Beneath the Surface: What Clearing Brush Taught Me About Real Change
Written by Troy Haas, M.Div., CADC-II, CSAT, CMAT
Our family property in Texas is where I learned many valuable life lessons. As a kid, I spent countless hours hunting, fencing, and eventually building a rustic cabin with my father. One of the tasks I grew to enjoy the most was clearing brush from around the oak trees. With the land open and the grass freshly cut, the area felt peaceful and full of promise.
When Surface Work Is Not Enough
For years, I believed that clearing brush simply meant cutting away that which was visible. I would trim the yaupon shrubs as low as possible, then step back and appreciate the beauty of the open space. The following year, however, the cleared area had already begun to show new yaupon growth. Before long, they grew back thicker than before, covering the ground and choking out the very oaks I was trying to enjoy. [READ MORE]
BREAKING NEWS
The Phone Call That Changed Everything
Building Hope 2025, our year-end giving campaign, just gained incredible momentum! Earlier this week, Troy received a call from two supporters who felt moved to take the impact of Building Hope 2025 even further. They have generously offered to match up to $75,000 of the gifts received toward this year’s campaign.
EVERY DOLLAR NOW GOES TWICE AS FAR
With this matching opportunity, we now have the ability to raise up to $125,000 to support men and families seeking freedom and healing through HopeQuest.
We are grateful for this unexpected blessing and for everyone who continues to stand with us in prayer and encouragement. Together, we are building hope.
A LOOK BACK
Celebrating Freedom 2025
We continue to reflect on the meaningful evening we shared together at Celebrating Freedom 2025 in early November. Thank you to every guest, volunteer, sponsor, and partner who joined us. Your presence made the night memorable.
A special ‘thank you’ goes to Pastor John Lynch for delivering an authentic and hope-filled message that resonated deeply with our community, as well as Adam Kersh and his band for leading us in an incredible time of worship that helped set the tone for the evening.
If you would like to revisit the night or share it with friends, photos are now available to view on our Facebook page. We hope they remind you of the stories, connections, and moments of hope we experienced together.
STAFF UPDATES
Thank You, Team
In this season of gratitude, we recognize one of God’s greatest blessings to the ministry of HopeQuest: our staff. Each individual brings unique strengths, compassion, and dedication that shape HopeQuest into a place of healing and hope.
To every team member who serves with patience, grace, and faithfulness, your impact is seen and appreciated. Your work matters. And the way you care for the men and families we serve mirrors the heart of Jesus.
ADMISSIONS REPORT
In November, SEVEN men entered treatment at HopeQuest and began their journey toward freedom. Pray with us as they grow, heal, and pursue lifelong recovery.