Assisting people in the community during their time of need: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Heaven’s Army has come a long way from its beginnings, leaving a mark on the lives of countless individuals. Their commitment to serving the community has created positive outcomes and, more importantly, ignited a spark of hope in the hearts of those they’ve touched.
The Start of Heaven’s Army
The founder of Heaven’s Army, LaNora Purvis, embarked on a life-changing journey in 2009, after she was arrested for her third DWI offense–when her probation officer invited her to church. Initially, she went with the motive of showing her probation officer she was a good person, but she left with so much more. She received her first Bible, started attending Bible studies, and accepted the Lord. Three months later, this transformation led her to establish Heaven’s Army, located in Cleveland, Texas. She firmly believes, “Freedom from the past brings hope for the future and transformation for a community.”
Heaven’s Army provides outreach programs that inform, educate, and engage the community in finding positive solutions to problems, helping people overcome various obstacles that impede their progress, livelihood, and success. The organization provides hands-on programs, outreach activities, and the tools needed to help youth, families, the elderly, and the impoverished in developing skills to solve everyday challenges so they can have a better quality of life.
Home of Amazing Grace – Women’s Discipleship Program (HOAG)
Heaven’s Army – Home of Amazing Grace Women’s Discipleship Program (HOAG) is a residential Christian character-building and Discipleship program catering to women aged 18-60 years old. The program requires a 12–18-month commitment, and graduation entails completion of all four phases of the program. Women accepted into the Home of Amazing Grace dedicate their time to establishing a personal relationship with Jesus through discipleship training, developing a knowledge of God’s Word, and learning to live for God. Living in the Home of Amazing Grace brings about a radical change in lifestyle for all women involved, offering a safe place for healing and overcoming life traumas. The program particularly welcomes women who have been victims of human trafficking, drug addiction, and domestic violence, providing a nurturing environment rooted in compassion and empathy.
Empowering Women for a Better Future
The purpose of Home of Amazing Grace is to provide a safe place where women can finally find freedom. Beyond immediate support, Heaven’s Army aims to empower individuals to become self-reliant and independent. Their goal is to focus on quality rather than quantity, and they boast a remarkable 91% success rate for women who graduate from the program. The program adopts a step-by-step approach, starting with group settings of eight women, then moving into smaller groups of four, and finally pairing two of them up in a tiny home on the property before they venture out independently into the world. Throughout the 12–18-month process, the focus is on helping the women understand their relationship with God, themselves, and others. Community is a central aspect of the program, and the support provided by the community is reciprocated by offering job training and employment opportunities, equipping the women with entrepreneurial skills that enable them to secure a stable income after leaving the home.
How You Can Make a Difference
Heaven’s Army welcomes assistance through volunteering, as well as through physical and monetary donations. They understand collaboration is key to amplifying their impact, and their mission is fueled by the collective efforts of volunteers, donors, and advocates who stand together to support the cause.
On the property, there is a bridge where donors can buy planks that are then personalized and engraved. These stand as a symbol of individuals in the community who provide ongoing support to Heaven’s Army.
An immediate need for Heaven’s Army is related to the recent donation of a tiny home to be placed on the property. However, the organization requires financial assistance to have the home set up with utilities and insurance costs covered. By contributing to this cause, you can be a part of something truly extraordinary. You can donate to Heaven’s Army by visiting them online at www.heavensarmy-tx.org.
Heaven’s Army shows the impact a united community can achieve. Through their commitment to serving others and igniting hope in the hearts of those in need, they have transformed countless lives. By embracing their mission and rallying behind their cause, we can empower ourselves and others to make a positive change in the world.