KEITH OVERHOLT, MBA President/CEO
“THE LORD’S ACTS OF MERCY INDEED DO NOT END, FOR HIS COMPASSIONS DO NOT FAIL. THEY ARE NEW EVERY MORNING; GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS.”
Lamentations 3:22–23
OUR GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY: CELEBRATING GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
This year marks a monumental milestone in the life of the Downtown Rescue Mission with 50 years of serving those in need, a half-century of feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless and sharing the hope found only in Jesus Christ.
As I reflect on this incredible journey, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. For 25 of those 50 years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the life-transforming power of God’s love at work in our Mission. I’ve seen men and women walk through our doors broken by addiction, poverty or despair, only to walk out renewed, restored and redeemed. Lives have been miraculously changed, not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally and especially for eternity.
We’ve grown tremendously since 1975 from a small outreach with a big heart to a campus that now provides shelter to hundreds of men, women and children every night, serves thousands of meals each week and reaches out into the community through our many Bible-based programs and services. But at our core, the mission of the Mission has never changed: to meet people where they are with compassion and truth, and to point them to the
life-changing hope only found in Jesus Christ.
This month, we are thrilled to celebrate this 50-year milestone with a special banquet and live concert by GRAMMY-nominated Christian artist, Matthew West. It’s more than a celebration, it’s a night to honor what God has done and to look ahead with expectation for what He will do next. I hope you’ll join us as we give thanks, share stories of transformation, and worship and celebrate together.
As we commemorate this golden anniversary, I want to personally thank our donors, volunteers, church and business partners and the community. Your faithful support has made every success possible. You have helped write the story of thousands upon thousands of changed lives. And together, we’re not finished. Looking ahead, I’m more hopeful than ever. The Bible tells us, “The Lord’s acts of mercy indeed do not end, for His compassions do not fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23) With God’s grace and your continued partnership, I think the best is yet to come.
REDEEMED BY GRACE
“INDEED, WE FELT WE HAD RECEIVED THE SENTENCE OF DEATH. BUT THIS HAPPENED THAT WE MIGHT NOT RELY ON OURSELVES BUT ON GOD, WHO RAISES THE DEAD.”
2 Corinthians 1:9
My name is Tiffany Sands. I’m a 54-year-old mother of three amazing grown children. My alcohol addiction started many years ago. I was stuck in an onagain, off-again cycle, which led to many destructive behaviors. Even during my addiction, I saw myself as kind and loving, but over time, I began to despise the person I had become.
I was out of control and convinced my story would end in my death. I was heading deeper into addiction, and was terrified my family would soon be planning my funeral. After many pleas from my loved ones, I came to the Downtown Rescue Mission for help.
Shortly after arriving, I became extremely ill. I couldn’t eat or keep anything down. I ended up in the ER, where I was hospitalized for three long weeks
with kidney and liver failure, severe dehydration and gallbladder issues. I was dying, hour by hour, minute by minute. That’s when I truly feared for my life.
I prayed, “Lord, if it’s Your will, please let me live so I can return to DRM, follow You and grow in my faith. Let me see my family again. And if not, please let them know how much I love them.”
God heard my prayer. Through His grace and love, I began to slowly heal. When I returned to DRM, I couldn’t walk without help. Most people didn’t think I’d survive, but I knew God was walking beside me and giving me strength.
Here I am, a year later, walking, running and praising God for saving me and giving me a second chance at life!
“I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT. I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE. I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.”
2 Timothy 4:7
All glory to God.
“We are the strongest and tallest on our knees.”
MORE THAN A MEAL: FRIENDSHIP THROUGH SERVICE
LINDSEY
Ifirst discovered DRM while attending a missions dinner held by Rivertree church. While there, I met staff members, Jenn and Ashleigh. I asked about volunteering, and they said they always needed volunteers. I knew then that’s what I wanted to do.
It’s been nearly two years, and I have served in a few different areas. Most often, I’m serving lunch to the women.
“HE CAME NOT TO BE SERVED BUT TO SERVE.”
Matthew 20:28
While there, I made a very good friend, Loretta, and we now serve together regularly. We both enjoy having opportunities to pray for women in need and offer a kind word. It has truly been a blessing to serve at the Mission.
Jesus Himself said, “He came not to be served but to serve.” — Matthew 20:28
LORETTA
I’dknown about the Downtown Rescue Mission for a long time and had dropped off clothing, household items or turkeys during the holidays. The one thing I had never given was my time.
My church, Madison Methodist, encourages us to give back to our community by volunteering. I started serving in the women’s kitchen once or twice a week.
I met Lindsey last winter at a DRM event, and we decided to take the monthly tour at DRM. We’ve been volunteering together since. It’s more fun to volunteer with a friend!
In addition to serving lunch three times a week, we’ve also volunteered at special events like graduation, the coat giveaway and the Fourth of July picnic. We’ve met so many wonderful people, including the staff, residents and other volunteers.
It’s a joy to volunteer at the Downtown Rescue Mission!
WANTING TO GET INVOLVED?
