"Joy of Christ" - April '22 Mission Moments

APRIL 2022

Joy OF Christ

T KEITH OVERHOLT, MBA President/CEO

“THEREFORE IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATURE: OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY; BEHOLD, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

NEW LIFE

his winter has been one

things are passed away; behold, all

of the coldest, dreariest

things are become new.”

winters in a long time. But, as the

Almost 2000 years ago, Jesus

days get longer and the sun gets

Christ made it possible for us all

warmer, the sprouts of flowers and

to have a new life when he died

buds of trees start to spring out,

on the cross shedding His blood

sometimes seemingly overnight.

for our sins. All we must do is

New life appears where only days

believe in Him and accept Him as

before, there was no life at all.

our savior. Please pray with me

For me, it is reminiscent of the

that during this Easter season we

work God is doing at the Mission

can be that guiding light to lead

where many times those that

someone to a new life in Christ.

come to us seem dead inside, then

Thank you for making it possible

when, they find a true relationship

for us to share that good news with

with Christ, they become new.

everyone who comes through our

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 the Bible

doors.

says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old

Joy OF Christ

“AS A SHEPHERD LOOKS AFTER HIS SCATTERED FLOCK WHEN HE IS WITH THEM, SO WILL I LOOK AFTER MY SHEEP. I WILL RESCUE THEM FROM ALL THE PLACES WHERE THEY WERE SCATTERED ON A DAY OF CLOUDS AND DARKNESS.” Ezekiel 34:12

I

was born in Covington, LA and after spending some time in a foster home, my mother regained custody of my sister and me. We moved from Lake Charles, LA to Panama City, FL when I was in the 1st grade. Being from a broken home with no father figure around, I acted rebellious against my mother and did not graduate high school.

In and out of juvenile detention centers, at the age of 14, I started using recreational drugs. Those drugs became hard drugs rather quickly. By the age of 20, after spending two and a half years in D.O.C., I was so emotionally withdrawn from life! Being a felon at such a young age was not good, and made it hard to get a job. I found a job as a reinforcing ironworker and although I was working, I continued using drugs on and off. At the time I thought I was doing okay.

In 2007, pursuing my career in ironworking, I arrived here in Huntsville, AL to work on a new hotel that had just begun construction. In 2019 after using the drug ice

frequently I knew that I needed help. After losing my house and my job, my youth and adult life left me spiritually dead so I came to the Downtown Rescue Mission.

After hearing about the program they had to offer I was excited to get started. I did not know anything at all about God so it was all foreign to me. My fears got in the way and I exited the program after 3 months. I came back to the program and exited the program once again after a year had passed. I spoke to the program ministry about coming back again after coming and going to the overnight section of the facility. They welcomed me with open arms.

I knew after reentering for the 3rd time I had to remove myself out of the way and fully submit to Jesus Christ. On Nov. 16th, 2021, while I was waiting 3 weeks to begin the first step called Matthew, I got saved and baptized here at the program graduation. During graduation, there are men and women moving forward on steps or completing the program.

God reveals himself to me more and more every day through Jesus Christ, my Lord, and Savior. Instead of being emotionally withdrawn from life, I am becoming emotionally driven by the joy and love from my Lord Jesus Christ. The joy here at the Downtown Rescue Mission is the joy of Christ! I am thankful for the day when I found God my Creator and God intends for us all to find him!

— In Jesus Christ – Erik

donate.downtownrescuemission.org

MI S S ION IN M Y WORDS

WHAT DOES THE MISSION MEAN TO ME? Joaney Taylor

T

he Mission means community in action! A place where relationships are forged and faith at all levels can be seen. Lives are changed here and purpose is either found or renewed. Transformation!

I moved to Huntsville in May 2018, and after a year of sitting at home I felt ready to find my purpose. I thought my purpose was only inside the walls of my church, serving in children’s ministry and praying for my family and community. But, I felt I should be doing more outside of the walls. As long as I can remember, I have always had a heart for the homeless. So, I began looking for organizations who offered volunteer opportunities to help serve the homeless men and women in my community.

When I first heard of the Downtown Rescue Mission, I thought it was just another non-profit organization that fed and clothed the homeless men and women in my community. But, then I was given an opportunity to volunteer and serve; the Mission is so much more.

On my first visit when I walked in the door, I was met with kindness. As we walked down the hall, I saw hope, peace, and unity. Job 34:32 says, “Lord, teach me what I cannot see.” To see men and women from diverse

backgrounds, different walks, challenges and yet they have a common purpose… change! This can be seen in every area here at the Mission: men and women using their gifts and talents, men fellowshipping, women helping each other heal, mothers helping other mothers, and children laughing and playing. These walls provide safety, healing and growth, both naturally and spiritually. 2 Cor 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” I heard testimonies of how lives were changed. From knowing of a God to having a personal relationship with God.

“HOW GOOD AND PLEASANT IT IS WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE LIVE TOGETHER IN UNITY”.

Psalm 133:1 I feel blessed to be able to see God’s plan and purpose being fulfilled within these walls. Lives are changed here, families are healed, brother and sisterhoods forged and purpose found. Psalm 145:20 says, “The Lord watches over all who love him.” At the Mission, God’s word is not only heard, but taught in a way that lives are transformed as each individual chooses to move through the programs and use the resources made available to them. Having the constant reassurance that they are not alone on this journey. It is a blessing and I count it all a joy to have had this opportunity, and my life is better because of it. Isaiah 53:6 says, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray.” What is being done here on a daily basis is life transforming, for anyone who comes in contact with the team working here at the Downtown Rescue Mission.

The mission from the outside looking in can provide a variety of thought provoking conversations, some positive some negative. But, it is not until you look past your own bias’s and open up your heart then, will you truly see the beauty, the diversity, and the blessing of community in action! The Joy, the Truth, the MISSION!

MISSIONMOMENTS | April 2022

T

MEDICAL WING UPDATES

he Downtown Rescue Mission is thrilled to announce that the medical wing, which is free to the community, is expanding to offer new services! Throughout the years, the Downtown Rescue Mission’s medical wing has provided no-cost, convenient medical care to Mission residents, overnight guests, and anyone in the community who is in need. The Mission and its community partners have worked tirelessly to offer services to those who find themselves unable to easily access or afford necessary health care.

Currently, the medical wing is visited twice a month by the Huntsville Hospital Mobile Medical Unit. Anyone in need of care is able to come and receive a variety of services including: screenings, psychiatric help, wound care, lab tests, and vaccinations.

MADISON THRIFT STORE HAS MOVED TO A NEW LOCATION:

Dr. John Sowell

Dr. Rica McRoy

In addition to the Mobile Medical Unit, patients have access to the Dermatology Clinic, which is led by Dr. John Sowell. By generously donating his time and expertise, Dr. Sowell is changing lives through the identification and treatment of various diseases, such as skin cancer.

In order to increase the health services available, the medical wing will soon be home to the Optical Clinic with Dr. Rica McRoy at the helm. Dr. McRoy will perform critical screenings, render treatment for eye related issues, and provide glasses for vision correction. With the help of those who donated to the Emergency Health Fund, the medical wing has undergone the improvements necessary to house the Optical Clinic. The Downtown Rescue Mission is thankful for the blessings received through donations, volunteering, and prayer that allow those in need to get help and experience the love of Christ.

To support our efforts please make a donation at downtownrescuemission.org/healthfund.

MISSION DRIVEN RESEARCH CEO/President Chris Gordon

M

ission Driven Research (MDR) has enjoyed supporting the Downtown Rescue Mission for many years. CEO/President, Chris Gordon, has been a board member for the last four years and employees have actively served at the mission in a variety of ways. This has included teaching classes, providing childcare, volunteering at events, donating clothing and other goods to the Thrift Stores, and giving financially. MDR has eagerly sponsored many annual fundraising events, including the Swing for Shelter, Shoot for Shelter, and Glow Run. These events provide an opportunity to support the mission financially, while involving employees in a fun activity. Additionally, employees get a glimpse into the significant impact the DRM has on the local community. By participating in events like the Swing for Shelter, coming up in May, the DRM is able to raise funds that support all areas of the

LIVES YOU HAVE TOUCHED

FEBRUARY 2022

mission. This includes the critical work of Emergency Services, providing temporary overnight care and meals, as well as long-term recovery programs, which provide life-changing impact to the program residents. Of critical importance to MDR, every activity at the DRM is bathed in prayer and is always gospel-centered, expressing the love of Christ by meeting the needs of the people that come seeking assistance.

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Lodging Provided is a proud member of

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Meals Served

212

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82060

1400 Evangel Drive | Huntsville, AL 35816 | 256-536-2441 | downtownrescuemission.org