Fall 2023

Fall 2023

A Heart of Thanksgiving Steven wants to share how your support changed his life!

DON’T MISS...

Thanksgiving got hope us for Meal 2 Our 3 “I’ve 4 Join Campaign has begun! again...” at the Mission!

1902 3RD AVE N, FARGO, ND 58102 | (701) 235-4453 | FARGONLC.ORG

Anticipating This New Season with Thanksgiving A Message from ROB SWIERS It’s hard to believe we’re here again: over halfway through another year. Here at New Life Center, preparations for our busy fall season are already underway.

Outside, the weather is starting to cool. But inside our doors, it’s still warm and inviting as we get ready for the many neighbors who will come to us during the months leading up to Thanksgiving. It’s one of my favorite times of the year, and it’s possible thanks to the generosity of friends like you.

As I think about this time of the year, I’m reminded of the words of Ecclesiastes 3:1: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Each time someone comes to the Mission for help, their season changes. They leave a time of pain and struggle that they may not have anticipated and certainly didn’t desire –

YOU’RE MAKING GOALS AND DREAMS POSSIBLE… “Before I was homeless, I was always too proud to ask for help. But the Mission welcomed me when I asked…and I’m getting the help that I need. My life is back on track.”

“I was struggling, turning to alcohol to cope and I was so lost. But now I’m healing…

I’ve got a lot of life ahead of me and I’m not defined by my mistakes.”

At the Mission, hopes and dreams are born – thanks to the support of friends like you, men in our recovery program can believe that a brighter future is possible.

To find out more about how you’re helping transform lives and fulfill dreams, visit fargonlc.org.

Thank you for believing that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better, more fulfilling life!

2

and they choose a season of support and recovery. I truly believe this is God’s hand at work through your partnership in this life-giving ministry.

Now, as we prepare to serve an estimated 17,500 meals in the coming months, I ask you to pray for every struggling man who finds a seat at our tables. Pray that if the time is right for a new season in their life, God will make it known and see it through.

Thank you. I’m thankful for you now, and always.

Rob Swiers Executive Director

Join Our

17,500 Meals Needed this Thanksgiving Season This Thanksgiving, men seeking refuge and hope will gather at our tables. Many are longing to overcome homelessness and poverty…wishing they could reunite with their families for the holidays.

For just $2.97, YOU can provide a meal to nourish their bodies and lift their spirits. Your gift surrounds hurting people with loving care that leads to a better life through:

God’s lifeSafe, welcoming Warm clothing, Classes & job coats & shoes skills training changing love shelter

Please help our neighbors in need this holiday season! Send your 2023 Thanksgiving Campaign gift today using the enclosed reply card and envelope OR online at fargonlc.org.

Meet Steven – who is thankful for your support!

L

ying in a hospital bed at Prairie St. John’s, beaten down by decades of addiction, Steven wondered if there was any hope left for his life.

Born the sixth child of alcoholic parents, he saw from a young age the damage it inflicted. “Everybody told me that my life was worthless. If I disagreed, I got smacked in the head or beaten with a belt.”

Despite knowing too well the dangers of alcohol, as an adult, he couldn’t resist the draw. “I worked in the concrete industry for 30 years, and everybody had a drink on that job. In my bowling league, seven nights a week, we’d be drinking whiskey and partying after.”

The drinking led to hard drug use and reckless decisions like driving under the influence. It was a downward spiral.

Despite having three beautiful children with his longterm girlfriend, Steven couldn’t find the will to change his destructive behavior. When his girlfriend left him, he simply doubled down on his drinking, glad she was no longer around to point out that he was slowly killing himself.

Two years later, his daughter’s death from cancer was the final blow that shattered his life. He lost interest in everything besides drinking to numb his overwhelming pain. “I didn’t have the will to deal with anybody or anything, and I shut God out.”

But God had other plans…starting with Steven’s arrest.

Instead of jail, he was taken to Prairie St. John’s, and from there he was led to our Genesis Recovery Program.

Committing himself to Bible study, case management and fellowship with the other men in his program, Steven began to feel the shackles of alcoholism and despair fall away. “We’re one big family. We spend time together, discussing what we’re learning about God.”

I just gave up on everything and everybody…I was waiting to die.

Steven enjoys working at the New Life Center Thrift Store every day, getting valuable work training for his resume. And he spends his evenings attending church, exercising to stay fit, or building friendships with fellow Mission guests.

Steven is filled with thanksgiving for God’s redeeming love in his life – and your incredible generosity and support! “I know that I was sent here for a reason! Since coming to the Mission, I’ve found the family that I lost, and I know that I have God on my side.”

“I’ve got hope again...

because I’ve got God on my side.”

3

Join us for Meal at the Mission!

Have you ever wondered what someone walking through the doors of New Life Center experiences? Come see firsthand how lives are being changed.

Enjoy a complimentary lunch, learn about New Life Center’s programs and services, and tour the facility.

RSVP TODAY Meal at the Mission • October 10 11:45 am – 1pm New Life Center • 1902 3rd Ave N, Fargo Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, are limited and tend to fill up quickly.

Register today to save your seat!

Questions? Please contact Advancement Director Andrea Feigum at  (701) 532-4423 or  andrea.feigum@fargonlc.org.

GRADUATION Spotlight

We are proud and excited to congratulate Dorgery and Levi on their graduation from our 18-month Genesis Recovery Program. Please join us in praying for them as they begin new jobs…move into new homes…and take steps to become productive members of our Fargo-Moorhead community!

Thank you for your faithful support that is helping to transform lives like our graduates’ here in our community.

Volunteers needed…like YOU! Ever thought of how you can do more for men here at the Mission? Come serve as a volunteer!

There’s plenty to do, and no experience or skill sets required…just open hands and a willing heart. We’d love to have you!

Sign up now!

Contact us today to see how you can help...

Call: Maddi Urschel at (701) 532-4445 Email: maddi.urschel@fargonlc.org