Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Rains from Heaven

I love rain. The smell in the air. The sound of a good rain hitting the roof and windows. However, when you work for a homeless shelter, you begin to look at weather in a different way. While I love rain and don't mind the occasional drenching, to be in the elements because I had to be, because I had nowhere to find shelter, that would probably cause me to look at rain in a rather negative way. I guess I can say that I have looked at rain "from both sides." And now I can look at the rain and be very grateful. First, because with this heat and the drought in which Michigan seems caught, everyone is grateful for these signs of the abundance from heaven. Second, I am thankful that, because of gifts from our fellow Rescuers, we can offer shelter to men, women, and children who are homeless and have nowhere else to go.

For some time, "shelter" has also been seen in a negative way. However, the word as it is defined refers to a haven. A place of refuge and comfort. That is what we have the opportunity to provide for our guests. A haven. A place of refuge and comfort. Where they are given more than a temporary relief from their physical needs. They are given a sense of hope, a realization that they are loved. Not a shallow, human type of love, but the kind of love that would lay down life itself for their eternal well being. The love found in John 3:16. Thank you for your gifts to those in need. And thank you for allowing us to let people see "shelter" from both sides.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16




Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Little Boy Snoozes

Another great photo for the 3-6-5 project! This week, we featured one of our very young guests as he took a little nap in the cafeteria. Most people may not realize that the majority of homeless children are under the age of six. Already this year, support from our fellow Rescuers has helped the Mission provide over 5,000 nights of shelter to children like this little boy. Thank you for helping us help others! Your gifts truly do make a difference in our community.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Graduation

The photo chosen to represent the Mission's Centennial 3-6-5 project tells its own story of triumph. Recently, we had the opportunity to witness a graduation celebration from our Life Transformation Program. The graduate had completed the required one year of intensive Bible study, classes, and counseling. While a year of sobriety is quite a milestone, the graduation ceremony is really only that, a milestone. A marker along the path we are all taking as we journey to our final destination. The gifts of those who support the Mission offered this man a means of "Rescue" from the path of addiction he had traveled for so long. However, there is still a long road ahead of him. As the Mission takes a smaller, supportive role, the responsibility belongs to the graduate, as to whether he'll stay on this new path or return to the old, destructive path. We appreciate what you have done to help us help this graduate and ask that you continue to pray for him as he seeks to rebuild his life on a new foundation.