Port Austin Bible Campus; PO Box 474, Port Austin, Michigan 48467 989-738-7700 www.portaustin.net/pabc
Port Austin Bible Campus, 8180 Port Drive, PO Box 474, Port Austin, Michigan, USA, 48467.
989-738-7700  •  pabc@portaustin.net  •  Serving God and our fellow man.

PABC closed on 7/9/2018 after 14 years of Christian community and homeless ministry service.

This website is no longer maintained. It is for historical purposes only.

May God strengthen Christians everywhere to teach His word & serve those in need!

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Welcome to Port Austin Bible Campus!

Final Ministry Summary:

770 PABC Guest Stories Graph: Monthly Men/Women/Children Graph: Monthly Min/Avg/Max Guests

PABC History

Since 2010 the Port Austin Bible Campus has opened its doors to help homeless people in Michigan's Thumb. Utilizing the buildings of the former Port Austin Air Force Base, PABC has provided emergency services to 1088 people, 639 of which have stayed on the PABC campus. There are no other facilities for homeless men in Huron, Sanilac or Tuscola counties—even men with families. Each of these three counties has a women's shelter, but their first priority is domestic violence victims.

PABC receives referrals from a variety of government agencies, law enforcement, hospitals churches and other concerned individuals. We attend the Thumb Area Continuum of Care meetings which coordinate the homeless services for Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola counties.

All PABC staff are volunteers. Some work at part time jobs, others are retired. We do as much of our own maintenance as we can and grow much of our own food.. The annual expenses for the entire PABC ministry have recently been about $40,000.

PABC is a non-denominational Christian ministry. We honor the Bible as the Word of God, but do not attempt to teach any particular denomination's doctrines. We encourage and receive help from a variety of Christian groups. We require Guests to attend Bible class five days per week if they are not working or attending other essential appointments. Classes consist largely of Christian videos—our favorite being movies made using the exact words from the Bible. Questions and discussion are encouraged. We accept homeless Guests from all religious backgrounds, provided they are not harmful or disruptive to PABC Guests or staff.

PABC Staff

Norman Edwards has done most of the work in founding the ministry, obtaining the buildings, writing the community policies and authoring this web site. He was born in 1956, the youngest of three sons. He completed a degree in business administration and worked as a computer analyst/programmer for 17 years. Afterward, he worked in independent Christian ministries involving much Bible study and writing and speaking to a variety of groups. Norman and his wife, Marleen, have been married for 35 years and plan to move to Tennessee for a new ministry opportunity and to be with their four sons and seven grand children there.

Bill Buckman was another founding member of PABC, having lived and worked on its campus since 2004. Bill is also the youngest of three children, being born in 1946. He has a master's degree in history and has studied the Bible and Middle Eastern archeology most of his life. He has been gradually working on a book that better reconciles the observations of archeology with the true biblical chronology. He is a single man, and has served in a great variety of capacities at PABC.

Mark Miller has been coordinating transportation, maintaining computers, repairing electrical devices or managing the men's dorm for much of 2017. He likes working with the diversity of people who stay at PABC. He is able to relate well as he has past military, homeless and substance abuse experience. He will be turning 62 in a few months, but hopes to continue to help at PABC as long as he is able.


Charlotte Thuemmel and her friend, Wendy, organized the Bible Church Homeless Coalition (BCHC) on February 11, 2015. (They do not live at PABC, but in the Port Austin area.) BCHC’s purpose was to encourage Thumb-area Christians to become personally involved in helping the homeless, both at PABC and other places as they are able. You are welcome to attend its monthly meetings every 2nd Thursday at 2:00 PM in the PABC Dining Hall. You may read more about it here.

We encourage you to explore our website and click on the links and buttons that interest you. Your questions and comments are welcome!

Port Austin Bible Campus, 8180 Port Drive, PO Box 474, Port Austin, Michigan 48467; 989-738-7700 pabc@portaustin.net.


Latest PABC News:

March 2019 – Jeff Kramer Continues His Ministry to Homeless at Sanilac County Rescue Mission

Jeff Kramer is continuing his active homeless ministry at the newly expanded Sanilac Rescue Mission. (PABC had originally invited the Kramers to move to Michigan to continue PABC's homeless ministry October 2017‐see articles below.) It is good for the Thumb to again have a shelter which will accept homeless men. If you want help or want to help, contact:

www.sanilacrescuemission.org/

www.facebook.com/sanilacrescuemission/

www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/local/2018/02/07/sandusky-police-chief-heads-effort-aid-homeless/314606002/


July 11, 2018 – Edwards Move to Nashville

Thanks to all of the many Christian friends who helped with this ministry. We are are now enjoying children and grandchildren in Nashville. May God continue to inspire and bless all of you in your Christian service!


June 15, 2018 – Property Sale Confirmed!
Moving Sale Thursday, Friday, Sunday!

Today, Huron Casting determined that they will purchase the PABC property and they have placed their deposit in escrow. Much work remains for PABC to deal with the many items still on campus. Norman and Marleen must find their personal items, which have been in use all over the place, and pack them up to move. Other items will be packed to give to various ministries or to be sold to pay remaining amounts owing. (For example, our utilities are due 2 to 3 months after they are utilities are actually used, so there are substantial amounts not yet billed to us. The final bills will be paid after we leave!)

Please come to our moving sale June 21, 22 and 24, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.

It is at 8180 Port Dr, the former Port Austin Air Force Base. Signs will take you to the right building.

We will have tools, furniture, appliances, commercial kitchen items, office equipment, sports equipment, handicapped items, etc. Call 989-582-0848 with questions.

We encourage Christians of Michigan's Thumb to continue their efforts to care for the homeless and those in need—in whatever way God leads them to do it!


May 31, 2018 – Campus Inspections/Sale Extended Two Weeks!

Today, PABC agreed to give Huron Casting till June 15th to complete their inspections of our property to determine if it is cost-effective to purchase for their needs! They have already sent several teams to the property, but need to do more. Only 6 guests and 3 full-time staff live at PABC now. All have viable plans for future housing.

If Huron Casting accepts the property, we can expect this time-line:
June 21 - 24: Big moving sale at PABC of its operational appliances, furniture, tools, household items, office equipment—nearly everything. PABC will use the money to pay past months utility bills and to store items for future Huron County homeless ministries.
June 29 - July 1: Give away moving sale leftovers to thumb churches and ministries. For details, watch this website or ask for email updates (pabc@portaustin.net).
July 2 - July 9: Final cleanup and property will close with Huron Casting taking possession.

If Huron Casting does not purchase the property, we are still very interested in helping a group of Christians use the property for a ministry. We have some phone calls to make right away. Homeless people still call asking for help. We still find believers expressing interest in serving in a Huron County ministry. Please give us a post or a call if you might be interested: 989-582-0848.


May 16, 2018 – PABC Accepts Offer for Campus!

PABC has accepted an offer for its property from a major corporation in the Thumb. The corporation has 15 days for inspections to determine the acceptability of the costs to upgrade the property for their intended uses. PABC is very interested in backup offers should this corporation exercise their option to back out of the purchase agreement during these 15 days.

We are still encouraging Christians in the Thumb to consider a homeless shelter ministry or Christian retreat center at this property. The Thumb needs them! At this time, one can make plans, pray, and see if the property becomes available again in 15 days. Please call Norman Edwards at 989-582-0848 if you are at all interested.

Even though PABC continues to receive calls from people seeking shelter, it has not accepted any new Guests during the past month. Only 8 Guests remain on campus and all of them have a plan for where they will go before the property sells. The Edwards are excited about their move and future ministry near Nashville. God has been good to us!


April 12, 2018 – New facilities for Michigan House of Hope, PABC closing down, unless...

Jeff Kramer announced the Michigan House of Hope has arranged for funding to build a new homeless ministry facility in Huron County‐opting to avoid the substantially higher energy and maintenance costs of operating in the 50+ year old Port Austin Bible Campus. When details are available, they will be here: www.michiganhouseofhope.com. Jeff is available at 989-582-0063.

PABC and its land contract vendor were anticipating a sale of their former Airbase property to Michigan House of Hope, and had not planned for the scenario of the ministry not continuing on this property. As of today, all 23 of the homeless Guests have been advised that they have a month to find a new place to live. Five already know where they are going and another eight have plans that should work on time.

If any person or group feels inspired of God to purchase the property to run a homeless ministry, now is the time to act! $160,000 for all 11 buildings and 11.44 acres! Ministry expenses were about $40,000 per year. Call Norman Edwards at 989-582-0848. If you contact us in the month of April, all of the furnishings and appliances can be left here for the new ministry. There is plenty of living space for staff and guests on the property. This is something that a vibrant local congregation or even a few dedicated Christians could do on their own—sell a nice house and buy the property, let others work to provide the expenses.

So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30).

November 3, 2017 – Jeff Kramer presents House of Hope homeless recovery program!
Jeff Kramer video thumbnail

Jeff Kramer put forth his vision of the future of the Port Austin homeless ministry: A complete Christian homeless recovery program in three phases. See the complete presentation plus Q & A to the Port Austin Homeless Coalition: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNGto9ksgZk&t=3s.

If you want a DVD of this presentation, call Jeff at 989-582-0063. We have had over 150 views as of 11/20/17. Anyone who would like to help can use PayPal to homeless@portaustin.net or send a check to PABC, PO Box 474, Port Austin, Michigan 48467. Receipts will be sent in January.


October 25, 2017 – 3rd Pasta House Benefit a Great Success!

Over 200 people attended and over $2500 was raised to help support the homeless ministries in Port Austin. The music of the Reel Happy String Band was enjoyed by all—especially the William Tell Overture. The food was great—especially the deserts. We hope everyone will plan to come next year!


October 02, 2017 – Jeff & Judy Kramer Arrive!
Friendly Pasta House Restaurant

Jeff and Judy Kramer and their five children arrived at PABC after a long trip from their former home in Arizona. They have wanted to become involved in a ministry to homeless people and after visiting PABC in June, decided to move here to eventually take over the ministry. The Edwards intend to stay a year with them—or however long it takes for a smooth transition.

You can read more about it in our most recent newsletter.


October 26, 2016 – Enjoy the PABC Benefit at Kinde Pasta House
Friendly Pasta House Restaurant

Come to the Kinde Pasta House, Oct 26, between 4:30 and 7:30 pm for a fabulous all-you-can-eat Pasta Buffet with three kinds of pasta, salad, veggies, bread, beverage and desert. Hear the live music and participate in one of the several kinds of auctions. Tickets are $10 for adults, ages 6-10 are $5 and children 5 and under are free. All proceeds go to help the homeless ministry. For more information, all Charlotte, 989-738-8772 or Jim 989-582-0781.


July 1, 2016 – PABC Ends 6th Year—Largest Ever!

PABC finished its 6th year of homeless ministry providing shelter for 131 people: 56 men, 42 women and 33 children. The total number of be-nights were 10,787. These numbers are all about 20% more than any previous year. After six years of operation, PABC has served a grand total of 41,368 bed nights. (Bed nights are calculated by adding up the total number of nights that every guest stayed at PABC.)


December 4, 2015 – PABC has 42 Guests—the Most Ever!

Today, we had a new single man, a new single woman and a new couple come to PABC. We currently have 42 guests, one more than our previous high count of 41 in November of 2012. This is the time of year when many people ask those who are struggling to leave their homes or their rental properties if they do not want them to remain through the winter. Thankfully, most people are more reluctant to send out others in the cold of winter. Several current guests are close to achieving their own housing, which will open up some of our space, but we do not know how many more Guest rooms we will need to add in the short term.


November 23, 2015 – Natural Gas Installed to two Dorms
Natural Gas installation: trenching machine, workers & gas meter base.

Because of our increasing number of guests, we spent $400 for Consumer's Energy to install natural gas to our mens and womens dormitories. In the past, the Women's dorm hand only electric space heaters and the men's dorm, a wood stove and space heaters. We have been given two gas furnaces and we are now looking for skilled help to install them. This should greatly reduce the cost of heat and increase reliability. Anyone able to help may contact Norm at 989-738-7700.


October 23, 2015 – Latest PABC Guests: 2-week-old Twins!
Two-week old twin baby girls came to PABC with their mom

A hard-working mom on maternity leave came to PABC with her precious two-week old twins. The reason was the most common one: she was staying with someone temporarily—not on their lease—and the landlord found out and asked her to leave—by the next day. The girls are healthy and growing. Their cries are quiet enough and mom is quick enough that they are not waking up the rest of the building during their numerous night-time feedings. Mom should be back in her own housing in a few weeks.


October 13, 2015 – Kinde Pasta House Benefit a Success
Wendy's Trio at the Pasta House Benefit

The Bible Church Homeless Coalition put on a very successful benefit at the Pasta House in Kinde on October 13. About 133 people came and nearly $2000 was raised for the ministry. A great dinner was enjoyed by all and many people enjoyed winning/purchasing the items that were donated. A combination of show tunes, old standards and contemporary music enlightened the ears of the patrons. We hope to do this again next year. We hope you can come.
Photo compliments of Jenny Rae Photography.


August 29, 2015 – Baby Born to Guest Family!
Baby born at PABC, 8/29/15

PABC had its second baby born to a Guest family! This sweet little girl was born at 3:55 P.M. on 8/29/15, 21 inches long and weighing 7 lbs, 12 oz. Mom, dad, brother and sister are doing fine. Everyone was back at PABC in two days. Dad is working a full-time job and sometimes a second job. They have purchased a car and will be moving into their own house in a few weeks. The oldest child will be starting school.


August 20, 2015 – PABC Free of Registered Sex Offenders—Better for Guest Children

As of this date, all registered sex offenders have left PABC and no more will be accepted. This will make it much easier for government and other services workers to recommend PABC for families with Children. PABC wants to help innocent children the most—as they are almost never the cause of their own homelessness. While PABC had always housed offenders and children in separate buildings and never had any accusations of offenders repeating their crimes, members of our legal and social services systems felt otherwise. Their recommendations can determine whether or not parents retain custody of their children. We will still try to help registered sex offenders find housing, either in other programs or in ourOff Campus Housing Ministry, but they will not come to PABC even for interviews. Read more about this in our September Newsletter.


July 1, 2015 – PABC Celebrates 5 Years & 30,000 Bed-nights!

As of July 1, of this year, PABC is celebrating 5 years of ministry to the homeless of Michigan's Thumb. We have provided over 30,000 bed-nights for 146 men, 114 women and 88 children—347 total. At least 75% of these people left PABC to stable housing situations. Many families have stayed together and individuals have returned to productive lives because of the efforts of the PABC staff and the Bible Church Homeless Coalition and other supporters! Nearly all of them learned more about the Bible and some have found a new relationship with God!


February 21, 2015 – A Classic Success Story

A young, pregnant couple moved out of PABC today. They came in 64 days ago, each with court fines to pay. The man got a dairy job, paid off their fines and arranged for their own housing. They got married and are looking forward to their baby. They did the work—they just needed a place to get started.


February 11, 2015 – First Meeting of Bible Church Homeless Coalition

Fifteen people attended the first meeting of the Bible Church Homeless Coalition (BCHC). Its purpose is to bring Christians together to help Thumb residents in need, especially the homeless. Huron Country is its primary emphasis, but it will also assist those in Sanilac and Tuscola counties. Read more about it here.


January 15, 2015 – PABC Filling Up for Winter

PABC now has 30 Guests: 13 men, 6 women and 11 children. Some of the children are part-time—they are in a shared custody situation, so they spend part of their time with the parent who lives at PABC and part with another parent who lives elsewhere. Parents who do not use their court-ordered parenting time may have it taken away by the court. Also, we experience the situation where part-time children suddenly become full-time children at PABC when their "away" parent becomes hospitalized or goes to jail.

Our “women & families section” is full right now--with two single women doubled-up. We have had to turn some women down. We do have another building we have used as a women's dorm in the past, but we cannot afford to heat it right now.


November 10, 2014 – Guests Work Sugar Beet Jobs

Five PABC Guests completed a season of work in the sugar beet processing plants this year. It was often cold, windy and sometimes rainy, but they all kept their jobs, sometimes working as long as 16-hour days—even when they were not feeling well. Some of these Guests were in their 50s or had minor disabilities. Unfortunately, finding another job quickly in Huron County is not usually a simple task. We are praying that they will.


July 17, 2014 – PABC Guests Obtain Jobs

During the past several weeks, PABC Guests have obtained a variety of jobs, several of which are now living on their own. Areas of work include restaurants, dairies and construction..


July 1, 2014 – PABC Completes 4 Years of Service

PABC has now served 422 people, providing a 275 of them with a place to stay—anywhere from one night to over a year. You can see the statistics and read about the people href="/homeless/PABC Guest Log.htmlhere..


June 11, 2014 – New PABC Newsletter

PABC Newsletter #3 — June 2014 is now available. There is an urgent article on the sudden change in our electric bill.


June 8, 2014 – James Kenny Baptized in lake Huron

Following the Biblical teaching of immersion baptism, James Kenny asked to be baptized in Lake Huron on Pentecost, June 8, 2014. Norman Edwards and Jake Cartwright baptized and laid hands on him to receive the Holy Spirit. Afterward, the congregation joined in a meal and afternoon service.


June 3, 2014 – New Wave of Guests Arrive

We had five new people ask today for a place to stay at PABC. Two are here and the others are still talking. He have had another seven ask for a place within the last two weeks. Three of these are only 18 years old, without family help.


June 2, 2014 – PABC Plants its Biggest Garden

PABC staff and Guests planted about 2/3 of its largest garden ever during the last 4 days. Food prices continue to go up. Fresh organic food is more difficult to get from food banks and not affordable in quantity on food-stamp budgets. We planted: squash, cucumbers, corn, beans, onions, carrots, beets, potatoes, cabbage, peas, turnip greens, kale, bok choy, and kale. More is on the way.


March 24, 2014 – Thumb Area Community Health Center

Because of some last minute grants, Health Delivery, Inc. has opened a Health Center at 1080 Van Dyke Rd, Bad Axe, MI 48413—at the hospital complex. They are open from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and provide a range of clinic-type services. While they accept most insurance and Medicaid, they also accept people without insurance, operating on an income-based fee schedule. Lowest level income people can receive many services for about $20. Several PABC Guests have already used their services. You may contact them at 989-623-0137.


March 24, 2014 – New Wave of Guests Expected When Weather Warms

It has been PABC's past experience that many landlords, relatives and other people are slow to send people out of their dwelling when it is very cold outside. However, once the weather warms up, those are behind in rent, not officially on leases, difficult to get along with or simply no longer wanted are asked to leave. We are likely to see a surge in Guests over the next few months.


February 8, 2014 – PABC Reaches 20,000 Bed-Nights!

After 3 years and 7 months of operation, PABC has given its Guests 20,000 bed-nights, which is the sum of the nights that each of our 252 Guests had a place at PABC. See details here.


January 10, 2014 – Huron Daily Tribune Story on PABC

Kate Hessling of the Huron Daily Tribune interviewed Norman Edwards on Wednesday, January 8th and this story was printed today: (click here.)


January 8, 2014 – Guests Warm in Spite of Cold

Thanks to last year's gift of a stove & chimney, this year's gift of some wood, and a gift of some good electric space heaters, the men are staying warm in the men's dorm—even with zero-degree weather. Ultimately, we would like to re-insulate the buildings and put in a good central heating system. It would cost less and be more comfortable. But learning to make do with (and avoid complaining about) what we have is an important lesson for success and happiness in life. Working together and enduring hardship together has produced a level of cooperation and peace that we have not always had at PABC.


December 23, 2013 – Second PABC Newsletter Published

The second PABC Newsletter was published on the web site and mailed today. You can see the contents and read the articles by clicking here.


September 6, 2013 – PABC Guests married

Two PABC Guests were married today in our campus dining hall. It was our most elaborate wedding to date. The tables were moved outside for the wedding feast and theater seating was set up inside. About 40 people attended. A great variety of people pitched in for food, decorations, flowers and other niceties. The couple had known each other over a year. Both were middle-aged, quite responsible individuals who had each lived through every difficult situations in the past. They hope to be moving into their own home soon. They did not want to live together until they were married.

This is the fifth wedding performed for PABC Guests. Unless something has gone wrong very recently, all five couples are still together. We at PABC want to balance out teaching against sex outside of marriage with strong support for well-though-out marriages. May God bless those who seek to obey his ways!


July 1, 2013 – PABC Homeless Ministry completes 3rd Year!

From July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2013, PABC has helped 317 homeless people, 132 men, 108 women and 77 children. Our highest number of 41 people on campus during the end of November 2012. All but one of those have moved on—nearly all to stable housing situations. We currently have 24 Guests on campus: 12 men, 8 women and 4 children. 16,452 bed-nights have been provided.


June 21, 2013 – PABC responds to Sheriffs with Midnight Rescues

Twice within seven days PABC has responded to law enforcement calls and driven significant distances about midnight to pick up homeless people who would have otherwise likely become wards of the state. One was a 17-year old from Huron county. She had left home to escape a difficult environment, stayed with a relative, then a friend, then a friend of a friend—and was asked to leave late one night.

The second one was a couple with their one month old baby staying with a friend in Sanilac county. The man had received counterfeit money as a payment on an old debt. He unknowingly passed in onto his friend who passed in onto his landlord. They were not charged in the matter, but the landlord insisted on his legal right to have them leave immediately, as they were not on the lease. If a child does not have a place to stay overnight, law enforcement usually asks Child Protective Services (CPS) to place the child in protective custody. CPS and the courts are generally very slow to release a child back to a homeless or unstable living situation.


May 21, 2013 – PABC Newsletter #1 Mailed

For many months, we have hoped to mail out a newsletter several times a year to those who are interested in PABC and to other service providers to homeless people. Today, we finally mailed the first issue to 140 people and institutions. Another 127 will receive it via e-mail. You may view it on-line here:http://www.portaustin.net/pabc/newsletters/news-13-05.html


January 12, 2013 – Four PABC Families Find Homes!

The PABC Guest count is down to 18 as several families have moved into apartments or homes. Most will also be going to work or school. Various government programs presently have money for deposits and a few months rent. We were able to provide access to a fax machine, the Internet (required for some programs) and our pickup truck and trailer for moving. We also sell inexpensive used furniture that we have collected to help these start-up homes.


Dec 27, 2012 – Two Weddings at PABC!

A couple of current PABC Guests as well as a couple who were formerly PABC Guests became legally married at PABC today. Both couples had been together many years and were well-accepted and loved by their children. Had these couples not been able to stay at PABC, they would have gone to other shelters that would have housed them separately, producing a great strain on thee families.

While the Bible teaches that people should be married before making babies, public education and entertainment media do not. Many people with no biblical background have uncommitted sexual relationships and children with one or more partners before learning it is a mistake. They often repent and determine to remain committed to their current partner, but do not marry simply because they believe it costs hundreds of dollars and they do not have it. (Indeed, some churches charge that much.) We have been able to help couples marry for $0 to $20. A legal marriage produces numerous advantages for the family:

  1. The family can now properly use the terms "husband", "wife", "mom", and "dad" giving the children the stable family environment God intended.
  2. Either parent can deal with school, medical, legal and other government situations for any of the children.
  3. Property ownership, tax, insurance and other issues often work better.
  4. Custody and inheritance will work sensibly if a parent dies or is disabled.
  5. Their children see that morality is important and often desire marriage as a worthwhile goal for themselves.
  6. If difficulties between the couple do arise, a legal marriage slows down the process of a breakup, increasing the chances that the marriage will recover.

Nov 28, 2012 – Family of Six Finds Job, House

Thanks to the diligent work of the Huron County Homeless Coalition, numerous government agencies, the United Protestant Church and the parents of the family, this family of six moved into a house today—the father's new job.


Nov 21, 2012 – PABC Guest Count at New Record: 41!

PABC now has 13 men, 11 women and 17 children. The latest family consisted of a father, mother and 4 children, ages 7 to 12. The count will likely drop in the next few days as several Guests have jobs and housing lined up.


Nov 20, 2012 – Wood Heat in Men's Dorm, Women's Dorm Heat, Too?

Thanks to the efforts of the Bad Axe churches, PABC has a new chimney system for its men's dorm. We have purchased one used wood stove, and need another for the second floor. The hall duct system is working, and we hope to put a stove in the second floor as well.

The Women's dorm is still relying on electric space heaters, but some friends of PABC are considering how they might help place more economical heat in that building as well.


Oct 23, 2012 – Port Austin Police Bring Late Night Family, PABC Guest Count at Record 34.

The Port Austin Police brought a husband, wife and two preschoolers to PABC about 9:30 P.M. The family had called PABC earlier that day, but PABC encouraged them to try to work out their situation with the husband's parents, where they were staying. The home situation deteriorated to the point where the police advised the family not to return. All of PABC's family rooms were occupied, but a few PABC Guests proved a great help by quickly moving together or changing buildings for the new arrivals. The family also has two infants, who were with friends for a couple days, but whom will be rejoining them at PABC.

PABC now has 10 men, 11 women and 13 children. Help is always appreciated.


Oct 18, 2012 – PABC Guests Find Jobs.

Several of the PABC Residents have found full- and part-time work. Jobs include dairy faming, poultry farming, household-help, and a start-up handyman service.


Sept 15, 2012 – PABC Reaches 10,000 bed nights

We keep track of the number of nights each person has a bed available here at PABC. The total number of nights since we began in July 2010 is now 10,216. The average length of stay has been 88 nights for men, 60 for women and 49 for children.


Aug 1, 2012 – PABC Guest Count at New Record, 33

PABC now has 12 men, 8 women and 13 children. The latest family consisted of a husband, wife and 5- and 2-year old girls. They had difficulty staying with in-laws so they left late at night to avoid any kind of physical fight. They tried to call or contact other friends, but to no avail.

The Bad Axe Police found them on the street, took them to the Sheriff's office and called PABC at 2:00 A.M. They would have brought the family to us, but do not have child safety seats for their patrol cars. We picked them up and gave them a room for the night. They had distant relatives planning to come get them the next day.

Michigan law says: “‘Neglect’ means harm to a child's health or welfare by a person responsible for the child's health or welfare which occurs through negligent treatment, including the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care” (MCL 722.702(d)). Not providing any shelter for small children is often interpreted as “neglect”, and can result in court cases for parents and children temporarily being taken away. This is traumatic for children and parents, and expensive for the various state agencies and courts as well. PABC prevented all of this with only a few dollars of cost to itself.


June 6, 2012 – PABC Guest Obtains GED at Age 31

A Mother of three here at PABC passed her final General Education Development exam, which is the equivalent of a high school diploma. Even at age 31, this milestone opens the door to better jobs and the possibility of college education. Congratulations!


May 17, 2012 – PABC Guest Count New Record, 27

We now have 20 adults and 7 children. See story, below.


May 13, 2012 – PABC Guest Count New Record, 23

With the recent addition of a family of 5, and an unrelated single man, PABC now has 23 homeless Guests. (We do not name Guests for their benefit.) Even so, some have asked, “Does Port Austin need a shelter? Aren't there other alternatives?” There are. From our experience with homeless people, here are some of the alternatives they have used:

  • Some pay rent from crime (theft, drug sales, prostitution, etc.). If they are caught, they still get a place to stay—jail.
  • Some stay in abandoned buildings, or even in attics and outbuildings of occupied homes.
  • Most families with no place to stay soon break up and the children enter the foster care system.
  • Many turn to substance abuse and end up in hospitals, jails or recovery programs—all of which provide a place to live, but cost much more than a shelter.
  • Some stay with abusive "friends" who may demand all of their food stamps, exploit them sexually or coerce them to commit crimes for them.
  • Some do leave the area—either to find a job or enter another shelter there.

Mar 12, 2012 – We Made It Through the Winter! But...

Our efforts to provide central heating in our mens dorm were not successful. We did not have the funds for any of the quotes we obtained. Fortunately, the winter was mild this year and the electric space heaters provided sufficient heat. Unfortunately, we have been left with a $10,000 electric bill! It would have been much better to spent that money on a more efficient heating system. We continue to be required to pay only $300 per month, but a better solution is needed before next winter!


Mar 8, 2012 – Adam Miller Departs, Pursues Children's Ministry

After helping for a year, Adam Miller will be moving on from PABC to pursue his life goal of providing Christian help to orphans and disadvantaged children. He is seeking work at some of the few places that do this. As state governments assert jurisdiction over all minor children through the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction And Enforcement Act, it is not lawful for a person, church or other institution to simply offer to care for orphans or run-away children. State governments place nearly all of these children in foster families or in group foster homes, but regulations limit the Christian approach. The "residential education model"—a boarding school with a Christian living environment—provides much more flexibility, but requires more funds to start and operate. At present, PABC is not able to begin such a venture.


Dec 8, 2011 – Heat Still Needed for Men's Dorm.

PABC is still in need for a central heating system for its Mens Dorm, which currently houses 9 people. Right now, it is using only electric space heaters, which are expensive and may be insufficient for the coldest parts of winter. Read more about it here.


Nov 11, 2011 – PABC Helps Its 100th Person.

Two days ago, PABC accepted a family of three, pushing its number of current Guests to 15, the most it has ever been. We have now offered shelter to a total of 100 people, 77 of which needed it.

We are still looking for a way to put central heat in our building. Those hoping to help us have not yet been able to.


Oct 29, 2011 – Have Thanksgiving at PABC

PABC will host a Thanksgiving Day meal at 12 noon for anyone who needs a place to go. Tracy Schuman, a professional chef, will be cooking. Anyone who would like to help him, with either labor or resources can contact him at 989-476-0214.

Bring drinks or a dish to pass if you can, but please come anyway if you cannot. Please call us at 989-738-bible-quote so we can plan for how many are coming. May God bless your thanksgiving day wherever you are going!


Oct 29, 2011 – New Guests In, Former Guests Find Home

Two new Guests arrived today, and two more confirmed that they will be coming in a few days. All of our Guests that had arrived before this May have now found places to stay.


Oct 29, 2011 – Hope of Heat for Winter

We have continued to search for central heat for our dormitories before the winter. It is not in place yet, but we believe we have found someone who will donate a system to us.


Sept 29, 2011 – Proclaiming Biblical Feast Days

Today, PABC is celebrating the Biblical Feast of Trumpets, with a meal at noon and service at 1:30 p.m. We will also celebrate the following biblical Feast days:
Day of Atonement, Saturday, October 8th with a service at 1:30 p.m.
Feast of Tabernacles, October 13-19, inquire for schedule.
The Eight Day, Thursday, October 20 with a noon meal and 1:30 p.m. service.

Everyone is welcome to join us. Call 989-738-bible-quote for more information.


Sept 20, 2011 – Four New Guests in Last Week

Four new Guests have arrived in the last seven days: A single woman, a single man and a couple. (We do not name Guests for their benefit.)


Sept 15, 2011 – Former PABC Guest Pleads Guilty to Larceny

A former PABC Guest whom we required to leave last June plead guilty to a charge of Larceny Less Than $200. The PABC staff and other Guests found him to be taking small things at least 10 different times—apparently an ongoing habit. When questioned about the thefts, he refused to admit each one until confronted with the evidence. PABC staff and Guests filed complaints with the Huron County Sheriff. He was sentenced with $280 in fines and 16 hours community service.

PABC teaches repentance and forgiveness of sin, but this is not possible until a person can admit their mistakes. When a person is in denial, a punishment is generally the only way for them to see that they need to change and begin treating others as they would want to be treated. Obtaining a criminal record is helpful in these cases because it forces the person to deal with their situation. It also helps to protect the community and and other shelters from ongoing theft.


Sept 7, 2011 – Two PABC Guests Move to Apartment

Today, two of the PABC Homeless Guests moved to their own apartment. It is funded by a government rental-assistance program that requires two unrelated people on disability to share an apartment. Not very many people can make use of the program because most disabled people do not know someone else who is willing to share a room with them. Living at PABC gave these two Guests a chance to get to know each other and apply for the program together. Hopefully, some of the sharing and cooperation skills learned here will help them work together during the coming months.

A few hours after they left, another man arrived. He had been sleeping outside for months, and was told by local police that he cannot sleep on public property.


Aug 19, 2011 – New Job for PABC Homeless Guest

One of the Guests at PABC started a new job that will likely lead to full-time work for him. (We do not name Guests for their benefit.)


Aug 5, 2011 – Pastor, Chaplain and Friends Visit PABC to Consider Dorm Heat

Chaplain Chuck Rondo, Pastor James Solomon, Mike Bearden and David Ostentoski from the Living Waters Chapel, Caro, Michigan toured the Port Austin Bible Campus homeless facilities on Friday, August 5.

They expressed their desire to see the homeless services of PABC continue as the Michigan economy continues to worsen. They also mentioned some members of their church had received letters from the State of Michigan indicating their cash assistance would be cut off, due to the recently passed laws (See story here.) As one of the men said, “This is the money these people use for rent. Where are these people going to live when its gone?”

Pastor Solomon encouraged PABC to obtain estimates of the cost of heating the PABC dormitories, as well as estimates for other projects so that we would be able to serve more people on a year-round basis. He also encouraged us to provide spiritual teaching to them, and to involve them in helping out here, to the extent that they are able. PABC is in the process of obtaining those estimates.



Main Topics on This Site:
I need help!
(how to get help from PABC and others)
Helping the Homeless
(about our homeless ministry)
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous Meetings at PABC Photos of Our Campus and Agriculture Campus Maps and Aerial Photos
Helpful Links to Other Sites:
Church Bible Teaching Ministry, Norman Edwards' Bible teaching website. BibleStudy.org
You have questions; the Bible has answers!


Port Austin Bible Campus with Iris in Bloom

Port Austin Bible Campus with iris in bloom