My name is Ginnie, and I am Val Norton's sister. As far back as I can remember my sister has reached out to those in need or hurting. She would bring kids to our home and accept them as they were, when others didn't.Acceptance and love was all that she knew. I can never remember her rejecting a single person. At times they rejected her...but only because she was standing up for what was right and they chose to walk away. Sooner or later they would usually come back and seek her guidance in their lives. I have also seen her betrayed by those she loved and put so much time and effort into helping...and yet when they return she welcomes them with open arms as a Father to the "prodigal son" not judging, only speaking the truth in love to them.
My sister always has a listening ear for anyone in a crisis or in trouble...and will also offer her years of Godly wisdom she's learned in the trenches, helping those hurting to wholeness and healing in Christ.
Val spends hours praying and interceding for the hurting in her life. She is totally devoted to the Lord and is a mighty prayer warrior! If you have been part of her life I guarantee she has prayed for you extensively. She also spends hours on the phone counseling and praying for the hurting.
Val and John both for many, many years were youth leaders. It seemed that they attracted youth and continue to do so. They both have a gift of reaching those in their teen years and tolerating their behavior better than most of us. John is the "tough love" guy...but underneath is a soft core that cares deeply for these kids who go through hurts and struggles in life. He and Val make for a perfect balance. Always teaching and guiding the hurting has been the theme of their lives.
I have lost count how many teens and young adults have stayed in their home. They stayed usually for an extended amount of time with almost no compensation from the families. They would take them out to eat, to movies, to church, helped Home school some of them, and took them to special events as if one of their family and foot the bill. Always making them feel a part of everything going on. My son was one of them for several months and it really helped him feel more confident and to be more functional in his life.
John's mindset is that hard work builds character...and I think it works. If you are around on a Saturday you will be cutting wood! They also include them in everyday chores to teach them responsibility. I've seen so many come and go and leave a better person. God is using them to reach these teens and I believe it is a true "calling" on their lives.
The House of Hope will be a place of refuge for the hurting and rejected...they will receive the best guidance from a couple who truly love them from the bottom of their hearts and have a true passion to help the them live a more fulfilling life. When parents put their teen in this place they can be confident that they will get the best care possible and will be loved unconditionally. In closing, I have to say that my sister is my hero and best friend, aside from my husband. I can never remember her hurting any living thing. I would trust her with my very life and I believe you can trust her with your teens lives too.