Joshua House History

The Long Haul

It all began back in 1994 when Gary Steen, a student at Rhema Bible College in Townsville and a chef by trade, joined the "Catering Committee" at Calvary AoG. A woman there opened a Boarding House for about a dozen aged people, and, in the initial setting up, enlisted the catering expertise of newly married Gary. Soon it becoming increasingly apparent to them both that there was not only a need for quality Christian care for elderly people, but also for other aged people with intellectual disabilities.

In 1997, Gary and wife Della moved to Tasmania for 18 months, all the while seeking opportunities to again minister to Aged and Disabled people. At one point they found an idyllic place in the Hobart suburbs, but the doors of finance did not open, much to Gary’s disappointment.

At the end of 1998 Gary & Della felt it was time to hit the road. They built a motor home on the back of an old truck and they planned to travel around Australia preaching the Gospel. Two months later, when they got to Narrabri (NW NSW), they felt God’s call to minister in nearby Wee Waa. There they were planted for 3 whole years.

Prov 16:9 "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." (NIV)

Family Life Ministries Welfare is broadened

In 1999, while they were ministering in Wee Waa, under the covering of Family Life Ministries, Gary & Della opened "Doo Drop Inn" Community Drop-in Centre. This was established under the Family Life Ministries Welfare (FLMW) banner, and it was here that Gary gained valuable experience in coordinating a Christian welfare organisation.

During this time, their Townsville friend moved to Toowoomba (SE QLD) and it was not long before she opened another premises; the Steen's frequently came to lend a hand. Gary enjoyed keeping his hand in this kind of work.

Jer 29:11-14 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you…" declares the LORD. (NIV)

The open door in Toowoomba - JHA is born.

In August 2002 Gary & Della decided to move to Toowoomba when "Sandra Ward Lodge," 9-bedroom boarding house, became available for lease. Immediately clientele were 'provided' when one of the other similar boarding houses in this city had to close down for renovations, that exact week! This provided a stable income while the Steen's set up the boarding house under Family Life Ministries Welfare – Toowoomba.

Soon they were getting calls requesting accommodation from the Salvation Army, Government Agencies and Public Trustees. The community rapidly became aware of, and respected, the new boy on the block. Within 2 months ‘Sandra Ward House’ was full, and FLMW began to rent the house next door for added accommodation. By Christmas that was full too. It was like a can of worms has been opened!

So Gary began to search the district for a bigger premises and decided to form his own public not-for-profit organisation, which he named "Joshua House Australia Ltd." (JHA) early in 2003. Gary considered purchasing land at Harlaxton, a Northern suburb of Toowoomba, on which to build, but Easter 2003 came with the news that "Sandra Ward Lodge" had been sold and vacant possession was required within one month! Suddenly Gary had to find somewhere to house almost 20 people. There was no time to build!

The month had almost elapsed when Gary came across an old nunnery on 3/4 acre, in Harlaxton, for sale for only $180,000. But being a new organisation, with no credibility and no deposit, he found no bank would consider the loan.

Thankfully Clive Berghoffer, a local millionaire, came to the rescue, purchasing the nunnery, allowing JHA to pay him off.

The entire household from "Sandra Ward House" moved into the new "Joshua House" on 19th September 2003 (after 3 months emergency accommodation at another boarding house.) But there was much work to be done. First the small domestic kitchen had to be gutted and completely refitted as a commercial kitchen. A new pantry was made and a walk-in cold room installed. Then the bathrooms were renovated. The whole house was repainted. The yard was levelled. Several caravans were acquired for the volunteer staff (Gary and Della still live in their motor home, onsite!)

Soon they outgrew their new 8-bedroom home. So Gary began seeking ways to rapidly (but temporarily) expand Joshua House Australia's capacity. In July 2004 the first two of several "Dongas" (transportable buildings) arrived on the back of two semi-trailers, and were positioned in the back yard. In November 2004 another one was ordered and provision was made for a transportable amenities block to facilitate the growing number of residents, which reached 17 in July 2005.

Prov 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

Plans for Expansion

While the dongas have been a great temporary solution, they are not suitable for permanent accommodation. So Gary has begun drawing plans to build a whole new, L-shaped, facility around the existing building, to house at least 40 single bedrooms, two living areas, a library/computer room and brand new kitchen, dining room and much-needed larger laundry facilities. With the slope of the land, the two-storey structure will have ground floor access on both levels. The existing "Joshua House" will become the staff residence. This is his mid-term desire.

In the long-term, Gary would like to see, up the front of the 3/4 acre block, some self-contained units for those who do not require such constant supervision, or for the aging parents of people with mental disabilities. This is a fair way down the track.

Ultimately, Gary would like to see a "Joshua House" in lots of locations across Australia and even the world. But this is way off on the horizon.

Volunteer Work Base

In December 2002 Gary enlisted the help of their first volunteer. Over the years many volunteers have come to help Gary out: Each one brings their own flair and character to Joshua House. Gary & Della could not have continued without the help of volunteers.

The first Supervisor was a pensioner by the name of "Rusty," who gave the Steen's a hand. He began (and continues to do) the morning shift (breakfast, morning tea and lunch) which frees Gary to do the business side of things. He lives on site, rent free.

Then a young unemployed man named Darryn, offered to do the cleaning for a while until he came into permanent employment elsewhere.

Anne Round then joined the team and became the best cleaner that JHA ever had. There were mixed emotions when she had to leave because her child arrived!!!

Soon after Peter & Wendy began to work on Sundays so that all the staff may go to church.

In February 2003 another couple, David & Louise, began to help too, by volunteering to prepare the evening meal, 6 days / week in exchange for rent.

Easter 2003, a mate of Gary's, Alan Clarke, a retired Psychiatric nurse from Rockhampton, arrived for a holiday. After the weekend he went straight home, sold most of his possessions and moved into Sandra Ward House too, as a Supervisor, sharing the duties with Rusty and co-ordinating the ever-increasing washing roster.

In September-October 2003 Maria came to help, mostly with cooking and cleaning.

In April 2004 John became the cook - he fitted the role very quickly and helped out for about 5 months. He was the best cook they had (apart from Gary-the-chef!)

Julie then filled cook's position, on the Work-for-the-dole scheme, for 3 months from October 2004. Rae came too during that time to help out in the office.

At the end of 2004, Janet began to come casually to help out in the kitchen, and became a part-time cook at JHA in July 2005. Joe & Di also came onto the volunteer team permanently in July 2005 to cook three days / week.

In the office, Della helps Gary when needed. They both really appreciated the arrival of Bill Cumming, Gary's best mates father, a retired businessman and entrepreneur. Once / month he would come from Brisbane and helped set up MYOB and check the book keeping, until his passing in June 2005. He is sadly missed.

All this, by the way, is totally volunteer with absolutely no Government assistance. The house is run from just the board & lodging the residents pay each fortnight. It can be done! How? you might ask. Pensioners who come to help with the supervision of the boarding house are given a rent-free room/caravan and free food in exchange for their time.

Supervising is not hard work; it’s just that someone needs to be around and to prepare nutritious meals. If Della, who has hardly done any cooking in her life, can do it, anyone can.

If you know of anyone who may be interested to take on a Supervisor’s role for a few months or more (or someone who would like the experience), Gary has begun a volunteer register and would love to hear from them (see contact page).

Matt 11:29 "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.