Nashville Rescue Mission November 2013

Heart of the Mission NOVEMBER 2013

It Wouldn’t Be

Thanksgiving Without You! Your gifts give hope to the hungry and homeless Make this Thanksgiving special for the homeless, go to nashvillerescuemission.org for a list of the items being collected.

Mayor Karl Dean

It’s More Than a Plate

Mission In My Words

Volunteer enjoys serving others page 3

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What About Christmas?

Your gifts make a difference!

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So Thankful for You Your gifts provide more than a meal

Glenn Cranfield

President and CEO

“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”

–Isaiah 58:10 NIV

For the countless homeless men, women and children in our community, it’s hard to imagine sitting around the dinner table celebrating Thanksgiving when some days you have no idea where your next meal will come from.

Overwhelmed by the challenges of homelessness, it’s no wonder many lose hope.

Jesus knew this—and throughout the New Testament, there are numerous examples of His compassion for the poor as He feeds the hungry, first with physical bread, and then with the Bread of Life. Our Lord was not above serving others and He calls us to do the same: to “feed my lambs… feed my sheep.”

At Nashville Rescue Mission, we follow the example Jesus set before us. The men, women and children we assist not only need a hot and healthy meal, they are also in need

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“Glad we got to serve with @NashvilleRescue today! We always love serving with you!”

@TNUVolleyball

“Just preached @NashvilleRescue. Four men accepted Christ! God moved in a powerful way. #ilovethesemen” @globalvictory

“Nashville Rescue Mission Women’s Shelter - LOVE the ladies there! I feed them lunch, they feed my soul. I GET so much more than I give.” @BittaSweetC

@NashvilleRescue 2 Heart of the Mission

of hope—hope for a brighter future, one filled with possibilities.

With your help, we provide them with nutritious food—to strengthen their bodies and allow them to experience Christian love and radical hospitality. Then, we offer safe shelter, essential clothing and access to appropriate medical care—the life necessities all of us need to survive. Finally, we teach them God provides all the physical and spiritual food they could ever want or need.

As Jesus showed us, hope starts with a meal—but it is only the beginning. We’re so grateful for partners like you, who, in so many wonderful ways, make it possible for Nashville Rescue Mission to feed His hungry sheep. Thank you and God bless.

“On our way to the Nashville Rescue Mission to fulfill Kameron’s birthday wish to volunteer. She is 10 today! :) #proudmom #happybirthdaykam” @amandagmeador

NOVEMBER 2013

MAYOR KARL DEAN MISSION IN MY WORDS

This year marks my seventh holiday season as Mayor and my seventh year participating in the Great Thanksgiving Banquet at Nashville Rescue Mission. Each year, alongside generous volunteers, I have had the privilege of serving Nashville’s homeless men, women and children with a traditional Thanksgiving meal. I’m pleased to be participating again this year.

Service to the community—to the “least of these”—is an often-overlooked part of what makes Nashville such a great city. Often the headlines discuss Nashville as an “it” city or as a “boomtown” for economic growth. These accolades are great, and I certainly think Nashville has earned them.

What doesn’t get so much attention is that Nashville also tops the list as a compassionate and engaged city. Nashvillians look out for one another, and they aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to help those who need a helping hand.

Nashville Rescue Mission is a shining example of that Nashville spirit. All year long, the staff and volunteers of the Mission work tirelessly to not only provide shelter and safety to Nashville’s homeless citizens, but to help change their lives for the better.

Helping those who can’t help themselves—or just need a little help up—does another thing for our community. It helps our city grow and prosper.

When we help a homeless man heal his life, retool his skills and ultimately find work, we build a more economically secure Nashville—for all of us.

When we help a single mother off the street, assist

Nashvillians look out for one another, and they aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to help those who need a helping hand. her with life-skills and encourage her to get her GED, we make her family stronger and Nashville stronger.

All of us have a role to play in ensuring Nashville’s continued prosperity. By engaging volunteers and resources to provide help, hope and healing, Nashville Rescue Mission plays a critical leadership role. You, as a supporter of the Mission, are also supporting the broader Nashville community and for that I would like to simply say “thank you.”

KARL DEAN is the sixth Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.

NOVEMBER 2013 Heart of the Mission 3

Your gifts give hope to the hungry and homeless Most people celebrate Thanksgiving around the dinner table enjoying a traditional meal of turkey and dressing shared with family and friends. But for a person without a home, it can be a very difficult time of year—away from family and friends, reflecting on broken promises, people they have let down and hearts they have broken.

t a smile on Your gifts pu d’s face. hil a homeless c 4 Heart of the Mission

NOVEMBER 2013

There are more ng at children stayi ow than the Mission n w you can ever. Learn ho ristmas make their Ch n memorable o page 7.

of pity and spite inside of him. But this year he’s excited to graduate from the Life Recovery Program the day before Thanksgiving and is especially thankful for all he has learned during his recovery.

“I am so grateful for everything the Mission has done for me,” continues Rick. “I have a solid relationship with the Lord. I will soon be starting a new job. I have re-established a relationship with my children. I am extremely blessed!”

WHEN IT COMES to sizable “It’s not just about serving them guest lists for Thanksgiving, a traditional Thanksgiving meal,” and. h g in lp the Mission outnumbers even says Cranfield. “This meal just g a he s lendin e g a ll the biggest of families.

With might be the first step in reaching a ers of Volunte your help, over 5,500 meals will a man or woman struggling with WITH YOUR HELP be served to Nashville’s homeless homelessness or in the grip of adthis Thanksgiving can be different this Thanksgiving. Volunteers diction or other life-debilitating for countless hungry and homeless will arrive early to start preparing situation and guiding them down men, women and children in the for the day’s meals. Every fried a new path. It’s an opportunity to Nashville community as their lives turkey must be carved, every potato show them there is hope.” are touched through the Mission’s chopped, every pie sliced. So much Thank you for giving the gift of annual Great Thanksgiving time and effort goes into preparing hope this Thanksgiving!

Banquet. While there are many and serving an extra-special without homes to go to, there is Thanksgiving meal. a place where the door is always “This is a wonderful time of open—Nashville Rescue Mission. year for most families,” says Glenn It’s through your generosity; the Cranfield, president and CEO. “It’s homeless and hungry can find a enjoying time spent together as traditional Thanksgiving meal with a family, celebrating God’s many all the trimmings at the Mission. blessings. Yet, for those without And it doesn’t stop there. Every day, family or a place to call home, it those in need can find the comfort can be very sad and lonely. At of hot, nutritious food, essential Nashville Rescue Mission, we clothing and safe shelter—all bewelcome those who are hurting, cause of your heart for the homehomeless and alone with the love less, your compassion for the poor. of Christ. It might start with a While most come for the delimeal, but after they’ve been fed, cious Thanksgiving meal, your gifts we want them to leave with allow the Mission to greet everyone something much greater— like family. Tables are covered with hope for a brighter future tablecloths. Walls are decorated through Jesus Christ. with messages of hope. Music is “I’M LOOKING FORWARD softly playing in the background.

Lisa S p Thoughtful steps are taken to make to Thanksgiving this year,” enjoy encer, WSM s serv ing at V weathe says Rick. For him, being this an extraordinary day—filled ra Thank sgivin nchor, homeless on Thanksgivwith special memories for those g. ing had only welled up feelings who call the Mission their home.

“Thanks to Tracy Lawrence and his annual turkey fry, serving fried turkey has become a regular tradition at the Mission during Thanksgiving,” says Tony Baxter, food services director. “We will also serve many of the traditional Thanksgiving day foods, like dressing, creamed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and lots of pumpkin pie. It might not be the same as having Thanksgiving dinner at home, but it’s pretty close.”

NOVEMBER 2013

Heart of the Mission 5

IT’S

M RE

THAN A

PLATE

Volunteer enjoys serving others

“I’m serving more than a plate of food,” says Kathy, a regular volunteer at the Mission. “It’s oh so much more! It’s showing a person who doesn’t have a home they are loved. It’s letting a hungry person know they are valued.”

Kathy has been volunteering every week at the Mission since May 2012. “I love giving my time away,” shares Kathy. “My father was a veterinarian. Growing up, I watched him demonstrate care and compassion to those he served. It instilled in me a desire to help others. Volunteering fulfills that desire. It fills me with joy.”

KATHY SPENT many years living in Houston, Texas. “There was a big rescue mission in Houston. I can’t say I gave homelessness a lot of thought back then. I donated blankets and other items, but never volunteered.” After moving to Nashville, Kathy began looking for ways to get involved in her new community. She found a church home, volunteered to tutor at a local high school and found other opportunities to serve.

“I remember seeing a story on TV at Easter about Nashville 6 Heart of the Mission

NOVEMBER 2013

Rescue Mission,” recalls Kathy. “It caught my attention. I pulled up the website and decided to sign up to serve lunch one day a week. I’ve been coming almost every week since. I really enjoy connecting with the guests. They are gracious.

I constantly hear them say ‘thank you.’ I enjoy seeing them smile when they receive their tray of food.

And on the weeks I’ve been out of town and missed my day of serving, many of them will ask, ‘Where have you been? I missed seeing you last week.’ It just warms my heart.”

AFTER YEARS of being a teacher, Kathy now teaches new volunteers the ropes. “I can spot a first-time volunteer a mile away,” says Kathy.

“It’s written all over their face. I’m honored to show them where to get an apron, how to put on a hair net and where they can wash their hands. It’s a great way to meet people. I’ve made so many new

friends… in fact, they are more than friends—they are family.”

“This year I hope my daughter and son-in-law can join me during the Great Thanksgiving Banquet,” shares Kathy. “I really enjoy volunteering at the Mission and I think they would be blessed to experience it as well. It’s amazing to see so many people from the community give their time and talents to those in need, especially during the busy, holiday season. At a time when many of the guests might otherwise be discouraged, they respond differently… they smile… they are happy. I think for a moment, they forget they are homeless and they feel at home.”

IF YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN MORE about volunteer opportunities at the Mission, visit nashvillerescuemission.org/ volunteer or call the Volunteer Hotline at (615) 312-1544.

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST*

FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN

What About

CHRISTMAS? Your gifts make a difference!

There’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing a child’s face light up as he or she discovers presents under the tree on Christmas morning. But, there is also nothing more heartbreaking than a homeless child without a home or hope on Christmas day—or any other day for that matter.

Last year, you made Christmas a very special time for homeless women, mothers and their children staying at Nashville Rescue Mission. Your gifts put smiles on faces and filled hearts with joy.

This year, the Mission anticipates serving more children than ever before and with your help, these families can also have a Christmas to remember.

Of course, it isn’t just about toys—it is about celebrating the love God demonstrated for us through the birth of His son Jesus Christ. This sacrificial love is the true meaning of Christmas.

With your help, the homeless women and children who call the Mission their home can experience this love. Your gifts will not only help them celebrate this holiday, it will fill them with the hope only God can give.

HELP SPREAD THE CHEER PICK UP AN ITEM or two off the Christmas Wish List (tear off list to the right) while you’re doing your Christmas shopping.

GATHER A GROUP from church and bring a craft or host a party at the Mission to make the holidays merry and bright for those who are homeless.

ORGANIZE A TOY DRIVE at your church, school or workplace to collect gifts for the children who call the Mission their temporary home during Christmas.

Call the Mission’s Volunteer Hotline at (615) 312-1544 or email volunteer@ nashvillerescuemission.org for details.

WOMEN - Granola bars/healthy snacks - Candy bars/gum/mints - Board games - Pens/stationary - Small note pads/journals - Jewelry - Nail clippers - Small flashlights - Picture frames - Purses/tote bags - Cosmetics/perfumes - Lotions/soaps - Hair care products for African American hair including heavier combs & hair oil - Women’s clothing - Hats/gloves/scarves - Socks/underwear (sizes 6-13) - Metro bus passes - Restaurant gift certificates - Phone cards CHILDREN (AGES 0-7) - Learning toys/books - Baby/Barbie dolls - Baby toys (rattles, teething ring) - Musical toys - Matchbox cars - Infant and children clothing - Socks/underwear CHILDREN (AGES 8-18) - Hand-held radios - CD/MP3 players with headsets - Jewelry - Electronic games - Cameras - Books/personal journals - Christian CDs - Remote control cars - Watches - Makeup/lotions - Bubble bath/scented soaps - Children and teen clothing Donations can be dropped off at the Mission’s Donation Center (616 7th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203) Open Monday − Saturday 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. *For the purpose of this list, we request items be new.

NOVEMBER 2013 Heart of the Mission 7

LIVES YOU HAVE

SAVE

THE

DATE

TOUCHED SEPTEMBER 2013

Mark your calendar for upcoming events at Nashville Rescue Mission. For more details, visit us online at nashvillerescuemission.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

49,088 Meals Served

NOVEMBER

20,898 Nights of Lodging

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RADIOTHON

94 FM The Fish 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.

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NASHVILLE PRAISE SYMPHONY 7 p.m. in the Men’s Mission Chapel

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MUSIC WITH A MISSION CONCERT

Concert at 7 p.m. at Schermerhorn Symphony Center to benefit Nashville Rescue Mission featuring Restless Heart, Amy Grant, Big Daddy Weave and many more

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RADIOTHON Super Talk 99.7 WWTN 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.

PICTURES OF HOPE’S “Meet the Artist Reception” at Tom Bannen Chevrolet noon

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TRACY LAWRENCE TURKEY FRY in the Mission parking lot - all day event

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GRADUATION FOR MEN & WOMEN in Life Recovery Program - 10 a.m.

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GREAT THANKSGIVING BANQUET - noon

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Thanksgiving Day 2ND ANNUAL MUSIC CITY THANKSGIVING DAY RUN/WALK hosted by What Do You Run For? Event Management to benefit Nashville Rescue Mission - 8 a.m. start GREAT THANKSGIVING BANQUET - noon

18,807 Chapel Attendance 5,209 Education Hours 4,583 Bible Class Attendance 1,903 Decisions and Prayers 5,950 Volunteer Hours 61 Travel Assistance 10 Program Graduates

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639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 255-2475 www.nashvillerescuemission.org