“In my new life, I’ve found hope and purpose.”
Gerald was born in Liberia during a time of civil war. His family faced unimaginable hardship. At 8 years old, Gerald was removed from the home and forced to train as a child soldier. “I didn’t want to fight,” he shares. “I prayed every day – it was the Lord’s Prayer that kept me going.”
A few years later, Gerald escaped to a refugee camp, where he was miraculously reunited with his mother. “She was my closest confidante,” he recalls tearfully. When she passed away from cancer, Gerald was devastated.
As Gerald grew into adulthood, he continued to carry the weight of his past. Even so, he returned to school and eventually moved to the U.S., where a resettlement program helped him reunite with family.
Still haunted by painful memories, Gerald turned to substances to cope. “Eventually, I didn’t even know who I was anymore,” he shares. When he found himself experiencing homelessness with nowhere to turn, Gerald prayed for guidance. That’s when he felt the Lord
leading him to the New Life Center.
After being welcomed with open arms, Gerald began a life-changing journey. Through faith-based classes, case management and – above all – community, he’s worked hard to rebuild his life. “Every day, I learn something new about myself,” he smiles.
Gerald gives back by working in the kitchen, contributing his skills and gaining new ones. “Showing love through cooking brings me joy,” he beams.
Today, Gerald is sober, hopeful and eager to continue helping others. “My plan is to keep following Christ’s call to impact lives by sharing about my own transformation.” He dreams of encouraging men facing addiction, showing them living proof that change is possible.
Your gifts are bearing fruit in the lives of people like Gerald. Now, his heart is full of hope this fall...thanks to your kindness! “Because of God’s work through New Life Center, I have a real future…and I’m so grateful!”
Here, I learned that I belong to God – that I’m a treasure to Him.”
Hearts and lives are full...thanks to YOU!
A Message from ROB SWIERS
As the seasons change, I’m reminded of Jesus’ words to His disciples: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” As one of our most devoted “workers,” your support and care for our hungry neighbors who are homeless is a powerful source of hope. For the men who come to us for help. For our staff...and for me personally!
This month, you have a special opportunity to make a difference for our struggling neighbors. September is Hunger Action Month – and we’re inviting you to provide 30 meals over 30 days for our hungry guests. It’s a meaningful way you can be a force for change here in Fargo-Moorhead.
YOU’RE HELPING THEM ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS…
Thanks to friends like you, guests at the Mission believe in themselves and have hope. Your prayers and support help residents in our recovery program look forward to brighter futures.
“The Mission helped me find peace and courage through a loving God... and now, I have a job. Life is good again!”
– Reuben
“I’ve gained a closer relationship with the Lord, a community of trustworthy friends, and real hope for my future.”
– Robert
Thank you for believing in second chances and making it possible for people to rebuild their lives!
To find out more about how you’re helping transform lives, visit fargonlc.org.
In September alone, we’re preparing to serve 11,666 meals – and more in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Your support will help provide these life-changing meals that fill bellies with nourishment...and fill lives with hope.
Just read how your generous gifts are bearing fruit in Gerald’s life, whose story is on Page 3. He is looking forward to a more hope-filled future – because of the dedication of “workers” like you!
Thank you for investing in the lives of more neighbors like Gerald during Hunger Action Month and throughout the fall season!
Rob Swiers, Executive Director
11,666
September is Hunger Action Month! Join our community in this month-long movement to fight hunger...and TAKE ACTION to help even more neighbors who are hungry who we’ll welcome this fall.
Sign up to serve a meal Donate canned goods
Provide groceries
For just $2.97, YOU can provide a nourishing meal to end someone’s hunger. Send your gift today OR online at fargonlc.org.
Invite others to join you
Scan to take action now!
JOIN US FOR OUR FALL FUNDRAISER!
Discover what lies beyond the surface. Join us on Tuesday, October 7, at Delta Hotels by Marriott Fargo for The Untold Story – an evening of desserts and testimonies that invites you to see the humanity in every life impacted by hunger, homelessness and addiction. Come for dessert. Leave inspired.
Don’t wait – seating is limited, and your presence is vital.
6 p.m. - Social & light appetizers
7 p.m. - Program
Get your tickets at fargonlc.org.
i nvest in s Aving lives!
Make a lasting impact for our neighbors in need... while experiencing benefits for you and your family! Don’t forget about these special giving opportunities before the year ends.
IRA Charitable Rollover
Are you 73 or older? If so, you can save on taxes while meeting your IRA’s Required Minimum Distribution! A gift from your IRA is considered a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), so it’s not taxable income.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAF)
A DAF acts as a charity savings account that you can use to send money to the Mission. If you put money in today, you’ll get a tax deduction for 2025. The money sits in the fund and can grow tax-free!
For more information, please contact Jennifer Swiers, Donor Program Manager, at jennifer.swiers@fargonlc.org or (701) 532-4453.
** This material is not intended as legal, tax or financial advice. Please consult your own attorney, CPA or advisor for personalized guidance.
