Please take a moment to read this newsletter from our friends at Dear Dinah:
“Our closest representation of Jesus on this earth is human beings. Jesus said, ‘What you’ve done to the least of these, my brethren, you’ve done it to me.’ So the way I treat any human being… is the way I’m treating Jesus.” – John Bevere
Dear Friends,
This quote has been echoing in my heart for the past two weeks. It’s a beautiful and sobering reminder of what it truly means to serve—and be served—as the hands and feet of Christ.
This month, I had the privilege of standing on both sides of that coin. I experienced the joy and humility of not only serving Jesus through this ministry, but also being served by others who love Him deeply. Watching men and women show up to pour themselves out—sometimes with their bare hands in the dirt, other times behind the wheel of a car circling downtown, looking for the lost and hurting—has overwhelmed me in the best way. Many of them could be enjoying rest and retirement, but instead, they’ve chosen the call of Luke 14:21.
They’ve accepted the invitation. And they’re inviting others to the table.
With each passing week, the fruit of that obedience is becoming more and more visible. From street outreach to quiet conversations around the dining room table at the Victory House, lives are being touched, hearts are being softened, and freedom is being discovered. And it’s not only those we serve who are changed—it’s all of us.
I’ve also seen the impact of this service—real, tangible change in the lives of women we’ve encountered. This month, we met over 50 women through street outreach. One brave soul left the streets and is now walking toward healing in recovery. Another has received temporary housing and a car, making a way forward where there seemed to be none. And at the Victory House, we’ve welcomed over 75 guests into a space where safety, rest, and authentic community are becoming part of their story.
The work on the ground has been matched by the faithful generosity of those serving behind the scenes. Christian Life Center blessed us through their Love Dayton project, building shelves, organizing storage, deep-cleaning the Victory House, and creating a beautiful fence around the farm area at Selah. That fence is more than just wood and wire—it’s a barrier to the very space where women will be able to nurture and care for God’s creation. CLC also donated a new air conditioning unit, and thanks to the kindness of R & T Yoder Electric, Plumbing, and HVAC, it was installed just in time for the summer heat!
And can I just talk about Colonial Baptist Church? Because during their Vacation Bible School, the kids raised money throughout the week to purchase much-needed items for Dear Dinah’s street outreach. Their invitation to be part of the mission was extended to every generation—sewing into the ministry of reaching the souls still waiting to be seen and loved on the streets.
Wow. Thank you to all of our church families for partnering with us in such a meaningful way!
We were also blown away by the team from Christ Church United Methodist, who demoed and installed a new fence area, created a dreamy enclosed garden, and helped with landscaping—each effort another thread in the tapestry of God’s love being woven through this ministry.
As I reflect on it all, I’m left deeply encouraged—not just by what’s happening through Dear Dinah, but by the people who are saying yes to the call. Jesus said to “go out into the streets”—and that’s exactly what His followers are doing. With work gloves, casserole dishes, and compassionate hearts, they are showing up. And I truly cannot believe I get to be a part of it.
If you’re looking for a way to say “yes,” I want to invite you to consider a few tangible steps…
Sign up to bring a meal to the women at the Victory House—a simple act that opens doors to deeper connection and nourishment of both body and soul. Sign up through our meal train, here.
Join us for upcoming Selah Serve Days to help us steward the land and space we’ve been given. Just visit www.deardinah.org/selah-serve-day for details.And finally, mark your calendar for October 11th. That’s the night of The Banquet—a celebration and a calling, inspired by Luke 14. Just like the parable, we are extending the invitation far and wide, to the streets, to the margins, and to anyone with ears to hear. Registration for The Banquet: Fields & Feasting is now officially open! We’re also inviting sponsors to help make this powerful evening possible. If you or someone you know would like to attend or partner with us as a sponsor, you can do both here:
Register to attend: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-banquet-fields-feasting-tickets-1431829593859
Become a sponsor: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/the-banquet-event-sponsorship
“Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.” – Luke 14:21
Thank you for continuing to go with us—to the hard places, to the overlooked places, to the places where Jesus waits. Your prayers, presence, and partnership are part of every story being written here.
With gratitude and hope,
Mandy Reed
Founder & Executive Director
Dear Dinah, Inc.
