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Penny's Story

First God planted Jacob’s House at the Garden in my heart in 1989. I never saw myself working with the homeless, much less living in a shelter, after all I was a city girl and as my friend Robert says, a high maintenance woman. Nice clothes, manicured nails, gourmet meals and trips to Europe.

I always had a heart as big as Texas. If I heard of a problem I was more than willing to do my share, like send clothes to a mission, visit the sick and pray for anyone who called on me.  By 1991 the seed of love planted in my heart for children needing special tending.  It was a crop of hearty wild flowers, all different, all colors and required little prompting to grow.

When I got the picture for The Garden/ (and later Jacob's House)  I thought I knew just what God expected of me. I had been in International Sales and troubleshooting for many years and helped people start up new businesses as part of my regular routine.  I quickly called my girlfriend and told her that God wanted her to take over a homeless shelter in Texas.  She laughed, then said words I’ll never forget.

“Penny, if God wanted me to do that He would mention it to me, I think God wants you, little sister.”

You could have knocked me over. Me, I said, are you crazy?  I don't know anything about this.  You are from a family who has been in ministry for generations, you know your Bible and you are organized, in fact you are perfect for the job.  She laughed and said she would call me later.

I started talking to my Father in Heaven right away about His stubborn children. Can you imagine anything so crazy?  I’m the least likely person for this.  What could I do, I’m not trained in Social Services, I hate bugs and I can't stand the sight of dirt or blood.  How could I help the homeless?

The answer was, JUST LOVE THEM!

My friend did call back and she gave me several scriptures, but the one I remember most was 1 Corinthians 1: 26-31
consider your calling, (sister), that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, but God has chosen the weak - foolish things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised. God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption, that, just as it is written. "Let Him who boasts, boast in the Lord.


That covered it pretty good and she really didn't have to say much more.

Many other things happened over the next few months, too long a story to tell here but I did commit myself to full time service, for one year. That commitment came after much kicking and crying and gnashing of teeth but it was my decision to make. God is so gentle and good.  I read this promise in Proverbs 4:10-12

"Hear, my daughter, and accept my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. I have directed you in the way, led you in upright paths. WHEN you walk, your steps will not be impeded; and IF you run, you will not stumble. Take hold of instruction; do not let go.”


I am glad I stayed!

Penny Robichaux, Founder - Executive Director

Penny Robichaux Awards
The Eckerd Salute to Women |  Jefferson Award