Back in October 2011, Narrow Gate held our second annual Bluegrass, Barbeque and Blazing Metal, an open house on our property in Williamsport. At the end of a day filled with artisan demonstrations, games, tours, a hayride, and a bluegrass concert performed by Ron Block and friends, our students performed a live foundry metal pour. The donations made for the candleholders allowed Narrow Gate to benefit Josiah's House, a Dominican Republic orphanage established by Grace Chapel in Leiper's Fork, TN.

We recently found out that the funds raised at Bluegrass, Barbeque and Blazing Metal allowed Josiah's House to build a playground for the orphaned boys who live there. Diane Spencer, who serves with her husband Bob as director of Josiah's House, said, "(The boys) enjoy swinging every day and many of the neighbor children have been enjoying (the playground), as well. There is nothing like it anywhere in the near vicinity." What a privilege for Narrow Gate's young men to be able to produce items that benefit such an important cause! For more information about Josiah's House, please visit http://haveheart.net/mission/josiahs-house/. Pictured: A resident of Josiah's House, an orphanage in the Dominican Republic, plays on the home's newly-constructed playground.

Tickets for Narrow Gate's 3rd Annual Gather at the Gate are now on sale! Join us at 5 p.m. May 19th in Narrow Gate's Big Barn for an evening to celebrate and support our ministry to young men. Gather at the Gate includes a silent auction, dinner catered by Puckett's and a songwriters' night featuring Leslie Satcher, Casey Beathard and Don Poythress. If you've never attended a songwriters' night, you're in for a treat as these seasoned writers weave acoustic renditions of songs with stories of how the tunes came to be.

Auction items this year include a guitar autographed by Steve Winwood, an original painting by Butler Steltemeier, a custom iron coffee table from blacksmith Walter Howell, various items made by Narrow Gate's students in our wood, leather and metal shops, and many more. For more information, a full list of auction items, or to purchase tickets, please CLICK HERE or contact Allie Davis at 931-583-0633. Please note that seating for this event is limited.

Narrow Gate's newest class began Tuesday with four new students: Joshua of Carthage, Texas; Tyler of Amarillo, Texas; Dallas of Franklin, Tenn.; and Casey of Gap, Penn. The guys have had beautiful weather so far, though hotter than normal for this time of year. Please pray for grace as they transition to their new home on the Hill, for unity and love toward one another, and for ever-deepening love for God and desire for change in their lives.

Narrow Gate's Website serves as an important tool to keep all of us within the ministry connected to all of you: whether a prospective student, the parent of a prospective student, a supporter or volunteer, or simply someone who wants to stay up-to-date on the happenings with our young men. We've recently made some changes and added a new page, so we hope you'll take the time to check them out. First, Narrow Gate recently launched a new initiative called Servant's Table, which you can now read about on The Levels page under the Experience tab. Servants' Table helps young men walking out of the structured environment on Narrow Gate's campus into the next season of life by establishing support networks for each student, in order to assist in a successful transition. Secondly, we've added a section on our Support page about creative ways to give financially to Narrow Gate, including ways to use search engines, online shopping and eating out for our organization's benefit.

We're still working on other changes, including a graduate update page and a page dedicated to our artisan shops. So stay tuned!

Three young men chose to began their year well by enrolling in Narrow Gate. Chris of Minooka, Ill.; Logan of Louisville; and Zack of Thompson's Station (pictured from left to right) began their Foundation experience on Tuesday, January 17th. Please pray for them as they journey with God and each other in this new chapter of life. Please also pray for all our staff, students and Board of Directors as we steward the lives entrusted us.

At this beginning of the year and throughout 2012, may we all have the courage to do what these young men have done: take a look at our lives, allow the Holy Spirit to highlight areas in which we can grow, and take steps toward God and His purposes for us.