HISTORY & BACKGROUND OF GOOD NEIGHBORS HEALTH CARE

“Come to the edge,” He said. They said, “We can’t, we’re afraid.”

Come to the edge,” He said.   “We can’t, we will fall.”

“Come to the edge,” He said. So they came, and He pushed them.

They flew.

~Guillame Apollinaire

HARVEST HOUSE HISTORY

Harvest House began when Gary & Linda Tatu were moved to take their faith more seriously after attending a Cursillo weekend in 1990. It was at this retreat they were introduced to Jesus as a friend. Shortly thereafter, a seed was planted when Gary saw a picture of an abandoned church in South Buffalo in a real estate listing book. A few days later the seed was cultivated at a John Michael Talbot concert where all night the messages of "Sell all you have, give to the poor and follow me," and "Peter do you love me? Feed my sheep," seemed directed specifically to them. Gary and Linda left the concert and drove by the church. After months of research, prayer and seeing God’s loving hand directing them to do so, they sold their home in the suburbs and on April 12, 1993 purchased the derelict city church which they called, “Harvest House.” In a relatively short amount of time, but with much effort, they renovated and transformed Harvest House into a Baby & Children’s Ministry, and a Christian Retreat Center.

The years have been challenging, enlightening, frustrating and inspiring for them. It is only through God’s grace that Harvest House has become the wonderful inviting "home" it is to so many. For more information about Harvest House, go to www.harvesthouse.ws

HARVEST HOUSE MINISTRY CENTER

In 2003, the former owner of the “Mack” Truck warehouse on Jefferson decided to sell the building upon his retirement and give the proceeds to charity. But something moved him to offer the building first to the owners of one of his favorite ministries, Harvest House. Gary & Linda flatly refused the offer, as they were very busy & content with what was happening at Harvest House. There was ‘no way’ that they were taking on another building. They were thinking retirement soon. Again, God intervened and gave them a vision for some type of “ Ministry Center ” which would serve the people in an underserved community with all of the services that could help them build a better life. So, they said ‘yes’ and along with their Board, began to develop ideas of what such a Center should include. Currently, opportunities include GED classes, LPN & CNA classes, computer classes, and free legal advice ~ with much more in the planning stages. A dirty, smelly warehouse is being transformed into a beautiful Center. It is amazing how God can work through people who will empty themselves & say Yes to Him!

GOOD NEIGHBORS

At the same time that the Tatu’s agreed to accept a second location, God prompted some folks at a suburban church to do something for people in the inner city, so they began looking for a site upon which to begin a free medical clinic for the uninsured. Many “God-incidents” not only brought this group & Harvest House together, but also some dedicated volunteers who captured the vision for a free health center and energetically moved it into fruition. Good Neighbors now comes under the umbrella of Harvest House Ministries, but we are grateful to the friends who gave Good Neighbors its beginning and financially supported the early years of the ministry.

THE FUTURE OF HARVEST HOUSE MINISTRY CENTER