In Psalm 91:1-2, God promises: Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. Thank you for helping us provide that refuge. Because of your generosity, we can offer a safe home where people can find rest from their past and real hope for tomorrow!

I often think of our ministry as a house of God – and Rebekah is a beautiful example of someone in whom Jesus truly lives. Years ago, during a mid-life crisis, Rebekah made the choice to follow her addict husband into drug use. She never thought she would become addicted herself, but she fell deep into the dark pit of substance abuse. Ultimately, she lost everything – including her boys, her home, and her hope.

Thankfully, a friend helped her find recovery, which led her to God’s Resort. She tells us it completely changed her life:

“God’s Resort sees people like me as savable. With God and the community here, you have everything you need to get your life back. If I wasn’t at God’s Resort, I would still be stuck in my past like so many other addicts. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Today, Rebekah is conquering the fears of her past! For years, a $15,000 debt stood in the way of her education. When she finally found the courage to call the college, she heard the incredible words: “All your debt has been paid. You are clear and good to go!” She starts school on August 17th to become a surgical technician! On top of that, she was just approved for a Habitat for Humanity house, and the sons she once lost have been restored to her. Talk about living in the shelter of the Lord!

Thank you again for helping us provide not just a physical housebut the Christ-centered community that God uses to transform lives. This truly is His Resort! To give a special gift to help create life change at God’s Resort, click here or contact john@godsresortjoplin.org.

 

With love and prayer,

Jay St. Clair
Executive Director

Grateful for a Transformational Gift

God’s Resort is deeply grateful to the Joplin Regional Community Foundation’s Philanthropic Society for their generous $50,000 grant award! This support will help cover resident utility expenses, keeping living costs lower so residents can focus on paying down debt and building savings.At God’s Resort, we believe recovery and restoration happen best when people have the margin, support, and peace of mind to truly focus on their future. Partnerships like this help make that possible.

Thank you for believing in our mission and investing in the lives of those we serve. Your generosity is making a real impact in our community.

Volunteer Spotlight

New Partnership Opportunity: Make “Home” Feel Like Home
At God’s Resort, welcoming a new resident means so much more than simply handing over the keys to an apartment. It’s about creating a space that feels personal, warm, and truly theirs from the very beginning.
We’re excited to share that we have a new partnership opportunity at God’s Resort, which is one that allows you to play a direct role in helping create these meaningful first moments of “home.”
Each apartment is fully furnished: everything from forks in the kitchen to brand-new beds is thoughtfully provided. But what truly transforms these spaces are the meaningful, personal touches that reflect each resident’s unique story, and these intentional details help turn an apartment into a place of peace, dignity, and belonging.

Introducing: Personal Touch Partners
As part of this new opportunity, we are inviting individuals or groups to become Personal Touch Partners, which are people who want to help bring these homes to life in tangible ways. This might look like:

  • Shopping for specific colors for items such as rugs, towels, bedding, or shower curtains or
  • Donating gift cards so we can purchase personalized items as unique needs arise

While we are grateful for donated items, there are many times when finding the just right piece makes all the difference. Your support allows us to meet those moments with care and intentionality.

One of the most meaningful aspects of this initiative is that everything provided belongs to the resident, even after they move on. Your generosity continues to impact lives long beyond move-in day.

If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful way to make a difference, we would love for you to join us as a Personal Touch Partner and help make “coming home” at God’s Resort truly special.

To get involved, visit: https://godsresortjoplin.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/69/responses/new

This month, we’re excited to spotlight our incredible partnership with The Lord’s Kitchen
At God’s Resort, Sunday nights are a special time of connection, community, and fellowship. Each week, generous individuals and groups provide a meal for those who gather, and over the past two years, one partner has made a particularly meaningful impact.

We are incredibly grateful for The Lord’s Kitchen Food Truck, owned by Daulton and Melissa Ray, for faithfully serving our residents during a series of Sunday Night Fellowships.

When The Lord’s Kitchen arrives, the experience becomes something truly unique. Instead of a typical meal service down in our dining area, the food truck sets up along Pearl Street, and residents and attendees have the opportunity to walk up, order directly from the menu, and enjoy a fresh, made-to-order meal. It creates not just a dinner but an experience that brings joy, dignity, and a sense of normalcy to everyone involved.

Known especially for his catfish, Daulton’s cooking has quickly become a favorite among our residents. Many look forward to the nights when his truck rolls in, excited for both the food and the fun atmosphere it brings.

What makes this partnership even more special is the heart behind it. At events, Daulton operates on a donation-only basis, choosing not to set prices for his meals. His approach reflects a deep trust and generosity. He has shared how incredible it is to see people respond, and how consistently God provides through it all.

We are so thankful for Daulton and Melissa Ray and The Lord’s Kitchen Food Truck for the way they love and serve our community. Their presence has brought not only great food, but also joy, generosity, and a powerful example of faith in action.

       

Did you know that you can stay connected with the official God’s Resort app?
Follow this link today to download the God’s Resort app, and check out all of the things going on at God’s Resort and ways you can get connected!

RSVP for one of our quarterly tours of God’s Resort here: https://godsresortjoplin.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/78/responses/new

Current Serving Needs: 

If you are interested in any of the above, contact Machaela Cantu at machaela@godsresortjoplin.org.


Living Water and Lasting Memories at The Well

It has been a month full of special blessings for our residents. We were incredibly grateful for a generous donation from Hope City, which allowed us to purchase new laundry baskets for each of the ladies. These simple but meaningful items will help them keep their rooms more organized and comfortable.

We were also blessed by a financial gift from Christ Community Church during the Christmas season that was specifically designated to provide memorable experiences for our women. Thanks to that generosity, we were able to take the ladies to see “David” at the Sight & Sound Theatre in Branson.

The trip was a wonderful opportunity for the women to enjoy a day away from their normal routine and experience something truly special. For many of them, it was their first time seeing a live theatrical performance of that quality. They were captivated by the beautiful music, the live animals, and the grandeur of the theater as the story of King David came to life before them.

        

We are deeply thankful for the faithful donors who not only help provide for our women’s everyday needs but also make it possible for them to create lasting memories and enjoy meaningful experiences.

If you would like to help supply daily needs for our residents, please visit our Amazon Wish List: Amazon Wish List

For more information getting involved at The Well, please contact Trina Davis at trina@godsresortjoplin.org.

God’s Resort Youth

A Month of Celebrations

This month has been FILLED with celebrations!! We had the opportunity to make cards to celebrate our WONDERFUL moms here, celebrate the last days of school, and celebrate all the amazing things Jesus has done! We have been able to have amazing conversations as well as moments where the Holy Spirit just shined.

                

We are beyond blessed by all of you and your support! As we have said goodbye to our college students for the summer, we have gotten to meet so many new faces as you all have stepped up. So thankful for a community that loves the littlest in the Kingdom!
We are entering a summer series about how to be a godly leader! Please consider partnering with us in prayer as we encourage our kids (and neighborhood kids) to lead like JESUS!! Also, pray for us as we enter camp season!

If you love kids and are looking for a way to get plugged in… We are always looking for volunteers on Monday nights, Tuesday Nights and Wednesday Nights! OR if you love cooking, please reach out to join our Tuesday Night Tummy Fillers team. To get plugged in or ifyou have any questions, please contact Machaela Cantu, Community Engagement Coordinator, at machaela@godsresortjoplin.org. Thank you!

               


Refresh, Restore, Renew

As the school year comes to a close and summer begins, we’re reminded that every new season brings opportunities for rest, renewal, and growth. At God’s Resort, summer is a chance to step away from busyness and reconnect with God in a fresh and meaningful way. Through authentic worship and genuine community, we see lives encouraged, hearts restored, and faith renewed as people encounter God right where they are.

Summer is more than a break from routine — it’s an opportunity to embrace the hope, joy, and freedom God offers. Whether someone is coming out of a challenging school year, navigating a new chapter in life, or simply looking for a place to grow spiritually, there is a place for them here. At God’s Resort, worship becomes a space to lay down burdens, find encouragement, and be reminded that God is still working in every season of life.

We would love for you to join the worship and community happening at God’s Resort this summer! Whether you’re a worship leader, musician, tech volunteer, student, parent, or someone who simply loves to praise Jesus, there’s a place for you here. Come be part of what God is doing this season! To get connected, email jon-michael@godsresortjoplin.org or call 417-553-4080.