"To God be the Glory" - March '22 Mission Moments

MARCH 2022

ToBEGod THE Glory

SOME TRUTHS NEVER GROW OLD

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s I was going through my files the other day, I found an article my dad, Dr. Darwin “Doc” Overholt, who was the Executive Director of the Mission from 1996 through 2007, had written in 2004 and I thought it was an appropriate article to share with you as we go through the Easter season…

As we go through the Easter Season, I am conscious how central the resurrection is to Christianity.

It is truly the capstone to our faith.

Without it, the arch of humanity would fall short of ever reaching the arch of divinity. It would be like a

KEITH OVERHOLT, MBA President/CEO

chasm without a bridge. It is often pictured that the cross of Christ is the bridge that connects God and man together. But in reality, the cross would fall short, if Christ did not rise from the grave.

Christians are the only ones that can point to an empty tomb. When Stephen was being martyred, he said that he saw the risen Christ standing at the right hand of God the Father.

Paul, who persecuted the Church, met the risen Christ as he traveled to Damascus and was changed from the great persecutor to an even greater preacher and missionary.

The whimpering disciples during the crucifixion became mighty men of faith after the resurrection. Most of the disciples died for their faith. They went from weak to mighty, from cowards to courageous, from failures to bold and mighty crusaders for their risen Savior.

Yes, my friend, the resurrection makes all the difference. It lets us know that because He rose, we will also rise one of these days to be with Him forever. We too, can know the power of the resurrection. As Christians we have the power of the

Holy Spirit living and working with in us. Christ said that if He went to Heaven that He would send us another Comforter. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to take up His residence in all Believers in Christ.

It is my prayer that all of us will do all that we can to reach others for Christ, in these last days, through the power of our resurrected Lord.

We see hundreds of men, women and children come to know Christ at the Downtown Rescue Mission each year. Help us to keep reaching out for Christ. Your donations do so much at the Mission. Help us to continue to see lives resurrected for His service.

Even though my dad wrote this article more than 18 years ago the truths of our resurrected Savior still hold true. And even though he has been retired for many years, my dad is still a big supporter of DRM and its programs and ministries that are still leading people to the risen Savior.

ToBEGod THE Glory

“I HAVE TO THANK GOD FOR OUR OVERNIGHT PROGRAMS. I’VE LEARNED TO PUT GOD FIRST AND SO MUCH MORE IN OUR DISCIPLE CLASS. I’VE LEARNED A LOT FROM THE TEACHERS AT DOWNTOWN RESCUE MISSION AND I’M SO THANKFUL FOR THEIR TIME.”

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i, my name is Morhike and just like Jonah and the whale, a storm in my life got my attention and by His Grace and mercy, God brought me to this place. God and the Downtown Rescue Mission gave me a sense of protection, and it is a great place to go to get things off my chest. I have to thank God for our overnight programs. I’ve learned to put God first and so much more in our disciple class. I’ve learned a lot from the teachers at Downtown Rescue Mission and I’m so thankful for their time. One of my favorite things to see at the mission is to watch the families transform for the better. After graduating from the program, I now work

at the Winchester DRM Thrift Store and have my eyes set on ministry. God has shown me no matter what, He is in control of all timing, good or bad. I must thank God for second chances. God really uses the staff here at the Downtown Rescue Mission to change lives.

I was blind, but now He has opened my eyes to see Him. I could not hear God speak to me then, but now He has allowed me to hear Him though His Word and his teachings. God has helped me complete the program and I have graduated. I pray our Heavenly Father continues to allow me to seek more of his teachings so that He can make me into his disciple. I thank God for all that He is doing and that He deserves all the glory. He will be in my life and not my will or the will of the world but His shall be done. I hope that the world will see Him through me. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen!

God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit, – Morhike K. James

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MI S S ION IN M Y WORDS

“Friends Sharing Love” Church of the Highlands

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hat started three and a half years ago as a spark has burst into a fierce flame that warms my heart, flows into my spirit and fills me beyond what I deserve. I am blessed to have such friends to share our heartaches, praises and life lessons as we journey together with our sweet Jesus.

“I WILL TELL YOU IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST VISIT AND IF GOD WANTS TO USE ME TO GIVE EVEN ONE LADY HOPE I AM WILLING. I AM THANKFUL FOR AND SO BLESSED BY THEM!” There is an indescribable spirit of oneness and connection that draws us close to each other and our blessed Savior. God never ceases to amaze us with the timing of how He lays complementary messages and thoughts on our hearts. The mental images of each friend’s smiling face prompts prayer between visits.

My new friend Betty was looking for more of God’s purpose in her life. After sharing her testimony in small group another friend suggested she visit DRM with us because she has so much to share with “these beautiful

souls.” She says, “I will tell you it was love at first visit and if God wants to use me to give even one lady Hope I am willing. I am thankful for and so blessed by them!”

The ladies are drawn to Betty and connect with her on levels unseen with human eyes.

Another dear friend Laura says “few opportunities present themselves so beautifully designed to fill both the giver and receiver in the exact same moment. Yet this is what happens when I enter the doors of DRM. The women in the program fill my soul to overflowing with every hug, every word of vulnerability, and every tear.

I’m overwhelmingly grateful for the time spent walking alongside these precious women on their journey.”

Grace is a college student who comes faithfully to share her heart and has developed special relationships with several of the ladies. They look forward to seeing her and talking about what God is doing in their lives.

Such a blessing to watch a young woman living for Jesus so passionately.

Others join us on the journey when they can. All who come go away filled with the warmth of the Holy Spirit embodied in this DRM family.

We come together to give writing prompts for journaling prayers to God, what He speaks to us and our response. We share those prayers and learn so much about each other, God’s character, His great love for us, His calling on our lives and many other things beside.

You would have to be with us to fully understand how the Holy Spirit moves.

In the meantime ponder Hebrews 4:15-16 which describes our relational friendship. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we have, yet without sin. Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help at the time of our need.”

MISSIONMOMENTS | March 2022

2021 ANNUAL REPORT See how your donations benefited the local community

8,070

83,070

293,062

1,750

9,957

night stays provided

meals served

unique individuals

sack lunches provided

227

1,641

average guests per night

food boxes provided

34

68

articles of clothing given

program graduates

spiritual decisions made

18,526

170

252

volunteer hours served

other program advancements

Bibles distributed

2,215

13

22

individuals assisted

moves into permanent housing

baptisms

CHAPEL HVAC PROJECT Cost, efficiency, and repairs have been a continuous problem we have incurred with our chapel heating and cooling system that we have in place.

Our chapel is a multipurpose space and used daily for several things such as chapel services, classes, meetings, and events.

After examining repair costs and the lack of efficiency of the current system, our staff decided it was best to replace the units for this area.

Due to the interest, time, and dedication of a Downtown Rescue Mission board member, the mission will be partnering with a local business, Comfort First, who will be installing two brand new 15-ton units. These units will better serve our chapel area and allow us to heat and cool at a proper efficiency and eliminate recurring costs in repairs.

Special thanks to our Downtown Rescue Mission Board and Comfort First for dedicating time and effort towards this very needed project. .

FISHING FOR EAMS T D N A S ONSOR

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Presented By

To Be a Sponsor or to Sign Up a Team Contact: marsha.seymour@downtownrescuemission.org or Visit SWINGFORSHELTER.ORG

LIVES YOU HAVE TOUCHED January 2022

®

7,862

Lodging Provided is a proud is a proud member of member of

27,537

Meals Served

212

Food Boxes

This year started with a delivery

by Feed America First. January 20th was a cold day, but everyone involved helped to make it successful. The freezing temperatures makes the need for food distribution even more important this time of year. We appreciate the volunteers that helped to get all the food distributed to the more than twenty food pantries across the northern Alabama area. Visit downtownrescuemission.org for more ways you can become involved.

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