August 2023 Mission Moments

KEITH OVERHOLT, MBA President/CEO

GOD ALWAYS PROVIDES

Ioften say to my board and staff at the Mission the passage in Psalm 50:10b that God owns “the cattle on a thousand hills.” I say this to encourage faith when times seem hard or when times are good that we can always depend on God and His faithfulness. During the Summer months, we see a large decrease in donations while at the same time our ministries continue at a high capacity.

or in need as the extreme cold temperatures of the winter.

This year the donations seem to be particularly slow, but I know God will see us through since we know he owns it all already. He knows our needs, and through His faithful followers, the Downtown Rescue Mission will be blessed.

I ask you to pray what God might lay on your heart as you help us through these leaner financial months.

Proverbs 19:17

There are many who think that the Mission’s ministries are only busy during the cold months. The truth is, we are busy caring for men, women and children yearround. The heat of the Summer months are just as hard on folks who find themselves homeless

In my 24 years at DRM, I have personally seen God bless those who bless others, and I know that God will not be indebted to anyone who helps those in need.

FRIENDS OF THE FRIENDLESS

As a Friend of the Friendless, you will join hundreds of other supporters giving a recurring monthly gift to the mission. Together, you will help bring stability to our ministry and allow us to plan more effectively the number of meals and needed care for the hungry and homeless men, women, and children each month.

More importantly, your gifts will assist in making sure our services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

https://www.downtownrescuemission.org/friend-of-the-friendless

“THE ONE WHO IS GRACIOUS TO THE POOR LENDS TO THE LORD, AND THE LORD WILL REPAY HIM FOR HIS GOOD DEED.’”

OVERCOMING ADDICTION

HEALING, FAMILY, AND THE GIFT OF SECOND CHANCES

Mission unintentionally. The Lord provided a way for me to come out of my situation and provided me with shelter and — most of all — family here at the Mission.

Mytestimony is kind of simple. Ever since my early teens, I have struggled with addiction issues.

The difficult thing is when you struggle with addiction, you quickly substitute the things you love for the things that only bring temporary happiness.

Through my journey of active addiction for almost 15 years, I became an unreliable person when it came to work, making it very difficult to have employment. But worst of all, my addiction hindered my relationship with my children.

In 2022, I stumbled upon the Downtown Rescue

During my progress in the program, I’ve had the blessing of being reunited with my three children Liam, Vanessa and Robert. Also, I’ve returned to schooling to obtain my GED.

I honestly do not know where I would be if I did not join the Mission’s program, and for that I’m truly humbled. I plan to finish the program and continue being a light into other people’s lives.

After graduating, I plan to seek further education with industrial electricity and embrace the second chance of being reunited with my family and to live life to the fullest.

Thank you!

Aaron Lee

“THE LORD PROVIDED A WAY FOR ME TO COME OUT OF MY SITUATION AND PROVIDED ME WITH SHELTER AND — MOST OF ALL — FAMILY HERE AT THE MISSION..”

TRANSFORMED BY HELP AND HOPE

A TESTIMONY OF REDEMPTION AT THE DOWNTOWN RESCUE MISSION

At the Downtown Rescue Mission we offer Help and Hope. Help to overcome hunger, homelessness, addiction and abuse, and Eternal Hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.

Thismission statement couldn’t be more true for my life!

I’ve worked for the Downtown Rescue Mission for almost 10 years in our Thrift Stores, but my time didn’t truly start there. My start with the Mission was coming in on the side that the people we help come from.

Being able to hear about their accomplishments whether it be they… found a church home, trust regained from a family member or friend, made down payment on a car, accepted into college or job training, first time they have ever had their own place, longest time they have ever been sober, or even excited about driving classes.

…THIS is what makes the sometimes long days at work worth it, knowing that just like me 11 years ago that the DRM through the love of Christ is still giving people HELP and HOPE.

I was one of those people looking for help and hope but had no idea that what I would find there would forever change my life. My running from God had led me right to Him and to people that were staff and volunteers that didn’t know me but loved me because of HIM (God).

I’m truly blessed to be a part of DRM’s Thrift Store team and over the years to be able to work alongside many of the men and women that come through our programs and work in our stores.

“I’M TRULY BLESSED TO BE A PART OF DRM’S THRIFT STORE TEAM AND OVER THE YEARS TO BE ABLE TO WORK ALONGSIDE MANY OF THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT COME THROUGH OUR PROGRAMS AND WORK IN OUR STORES.”

Thanks for your continued support as we are in need of some items: CANS OF VEGETABLES, SUGAR, CONDIMENTS, MAYO, MUSTARD, KETCHUP, SALAD DRESSINGS, COFFEE, SPAGHETTI SAUCE, WATER, & POTATOES.

If your church, company, school or organization would like to host a barrel-to-fill Food Drive, contact: Ashleigh Hayes at 256-713-4316 or volunteer@downtownrescuemission.org

To donate or learn more, visit: downtownrescuemission.org

THE GIFT THAT CONTINUES TO GIVE

Downtown Rescue Mission is increasingly grateful for the thoughtful planning of life income gifts, gift annuities and other plans. If you have not yet made a will and would like to explore the benefits of gift planning, please contact our donor engagement officer, Zane Drost at 256-713-4313 or donors@downtownrescuemission.org

Your legacy of generosity will continue to make a difference in the lives of the hurting and needy.