July Mission Moments

KEITH OVERHOLT, MBA President/CEO

FISHERS OF MEN

I’man avid fisherman, and it’s something I really enjoy doing. My dad took me fishing from the early age of 3, and we still fish together today. Mark 1:17 states, “Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’” But what does it mean to be “fishers of men”?

who put in hours upon hours of praying, counseling, teaching and preaching to see someone not accept Jesus as their Savior. Even though we see so many lives changed here every year, there are still many who don’t accept the free gift of Salvation, and it can be heartbreaking!

Mark 1:17

Here at the Downtown Rescue Mission, I tell my staff that we should always be casting our lines out praying for opportunities to lead someone to the Lord. But just like in fishing, you don’t catch every fish that you put your bait in front of. Our job is to share Jesus with every man, women and child, but it is only the Holy Spirit that can truly catch their heart.

When I go fishing, it can be very frustrating when you don’t catch many fish, just like it can be frustrating for my staff

That’s the great thing about the Mission; we don’t just stop with one cast. Even though we provide many programs and services, our #1 goal will always be to be fishers of men, women and children! Please keep my team in your prayers as we continue to reach out to a lost and dying world for Christ and pray for the souls who are still needing to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.

“JESUS SAID TO THEM, ‘FOLLOW ME, AND I WILL MAKE YOU BECOME FISHERS OF MEN.’”

FROM LOSS TO REDEMPTION

A JOURNEY OF STRENGTH, FAITH, AND RENEWED LOVE

everything I suffered didn’t make me weaker in spirit; it has made me a stronger person.

Exodus 15:2

Hello,

my name is Jessica and this is my testimony. I lost my mother three years ago, and my father died five years before that. So in a short period of time, I experienced a lot of loss. My mother died due to a drug over dose, and I also suffer from substance abuse. So believing I had lost everything, I spiraled into my addition further and further.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss my family. My mother was a rock even though we both had an addiction. When life would throw me a curve ball, she would always be right there to help me.

Having also been abused in my lifetime physically, sexually and mentally has played a big part in me not feeling good about myself. But even through it all,

In the past six months, I’ve drawn closer to my two children. William, my son, has made me a grandmother and a proud one. I am truly blessed. My daughter Jasmine makes me so proud of her. Jasmine is so beautiful in all her ways.

I feel closer to God since all these blessings have shown up in my life. There’s a feeling God has made stronger in my world of chaos. We can’t take back time that we missed out on, but we can start fresh and move on to better memories with those that we love.

Because of Christ and the Downtown Rescue Mission, I am strengthened and a true believer.

“THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY DEFENSE; HE HAS BECOME MY SALVATION. HE IS MY GOD, AND I WILL PRAISE HIM, MY FATHER’S GOD, AND I WILL EXALT HIM.”

FAITH AND TRANSFORMATION

I’mAmy. I’ve worked with Downtown Rescue Mission for 13 years now. I started as a thrift store manager at our Athens location. Over the years, I’ve worked in most of our seven stores whether it’s running the store as a manager or helping out with training, or just filling in wherever needed as our ministry grows.

During my years with DRM, I have really enjoyed serving the homeless community. This is an evergrowing need in Huntsville. Seeing some of our clients come in broken and disheartened with little or no hope at the beginning and then seeing how God transforms their lives and brings the hope and life back in their spirit and face is one of the reasons I love what I do.

Working and serving with DRM has helped me spiritually as well. I know that no matter what path you take in life, God provides, and God is in control. Just trust Him.

To be able to serve our clients and communities through our thrift stores is a blessing. We have grown over the years from five to seven stores. I’m very excited to see how God will continue to bless and grow this ministry in the future.

“TO BE ABLE TO SERVE OUR CLIENTS AND COMMUNITIES THROUGH OUR THRIFT STORES IS A BLESSING. I’M VERY EXCITED TO SEE HOW GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS AND GROW THIS MINISTRY IN THE FUTURE.”

AMY’S INSPIRING JOURNEY WITH DOWNTOWN RESCUE MISSION

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: do wntownrescuemission.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.

SHOP & SAVE

PURSUING EXCELLENCE

TheDowntown Rescue Mission has been awarded Citygate Network’s Certificate of Excellence, which recognizes the ministry models effective programming and operations, exemplifying the best of what rescue ministries can be in their service to God and to those in need.

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