Testimonies: PrestonTrena Crow

Preston Crow

When I committed myself to our Savior Jesus Christ, I had a desire to help and minister to people just like me. Although I was raised in a Christian home instructed in the way of the Lord, I rejected it and Sin took me farther than I wanted to go, kept me longer than I wanted to stay, and cost me more than I wanted to pay . After struggling through many rehabs, jails, prisons and institutions I heard His calling.

And through His work He chose me. My best ideas always headed for destruction. It was time to listen to Him.

After working a couple of other ministries. God allowed Bill Wadley and myself the opportunity to start the House of Mercy Enterprises (HOME). Together with my wife, Trena, and Justin Piegat, we are still here working in the presence of God’s will. Under the authority of the Board of Directors, Harrell Braddock, Hugo Naumann, Mike Green, Martha Green without their willingness to volunteer in service, and the continuing financial. support of the LF and CARLA PERRY FOUNDATION along with other support of local churches and Olney residents and surrounding communities, home would not be possible.

I come to this ministry with a unique prospective. For I came from the same places that most of the residents come from. But let me tell you what the Lord has done for me.

He has taken me from a life of self-seeking fleshly desires and given me a new life of spiritual desires. I love the people I serve at the HOME. The program that was developed in house is a Christian Human Development Program. And by the will of God many have developed a spiritual life. And some are leaders and teachers in this house. God has taken what others have cast aside and made vessels of honor. Not everyone has the wiliness or fortitude to follow the disciplines and directions that Christ set out in his word. Like Paul said in 2 Tim 3:7 “Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

I feel the growth in myself along with the residents of this house. As David said in Ps. 37:4,5 “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desire of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord: trust also in him; and he shall bring it to past.”

I can not imagine doing anything else. God has given me life by and through His Grace.

Trena Crow

When I was asked to write a testimony about why /how the HOUSE OF MERCY (HOME) came about on my part. The answer is simply AUSTIN PEASE, my son. I believe if there had been a place like HOME ten years ago, before my son was murdered by a so-called friend, he could have had a life knowing Gods peace. When he was searching for help there was nothing we could afford.

I have always loved and wanted to help people. God’s word was always hard for me to understand but I did understand the part about always loving everyone and caring for others, so that is what I always tried to do.

Preston and I had even discussed using our house on Ave D and turn it into something like the HOME, but God provided us with a better place (perfect place). I sold my house in 2017 and we used most of the furnishings and Austins part of the sale to help get the HOME started. With the help of some gracious donors and many volunteers, unusual events (like the truck that overturned and owner donated truck load of toilet tissue, nonperishables etc.) have been true blessings from God. You can feel and see Gods love in the HOME. God sent some special broken people that showed up at the door and I still don’t know if they needed us more or we needed them more, but God had a plan. Tammy and those that reach level 3 and 4 is a big part of what keeps the HOME going. It is awesome watching God work with the people when they come in and realize they are loved and learn something about Gods word. We all learn from each other daily.

I was born and raised my children here in Olney. To anyone that may have questions or would like a tour of the HOME just call 940-564-3339 and set up a time. In order to keep the HOME open and helping others we need the continued support of the community and generous donors

I Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity (love).

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 (NIV)