Some of them wrote: “I will be forever grateful.” “Thank you for a place to reaffirm my faith in God, the world and humanity, also, for a chance to build a solid foundation.” “This program has changed my life forever.” “The Mission has brought me to a place that I never thought possible.” “Thank God I have a safe place to start.” “The Mission is giving me a chance to let God turn my life around; to have hope and a reason to press on.”

The note that touched me the most, though, said this: “When I came to the Mission I was very hurt. I had lost my job, home, car, everything. My two serious attempts to rebuild my life had failed. I was hopeless. Family members were keeping their distance. I was literally on my last thread. I had strayed away from the church. I didn’t even believe there was a God. Fast forward to today – I have a relationship with my family again. I am facing my past. I have a home church. I have a new relationship with God. I have hope again. That is a huge deal to me considering six months ago I wanted to blow my head off. I have positive goals and plans for the future. I am actually excited about life for the first time in years.”

I can’t even express how much those letters blessed me. The courageous men who wrote them are my heroes. Even after 26 years, I thank God daily for the Mission and for my great opportunity and privilege to serve here. I thank God for those of you who give, pray and volunteer your time. You make it possible to rescue, recover and restore broken lives to wholeness.

If you haven't yet given for the new year, I kindly ask that you give it some serious thought and prayer. Homeless, hungry and hurting men and women are counting on you!

May God grant you and your families His abundant blessings!