MISSION UPDATE News of hope and healing from Atlantic City Rescue Mission
Homeless can happen to anyone. Hope happens here.
Holiday 2017
a weary heart
REJOICES. The storms of life left Harry empty-handed and searching for a way forward.
Today, Harry feels the thrill of hope in his life – because of YOU! Read his story on Page 3.
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from 2 ADanMessage Brown
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“I just went through a lot of adversity… a lot of bumps in the road.”
Several years ago, Harry arrived at our doors for the first time seeking recovery from addiction. “I never blamed anybody for my drinking,” he says. He took responsibility for his recovery too. With the Mission’s support, Harry rebuilt his life – finding a job, a home… security. Harry thanked God for the stable plumbing job He had provided. But when Harry went on leave for back surgery, he was never welcomed back. “I got fired on medical leave. And then I had a stroke,” Harry shares. “I collected unemployment and had a room… but then that all ran out. A lot of things fell apart.” Harry suffered from circumstances completely out of his control. “I was clean and sober… but then I got fired.” This would have been crippling for most, but during his stay at the Mission the first time, Harry had learned how to meet life’s challenges God’s way. After leaving the hospital, Harry returned to the
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HOPE
THIS CHRISTMAS WITH PEOPLE IN NEED!
Mission, in need of a place to stay. Here, thanks to the encouragement of the Mission’s chaplain and “through reading the Bible every day,” Harry approached his future with hope.
“God was the key.” “I have a roof over my head, and I’ve got a full belly,” Harry says, grateful for the helping hand the Mission offered him when life knocked him down. As he gets back on his feet again, Harry plans to move into his own place soon, regain his physical strength and continue rebuilding his life. When he sees his life today and compares it to just a year ago, Harry is filled with hope thanks to God’s love in his life – and your support. “If the Mission weren’t here, I don’t know what would’ve happened. It’s definitely a blessing.”
16,000 MEALS
2,500 BEDS
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A MESSAGE FROM DAN BROWN
25,575 MEALS BY DEC. 25 OUR GOAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! Each meal you provide today is so much more than a plate of food. It’s a chance to end someone’s hunger or homelessness – and offer them the gift of a thrilling new life this Christmas.
GIVE NOW using the enclosed reply card & envelope.
Bring HOPE to weary hearts Caroling angels. Christmas pageants. Celebrations around the world. Christmas is truly a thrilling time of year. It’s a time to share love. A time to raise hopes. A time to be joyful! I think the Christmas carol “O Holy Night” puts it best: A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices / For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn! But that’s exactly what makes Christmas a very difficult time for the men, women and children who make their home with us here at the Mission. While it feels like the world is rejoicing around them, most of our guests would tell you they have very little to celebrate. Many are apart from their families, separated from spouses and children. Their hearts are weary from their struggles with homelessness or other desperate situations. It’s your gifts that make Christmas the very best day possible for them – and provide them with the thrill of new hope! Special meals. Decorations. Small gifts. And above all, a celebration of that very first Christmas… a reminder for them – and for all of us – that miracles do happen and prayers are answered! As you keep southern New Jersey’s hurting and homeless in your prayers, I pray you’ll share the joy of the season through a gift that transforms lives forever… filling people with joy and new hope. This then is my Christmas wish for all who join us here at the Mission during the holidays, and for you and those who are near and dear: Let weary hearts experience the thrill of hope!
Dan Brown President & CEO 2
GIVE ONLINE anytime at acrescuemission.org.
Thank you
for sharing your blessings & bounty!
It’s no ordinary Tuesday! #GivingTuesday is your opportunity to help hurting, homeless neighbors right here in southern New Jersey.
YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL NOV. 28! Make your gift today: Visit acrescuemission.org. Or simply add your special Christmas gift to the enclosed reply card. Thank you for making an ordinary Tuesday (or any day) EXTRAORDINARY with your generosity!
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THERE’S STILL TIME TO JOIN US IN SETTING MORE PLACES AT OUR TABLE FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE IN SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY THIS THANKSGIVING! Please consider hosting a food drive or donating these needed items before Monday, November 20: Drop off at 2009 Bacharach Blvd., 7 days a week. Thank
Considering a year-end gift?
you!
• Turkeys & hams • Boxes of stuffing • Bags of potatoes & sweet potatoes • Fresh or #10 canned fruits & vegetables • Baked pies & whipped topping • Coffee, creamer, sugar (white & brown)
Many of our friends make gifts to the Mission before the year ends. Donations charged to a credit card before midnight on December 31, 2017, are tax-deductible for 2017 (even if you don’t pay your credit card bill until 2018).
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Dan, use my Christmas gift to bring new hope to hungry, homeless people. m m m m m
$21.76 to feed and care for 8 people $51.68 to feed and care for 19 people $76.16 to feed and care for 28 people $89.76 to feed and care for 33 people $_______ to help as much as possible Plus, $_______ to provide a special Christmas gift
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Donate now! acrescuemission.org (609) 345-5517, ext. 116 _________________________________________________________________ NAME
Atlantic City Rescue Mission P.O. Box 5358 Atlantic City, NJ 08404-5358
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