
FROM ROCK BOTTOM TO REDEMPTION

KEITH OVERHOLT, MBA President/CEO
“BUT GOD DEMONSTRATES HIS OWN LOVE FOR US IN THIS: WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US.”
Romans 5:8
KEITH OVERHOLT, MBA President/CEO
“BUT GOD DEMONSTRATES HIS OWN LOVE FOR US IN THIS: WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US.”
Romans 5:8
AsEaster approaches, the world around us begins to fill with colorful eggs, chocolate bunnies, and festive celebrations. For many, it’s a season of family gatherings, springtime joy, and a reminder of new beginnings. Yet, as Christians, we know that Easter is much more than these earthly symbols. It is a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us, the sacrifice that gives us new life and hope.
The world’s Easter celebrations often center on secular themes, such as renewal and nature’s rebirth, but for Christians, this season holds the sacred reminder of Christ’s death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus’ resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith, affirming that He has conquered death and offers eternal life to all who believe in Him.
As it is written in Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This verse wonderfully reflects the depth of God’s love and the amazing grace we have through Jesus’ sacrifice.
At the Downtown Rescue Mission, we understand the significance of this truth, and it is the mission of the Mission to share the love and hope of Jesus with everyone we serve. Whether we are providing food, shelter, or support for individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty, the heart of our work is always to share the good news of the Gospel.
Each person who walks through our doors is not just a recipient of physical care, they are an individual loved by God, with a unique story and a deep need for spiritual healing. It is through your volunteer efforts and donations that we are able to provide more than just a meal or a bed for the night. Every one of the programs and services that DRM provides, the main focus is to show Jesus Christ’s love. We offer the eternal hope of His love, sharing the message of salvation and inviting others to experience the transformative power of His grace.
This Easter, as you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and reflect on His ultimate sacrifice, know that your support is playing a vital role in helping us bring this message to those in need. Your generosity is not only helping to meet physical needs but also creating opportunities for individuals to hear the Gospel, find hope, and experience the freedom that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Thank you for partnering with us in this important mission of the Mission. Together, we are making a lasting impact in many lives. May you experience the joy and peace of Christ’s resurrection this Easter season, knowing that your efforts are changing lives both here and for eternity.
“THEREFORE, IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, THE NEW CREATION HAS COME: THE OLD HAS GONE, THE NEW IS HERE!”
2 Corinthians 5:17
My name is Kayla. I am thirty-one years old and I have a nine-year-old son. I have battled addiction since I was fourteen. My addiction started with just drugs but then it became drugs and toxic men. I believed that if a man did not hit you, then he didn’t love you. I went for years living a life of drugs and toxic men who hit me. I eventually lost everything, including custody of my son. When I lost custody of my son, I fell harder into my addiction. I overdosed forty-three times in a year. My addiction eventually brought me here to the Downtown Rescue Mission. On March 22, 2025, I will have been sober for one year. I have a relationship
with Christ now. He has given me the love and peace that I have been looking for my whole life. I have my whole family back in my life now.
I’mprivileged to be one of a group of men in our church who serve lunch to the men at the Downtown Rescue Mission (DRM). My job is to help out at the dessert table which has revealed two things. One is the generosity of local businesses. The second is the openness of men in the DRM Program. I work side-byside with men assigned to the dessert table and when I talk with them, they confess to alcohol and drug abuse, broken families, and prison time. We all fall down, I’m just glad that DRM has a strong arm to help us up.
“WE
ARE SUPPOSED TO BE GOOD STEWARDS OF WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN US. THIS IS WHY I SUPPORT HUNTSVILLE’S DOWNTOWN RESCUE MISSION.”
One day, an “overnighter” came in with five watches on his arms. He had on a sport coat with sleeves rolled up and a bandana on his head. The scene captured my attention and, in my head, was begging for a photo. I asked and he agreed to have his picture taken. Later, I thought this would be excellent source material for a drawing. How about I donate the drawing to the DRM and they auction it off as a charitable contribution? The highest bidder keeps the artwork and the donation goes to DRM. Na, crazy idea. I made a cold call to the Director Keith Overholt thinking the worst he says is no thanks. I left a message on his answering machine which resulted in a return call from Derrick Mitchell about getting together. I met with Derrick and John Walsh and showed them the drawing. This is where
crazy idea meets “let’s do it.” It snowballed into not only let’s do it but…let’s make it part of our 50th anniversary. Whoa. We’re still working out the details, but the idea has legs.
We are supposed to be good stewards of what God has given us. This is why I support Huntsville’s Downtown Rescue Mission. DRM provides a lifecritical service to our community. It provides meals, shelter, and counseling. It reflects Christ’s model. I look out over the tables and see men little different than I am. Brand Griffin