KEITH OVERHOLT, MBA President/CEO
LIVING OUT THE GREAT COMMISSION
Ilove this time of year, when the leaves begin to change, the nights grow cooler and the Downtown Rescue Mission is at its busiest. Fall is truly the season when our ministry is most active.
recovery programs, counseling sessions, thrift stores or even in this very newsletter, we seek to live out Christ’s command by sharing His love with all we encounter.
“GO THEREFORE AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL THE NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THAT I COMMANDED YOU; AND LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN TO THE END OF THE AGE.”
Matthew 28:19–20
Over the next few weeks, we will be collecting about 1,500 turkeys during our Annual Turkey Drive. Nearly 1,000 turkeys will go into Thanksgiving Food Boxes, each box providing enough food to feed a family of five or more. These boxes will be distributed to families in need throughout our community on Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. The remaining turkeys will be prepared for our Great Thanksgiving Banquet, where this year we expect to serve almost 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to men, women and children seeking not only a hot meal but also hope and encouragement.
While these meals and food boxes help fill empty stomachs, our greater mission is to share the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether in chapel services,
For more than 50 years, the Downtown Rescue Mission has been sharing hope and changing lives through the power of Jesus Christ. As we celebrate this legacy of ministry, we are also excited to see where God will lead us in the future as we continue to serve those in need and proclaim the gospel. Every day at the Mission we strive to fulfill the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs us in Matthew 28:19–20.
You can partner with us in this mission… through your prayers, by volunteering, donating goods to one of our thrift stores or by giving a financial gift. Together, we can continue reaching our community with the hope of Christ this Thanksgiving season and for generations to come.
FROM CHAINS TO FREEDOM
“HE LIFTED ME OUT OF THE SLIMY PIT, OUT OF THE MUD AND MIRE; HE SET MY FEET ON A ROCK AND GAVE ME A FIRM PLACE TO STAND.”
Psalm 40:2
My name is Misty Bell, and I’m 46 years old. I’ve been married to my husband for ten years, and together we have five grown children. My childhood wasn’t the best–my parents divorced when I was five, and both struggled with addiction. My father passed away at 53 due to his addiction, while my mother continues to battle hers.
I began using at 18, attempting to fill a void inside me that only God could truly fill. My addiction pushed my family away and left me feeling alone. My life was spiraling out of control, and I was losing everything–my family, my car, my home, and eventually even my freedom.
I’ve always believed in God, but never had a relationship with Him. That changed one night in jail when I finally gave in. I got down on my knees and prayed for God to
help me because I couldn’t do it on my own. I thank God every day for hearing my prayer because it led me to the Downtown Rescue Mission, where I’m currently part of a program called Owen’s House.
Here, I’ve learned how to have a relationship with God and to trust that He’s always with me. I thank Him daily that His grace and mercy are new every morning. Through this journey, I’ve also learned how to forgive myself as well as others.
I cannot express how much gratitude I have in my heart for God and everyone at the Downtown Rescue Mission. Without them, I would not have come to know Christ or chosen to follow Him. On October 28th, 2025, I’ll celebrate one year of sobriety, and I give God all the glory for bringing me here and showing me that there is always hope.
The Downtown Rescue Mission has helped me see hope when my life seemed hopeless. I know that I am a child of God and nothing or no one can separate me from His love.
The cover image and additional photos of Misty Bell were photographed on location at the Huntsville Botanical Garden.
A LEGACY OF OPPORTUNITY
My name is Kirk Thompson. If you’ve been reading articles, you may remember that my dad, Bernard Thompson, was one of the original founders of the Downtown Rescue Mission back in 1975. As we close out our 50th year in operation, I reflect on what has been, for me, a lifetime connected to the Mission.
I use the word “OPPORTUNITY” to describe the work done here. For those in need of a place to sleep, the Mission gives the OPPORTUNITY for safe, clean shelter. For those who need a meal, the Mission gives the OPPORTUNITY to be fed, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the year. For those who arrive in tattered, worn or dirty clothes, the Mission gives the OPPORTUNITY for clothes to be washed or replaced. Most of all, for those who are down, hurting or emotionally drained, the Mission gives the OPPORTUNITY for peace and a new life through counseling and the Gospel. Here, people find freedom from addiction, poor life choices or homelessness.
“SO THEN, AS WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY, LET US DO GOOD TO EVERYONE, AND ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO ARE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH.”
Galatians 6:10
I believe Jesus Christ creates lasting change in lives. I’ve seen relationships with family and friends restored through His love. I’ve seen people learn biblical truths and work ethics by following the example of servant leadership He set. These are the foundations of life recovery at the Mission, helping people find the Peace of God by first having peace with God.
The Downtown Rescue Mission is truly a place of OPPORTUNITY as we seek to fulfill Galatians 6:10: “So then, as we have OPPORTUNITY, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Items Needed: Yams, Corn, Green Beans, Canned Cranberry, Stuffing, Powdered Gravy, Instant Potatoes.
Hos t a Barrel Food Drive: Co ntact Ashleig h Haye s at 56 -536-2441 or vo lunteer@do w nto w nre scuemissio n.org
Do nate or Learn More: do w nto w nre scuemissio n.org
