December 23 Mission Moments

DECEMBER 2023

FROM

PRISON TO REDEMPTION

REASON FOR THE SEASON

C KEITH OVERHOLT, MBA President/CEO

TODAY IN THE TOWN OF DAVID A SAVIOR HAS BEEN BORN TO YOU; HE IS THE MESSIAH, THE LORD. THIS WILL BE A SIGN TO YOU: YOU WILL FIND A BABY WRAPPED IN CLOTHS AND LYING IN A MANGER.” Luke 2:11-12

hristmas for many is a joyous time of having parties, fellowshipping with family and friends, and giving gifts to people we care for. But Christmas has become so commercialized that many have forgotten the real reason for the season. Retail stores and communities have even banned manger scenes and the phrase Merry Christmas. At the Mission, we teach and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas that God gave the greatest gift, His Son, to be born and eventually die as a sacrifice for man’s sin.

During the next few weeks we will have parties, events, and gift giving with our guests to celebrate Christmas, but we never lose focus that it is all about Christ!

Many of the men, women, and children that stay at the Mission

have never experienced a Christ centered Christmas before. It is refreshing to see the joy in the eyes of all of our folks as we celebrate what might be the first real CHRISTmas!

As you gather with your friends and family please remember the Downtown Rescue Mission as we minister to the needy and hurting people of our community. Without your prayers and support, we could not continue sharing the Gospel to a lost and dying world. We at the Mission are grateful for your partnership and on behalf of my staff, our board of directors, and the guests who stay at the DRM, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

IT'S NOT TOO LATE

to make your year-end Tax-deductible donation.

It will help SO much!

FROM

PRISON TO REDEMPTION

“TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD. BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO TAKES REFUGE IN HIM.” Psalm 34:8

F

irst off, I’m humbled and so very honored to tell you my testimony.

As a child, I was baptized, but growing up I didn’t fully understand that there was more to it.

Started using drugs when I was 12 and joined a gang at 17, I’ve been in and out of jail my whole young life and eventually went to prison.

Seeing a man get murdered 3 feet away made me take a true look at my life because I did not want that to happen to myself. The Bible was the only thing that gave me comfort in prison, and I began applying His Word to my life.

Though I was released from prison 18 months ago, it wasn’t till I came to the Downtown Rescue Mission did I experience a full transformation.

This place has opened my eyes even more to the truth about Jesus and what His sacrifice for us truly

means. I was told by a Director here named Adam that I couldn’t forgive myself, but I had to nail it to the cross. Jesus was crucified, and so I gave all of my sin to Him. He died for all sin, and He is so very worthy to take all of my sin away.

Being taught about the grace of God through the Bible and from the other directors here like Cory and Mickey, I’m learning how to fight my addictions through God’s Word. Grace is the power of Christ to confess and turn away from my sin and never look back.

Praise God! I’m honored and grateful to be part of something bigger than myself. Thank you, Downtown Rescue Mission, for helping me and everyone else here.

My plan is to move back in with my wife (when I’m ready) and pursue ministry. I’d like to thank all of my wife’s family because they never gave up on me and helped me mature into the man I want to become.

Also, thank you to my church for helping me also be a man for Christ.

–Roger

downtownrescuemission.org

MI S S ION IN M Y WOR DS

OWEN’S HOUSE

A HAVEN FOR TRANSFORMATION AND GOD’S WORK

W

ords wouldn’t ever be able to encompass all that our Mission provides for the men, women and children that walk through our doors every day.

Our outreach is growing, and our faithful partners and donors are helping us meet the needs. We are so thankful for all our community connections.

Most, however, are in need to a far greater extent.

We are not only a shelter of four walls and a roof, a shower, meals and a warm bed. We are a Mission on a mission… His!

“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE HAS ANOINTED ME TO PREACH GOOD NEWS TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM FREEDOM TO THE CAPTIVES AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, AND TO SET THE OPPRESSED FREE”.

Luke 4:18

My name is Patti Moody, and I’m the Assistant Director of the women’s life recovery program here at Owen’s House of the Downtown Rescue Mission.

I’ve been here for 13 years, living and working with the women and children as they go through their oneyear program of Biblical studies and serving our Lord.

Hearts begin to change as the Holy Spirit motivates their steps to turn to the path less traveled.

The four walls with a roof become the heart of Jesus.

A daily shower becomes the forgiveness of Christ as He cleanses us. A meal becomes the nourishment of our souls as gratitude overwhelms us. The symbolism of a warm bed becomes the sheltering wings of our Father.

Owen’s House of the Downtown Rescue Mission is a beautiful haven for those in need of the Savior and a mighty vessel for His work! I’m rejuvenated daily with gratitude that I am part of this amazing team. Glory be to God! – Patti

MISSIONMOMENTS | December 2023

March 2, 2024 @ 6 PM Adtran, 901 Explorer Boulevard Northwest, Huntsville, AL CUMMINGS RESEARCH PARK

OVER 1,000 RUNNERS PARTICIPATE Sponsorship online at www.drmglowrun.org

Parents and Teachers, we need your help to make this Christmas a little merrier for those experiencing homelessness.

This is a fun yet meaningful project for public or private school, home-school families, children’s church classes.

Here’s how it works

1. Go to https://www.downtownrescuemission.org/events click “download placemat” or scan the QRcode.

2. Make copies of blank placemats for students.

3. Mail them to the Downtown Rescue Mission 4. Then, every guest at DRM will have a placemat.

Please mail completed placemats to: Downtown Rescue Mission, Attn: Holiday Placemats, 1400 Evangel Drive, Huntsville, AL 35816.

Thank you for caring!

Still looking for a New Year’s Resolution?

Life-Long Healing

Become a monthly donor and change lives.

Become a monthly “Friend of the Friendless” mission partner

Donate today at downtownrescuemission.org

LIVES YOU HAVE TOUCHED IN OCTOBER

9,652

Lodging Provided is a proud member of

36,069

Meals Served

245

Food Boxes

®

82060

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