Mission Moments July 24 by Downtown Rescue Mission

FINDING FAITH IN THE DARKEST TIMES

KEITH OVERHOLT, MBA President/CEO

“FOR I WAS HUNGRY AND YOU GAVE ME SOMETHING TO EAT, I WAS THIRSTY AND YOU GAVE ME SOMETHING TO DRINK, I WAS A STRANGER AND YOU INVITED ME IN.”

Matthew 25:35

BRINGING HOPE UNDER THE SUMMER SUN

Asthe summer sun bathes our city streets in warmth, the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness become even more daunting. However, in the midst of the sweltering heat, the Downtown Rescue Mission stands as a beacon of hope, extending a helping hand to those in need. With unwavering dedication, we continue our mission of providing essential support and care to men, women and children, ensuring that no one is left behind in the scorching summer months.

Matthew 25:35 reminds us, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” This verse summarizes the spirit of Downtown Rescue Mission, where every individual is treated with compassion and dignity, regardless of their circumstances.

During the summer, DRM increases our efforts to alleviate the suffering of the homeless. We provide essential services such as shelter, meals, clothing, and medical assistance, offering relief from the harsh realities of life on the streets. We go beyond mere provision, attempting to empower individuals through our Christ-centered programs that facilitate

education, personal development, and job training, equipping them with the tools needed to rebuild their lives.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors and volunteers. Your support fuels the Mission’s programs and services, enabling us to reach out to those who are most vulnerable in our community. Through your contributions, you become partners with us in bringing hope and healing to those in need.

As we bask in the warmth of summer, let’s not forget those who are less fortunate. As Matthew 25 prompts us to remember the call to compassion and grace by extending a helping hand to our brothers and sisters who are struggling. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, together we can make a difference in someone’s life.

In the spirit of gratitude, I want extend my heartfelt thanks to you. Your kindness and generosity are a driving force behind our efforts to serve our community. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and bring hope into the lives of those who need it most.

FINDING FAITH IN THE DARKEST TIMES

“EVEN THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE DARKEST VALLEY, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL, FOR YOU ARE WITH ME; YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF, THEY COMFORT ME.“

Psalm 23:4

Myname is Kristina McDonald. I’m from Decatur, Alabama. I had a decent childhood, and I went to church every Sunday. I always went to school and made good grades. I fought a lot, went to jail a lot, because I always felt people were against me. I was born with scoliosis so I had a lot of back pain that lead to being on pain pills, Xanax, and other meds.

One night I was kidnapped for over 3 hours, tortured, raped several times, beat in the head with a gun, shot and left for dead. It was all over the internet, TV, and the newspapers so my anxiety progressed.

I didn’t like people so I didn’t trust anyone. I became broken, miserable, and just flat out not talking to God. I started using cocaine with the pills. I was In and out of jail with a lot of felonies and charges. I lost my grandma then my mother and basically lost it. Found myself looking for

a place to go, came to the mission, and stayed in overnight for over a year filled with hate.

Mrs. Tennille shared with me and suggested I join the program. So I did and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I struggled daily with my anger but the staff was amazing.

Learning so much since I’ve been here and the teachers and staff are amazing. With so many brothers and sisters in Christ now when I’m mad, scared, sad, they are here to lift me up. My family has always been there for me and never once turned their back on me no matter what I did. If my story can help someone else it’s worth telling. The mission saved my life and got me back on track with God. I will be forever grateful.

In all that pain I found God again. I lost my brother when I was in overnight. He came weekly to take me out to eat and to my apartment. The last thing he said to me while driving out the gate was “Please get yourself together.” I stayed at the mission, graduated the program and I am currently working at the Madison thrift store.

Grateful every day for my family, the mission, and God. God can and will place things in your way but you have to keep your faith. Never count yourself out or give up.

LIVING THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

Jesussummarized the Law by saying you shall love God and love others as yourself. He knew his audience were people like you and me who may have needed a little help seeing the big picture. How are we supposed to love others as we love ourselves? This is a tall order considering we are very in tune with when we are hungry, or thirsty, when hot or cold, when uncomfortable, when tired, or when we need to lay down and rest. I love the Downtown Rescue

“’LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREATEST COMMANDMENT. AND THE SECOND IS LIKE IT: ‘LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’”

Matthew 22:37-39

other Christians with kindness, we are doing it to Jesus. In reality, we are all one bad decision away from being in a position to need help. I am thankful that

The Downtown Rescue Mission is in our community transforming lives and giving hope!

–Joe Hollingsworth

Mission because they love God and love anyone who walks through their doors. They are acting out the summary of the Law. They feed the hungry, they clothe the poor, they take care of men, women and children and provide warm beds. The Mission is built around making disciples of Jesus Christ by equipping men and women with the Word of God. The Mission acts in so many ways like the hands and feet of Jesus. From reading my Bible, I try to understand who Jesus is. I know that He loves the poor. He thinks it’s important to take care of those who