FEBRUARY 2022
Wait ON THE Lord
NO BOUNDARIES!
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KEITH OVERHOLT, MBA President/CEO
“THEREFORE, IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATION; OLD THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY; BEHOLD, ALL THINGS HAVE BECOME NEW.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
n Luke 10:30, 33-34 Jesus says, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion. And came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.” We all have heard the familiar parable that Jesus told about the Good Samaritan. After two other religious men had already passed by this man who was in dire need, the Samaritan came by and showed the man compassion. It did not matter how old he was, or what his skin color was, or what language he spoke…he felt a need to care for someone that no one else would care for. The Samaritans were hated and despised and seen as only half breeds by the Jewish culture, but Jesus’ assertion was that Christian love should have no boundaries.
URGENT NEED! We have an immediate need for the following items: • Body Wash • Shampoo • Deodorant Donations can be dropped off at 1400 Evangel Drive, Huntsville, AL 35816, and monetary donations can be made at DowntownRescueMission.org MISSIONMOMENTS | February 2022
Here at the Downtown Rescue Mission our goal is to reach out to all humanity, whether rich or poor, young or old, any shape, size, color or race. Our desire is to share Christ’s love with anyone who will listen. In fact, my staff and I believe that the only way that the men, women and children who stay with us can truly change the direction of their life is when they make the decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” As we enter into the first few month of 2022, please continue to pray for all who come through our doors looking for help. And please pray for the Mission’s staff and volunteers as we continue to reach out with Christ’s love to a lost and dying world.
Wait ON THE Lord
“BUT THOSE WHO WAIT ON THE LORD SHALL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH. THEY SHALL MOUNT UP WITH WINGS LIKE EAGLES, THEY SHALL RUN AND NOT BE WEARY, THEY SHALL WALK AND NOT FAINT.” Isaiah 40:31
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eing raised in New England, (Go RED SOX), I had an amazing childhood. A loving mother, a hero for a dad, and the greatest friend I could ask for in a big brother. I stayed busy all year round playing sports and was lucky to have my Pops as a coach. I always claimed to be a Christian not knowing exactly what that meant besides us having to go to church on Easter and why I got presents on Christmas. My whole world crumbled on January 8th, 2005. Waiting for my brother to show up so we could go snowboarding, only to find out, in my mom’s words, “Bryant went to Heaven, Honey”. After a couple of years of feeling empty and never content, I wanted a change and decided to move with my dad to Huntsville. I went to a Christian Academy when I first arrived. Learning about Jesus and God’s word, but still thinking “If
God is so good” why take my brother? Why my childhood best bud? Why split my Family? I finished high school at Bob Jones before moving down to Auburn, and let’s just say I had a little too much fun there! Eventually getting my wisdom teeth pulled and quickly found out about opiates and how they helped fill the emotional and spiritual emptiness. Only to find out it would eventually lead me to a cold jail cell fighting for a bologna sandwich. It was then I realized God will in fact give you more than you can handle. I broke and prayed to ask him for forgiveness and strength. My dad soon after dropped me off at the Downtown Rescue Mission which I now realize is the best thing that has ever happened to me. This place has given me the ability to grow and change my heart and mind, rebuild my relationships with my family and friends, (the family you choose), and who I owe the biggest thanks to for sticking by my side. But most importantly this place has given me a place to build a relationship with God and learn his word. I am in Step 3 at the program here and will graduate soon (let’s go Champ!) Only God knows my future, however; I plan on staying close to the Downtown Rescue Mission to help and give back to the people and the place that helped save my life. – Adam
donate.downtownrescuemission.org
MI S S ION IN M Y WORDS
MartinFederal
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s we enter a new year, new opportunities to give back and support our community come forth. Many of us have seen Huntsville grow exponentially over the past several years, and many are just moving to our city, which is full of potential. With this growth comes greater needs from the members of our community.
“BY VOLUNTEERING YOUR TIME OR DONATING, WHETHER MONETARY OR TANGIBLE ITEMS, YOU CAN MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF YOUR FELLOW COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN NEED.” Whether it is volunteering to serve a meal or donating much-needed supplies, the need never ends and it is our obligation to help those in need. Huntsville has so many worthwhile non-profits, including Downtown Rescue Mission, serving the various demographics that make up our city. All of them working together by collaborating and helping to gather the necessary resources to improve
the quality of life for individuals and families that come to them for help. As someone who has grown up in Huntsville in a single-parent, low-income home, I understand the impact non-profits have as I once was one of those individuals in need. This is why I love the part of my job at MartinFederal that allows me to connect with organizations across the country in the pursuit of helping those in need. As a company, we believe in connecting our people with their communities through volunteerism, fundraising, and our employee and corporate-funded grants program. Our people are passionate about giving back and have supported organizations like the Downtown Rescue Mission in many ways. We have supported their mission by hosting item drives, collecting food and personal hygiene items, and participating in their many fundraising events, such as the Glow Run. Creating lasting partnerships with the organizations that fall in line with the passions of our people make up the driving force of the impact we hope to have on our community. No matter your passion, when it comes to serving others, there is a need and a non-profit that wants your help. By volunteering your time or donating, whether monetary or tangible items, you can make a positive impact on the lives of your fellow community members in need. As individuals, each of us can add a drop to the bucket, but if we all come together, we can make a huge splash in helping those in need. – Eric Franchois Employee Engagement Specialist @ MartinFederal
MISSIONMOMENTS | February 2022
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KITCHEN RENOVATION UPDATE
ow that we have pushed through the Holiday season, we are moving forward quickly towards
the completion of the kitchen project. With a few contractors and engineers off for two weeks, our maintenance team was able to take the time to focus on detailed finish work without interruption. All new wall panels are installed and trimmed out. All baseboards were fabricated on-site by our maintenance team. All plumbing has been completed and is operational. February will be busy…sprinting to the finish line. Engineers are drawing up the plans for our hood system relocation and contractors will start as soon as plans are approved. The current HVAC system is being professionally cleaned so that construction of the enclosed serving area can begin. All new cooking and serving equipment was ordered in December which should continue to arrive into February. We cannot thank our community enough for the massive generosity shown to us. Every bit of giving has been a blessing to us, whether through financial, food, or volunteering to serve here at the Rescue Mission. Blessings to all and all for God’s glory. – Bryce Miller, Kitchen Manager
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR OUR 16TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Presented by
Friday, May 6, 2022 12 PM Shotgun Start Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Register online at www.swingforshelter.org For questions about registration and sponsorships, please contact Marsha Seymour, Director of Corporate Engagement at marsha.seymour@downtownrescuemission.org.
LIVES YOU HAVE TOUCHED
DECEMBER 2021
8,095
Lodging Provided is a proud member of
28,832
Meals Served
144
Food Boxes
®
82060
1400 Evangel Drive | Huntsville, AL 35816 | 256-536-2441 | downtownrescuemission.org
