STRENGTH TO STAND
KEITH OVERHOLT, MBA President/CEO
“COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO ARE WEARY AND BURDENED, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.”
Matthew 11:28
“BUT THOSE WHO HOPE IN THE LORD WILL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH. THEY WILL SOAR ON WINGS LIKE EAGLES; THEY WILL RUN AND NOT GROW WEARY; THEY WILL WALK AND NOT BE FAINT.”
Isaiah 40:31
50 YEARS OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
InSeptember, the Downtown Rescue Mission joyfully celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special event at the Von Braun Civic Center. While it was a wonderful evening of fellowship and music, the true reason for our celebration was to thank God for all He has done through the ministries of the Mission.
Over my 25 years here, I have been blessed to witness countless miracles of God’s provision and grace. What began in 1975 with sandwiches handed out of a car has grown into a multifaceted ministry that cares not only for the homeless, hungry and addicted, but for the entire community. To God be all the glory and honor.
As I reflected during the celebration, what stayed on my heart were the thousands of lives touched and transformed through the Christcentered work of DRM. Each person who has walked through our doors has discovered that hope is real, not hope found in possessions or people, but hope found only in Jesus.
Our motto at DRM is, “Hope Lives Here.” For my team and me, that’s
more than a slogan... it’s our calling and purpose. Scripture reminds us of this promise:
• “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
—Matthew 11:28
• “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
—Isaiah 40:31
While we are grateful to celebrate 50 years of ministry, our eyes are also on the future. God has always provided for our needs, and He has done so through faithful volunteers, donors, and prayer warriors like you. Because of your support, DRM has not only remained open but has thrived and expanded to meet more needs in our community.
Thank you for being an important part of our history and for standing with us as we look forward with hope and expectation to all that God will do in the years to come.
STRENGTH TO STAND
“HAVE I NOT COMMANDED YOU? BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE AFRAID; DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL BE WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.”
Joshua 1:9
Lookingback, I see how heavily people and circumstances influenced me mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I can also see the Holy Spirit’s work when I consider what I avoided and what I chased. I avoided drama and disharmony in my home, while I chased companionship and sought joy through friendship, games and other escapes.
Years of avoiding conflict made me feel like a coward. I often felt like I was abandoning loved ones. Walking away felt wrong, so I kept my distance from most people. It felt easier not to get close to anyone. I stuck to one or two friends and shut myself off from most others. I understand now that I was simply avoiding conflict, tension and judgment.
In high school, a friend invited me to youth group meetings on Wednesday nights at his church. I went just to spend time with him, not realizing the value of the teaching the pastor, David, was offering. I couldn’t see or appreciate it at the time, but my pastor cared for me deeply, even though he hardly saw me during the week. The world convinced me that nobody cared, and I believed that lie for many years.
It took me time to realize how important it is to put God first. People are flawed and walk their own paths, but God never leaves us. He has walked with me through the darkest places and kept me from doing real harm to myself. For a long time, I ran from His love, trying to fix my life on my own. Now I understand that I don’t have the power to repair it all.
That’s why I submit to Him. Jesus has been with me, showing me how to stand tall, lift myself and others, and give freely without expecting anything in return. He has shown me that I don’t need to be afraid or discouraged, because the Creator of the universe is with me wherever I go.
FROM INTERN TO IMPACT
Ifirst began serving at the Downtown Rescue Mission (DRM) as a psychology intern during my senior year at UAH. I had no idea that DRM even existed until I saw it on the internship list. What drew me to choose DRM was its bold description of serving God and serving the homeless. After my first interview, I knew God was calling me to serve this mission. As graduation approached and my internship came to an end, it was uncertain whether a position would be available. After much prayer, DRM offered me the role of assistant chaplain, which allowed me to continue serving the homeless community.
“LET US NOT BECOME WEARY IN DOING GOOD, FOR AT THE PROPER TIME WE WILL REAP A HARVEST IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP. THEREFORE, AS WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY, LET US DO GOOD TO ALL PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO BELONG TO THE FAMILY OF BELIEVERS.”
Galatians 6:9–10
During my time here, I’ve listened to heartbreaking stories, offered advice and direction, and done my best to reflect Christ’s love for His people. The most impactful part of this work has been stepping into the lives of the outcast and having the opportunity to serve them at their lowest. I’ve seen God’s work most clearly in my own lowest points, especially before He saved me, and it’s a blessing to witness His work daily in the lives of others. God’s plan surpasses all understanding, and I pray He continues to work through me as I help and serve the poor and needy.
