The story of Rest Haven is a tapestry, interwoven with prayers and praises, trials, testing, and tears, along with a multitude of thanksgivings. At the start just two dear sisters were provided with necessary care and shelter.
In 1943, the Lord led Grace Pell to become more involved in the work of Rest Haven Homes, Inc. Though deeply involved in Christian literature printing and distribution, Grace had been a regular visitor and prayer partner with the couple first entrusted with the care of those at Rest Haven. Some nine years earlier, Grace had visited Sister Abigail Townsend at the El-Nathan Home. Sister Abigail had challenged Grace to pray about getting involved in such a ministry. Now, she stepped out in faith to assume full responsibility of the work. Her trust was wholly in the Lord to provide for both her own needs and for the needs of Rest Haven. She was confident that where God guides, He provides.
The ensuing years saw God’s rich blessing. It became necessary to move from one home to another. Finally, in 1963, the first building was completed at the present location. The Lord has enlarged our borders and today our campus includes forty-eight apartments for independent living; the home for the aged, licensed to serve 49; and the nursing wing, licensed to serve 25. We depend on a kind staff of over 70 and many countless volunteer hours.
The one outstanding characteristic of Rest Haven is fellowship with like-minded believers. Many of our residents have spent their Christian lives gathered with other believers with the Lord Jesus Christ as their center. There are other dear Christians at Rest Haven and all share a common love for the Lord Jesus Christ. All our meals begin with prayer and a reading of Scripture. Tuesdays, our ladies and men have separate Bible studies.
Sometimes guest missionary speakers will visit and speak at the studies. Wednesday evenings, the Rest Haven bus takes able residents to one of the three local assemblies for the weekly prayer meeting. Sunday morning the Rest Haven bus takes any interested and able saints over to the local assembly where they can remember the Lord.
For those who cannot get out, we have a Remembrance Meeting in the Home every Sunday afternoon. Sunday evening we gather around the piano to wind down the day with songs of worship and praise. Often local Christians from the nearby assemblies come and join us. Friday evening too the Home is alive with songs of praise as friends come to join us for a singspiration. You are invited to come and find your place with us.
Contact:
Rest Haven Homes, Inc.
1424 Union NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Phone 616-363-6819
Fax 616-363-1658
Email [email protected]
Website www.resthavenhomes.org