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YOU CHANGED HER LIFE
LETTER from the PRESIDENT
LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS Thank you for loving the brokenhearted
T
Glenn Cranfield | President and CEO
MARK 12:30-31 HCSB Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.
o truly love God, we must also love people. On our best days, we want to obey Jesus’ command. But if we’re honest, some people are easier to love than others. Maybe they require less sacrifice, they love us back, or they just caught us in a good mood. Whatever our reasons, Jesus challenged us: “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” (Matthew 5:46). Anyone on our path—is our neighbor, and we are called to love them. The homeless man on the street corner. The addict in need of treatment. The prostitute walking down the street. The hungry child living in a car with
heart-2-heart
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his mother. The outcast. These are our neighbors. How can we possibly love every person we meet? The truth is, in our strength, we can’t—not perfectly. But the command remains. Scripture tells us that those who are in Christ can love because He first loved us. The life we live—and the love we give—is by His power and for His glory. Thank you for showing the love of Christ to those who come to us broken, downtrodden, and hurting. You are the reason they are welcomed with a message of hope for something better.
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spread the love Heart of the Mission | February 2018
Mission in my Words
DANNY GOKEY I know what it’s like to be ashamed of your situation. Embarrassed by your circumstances. Down on your luck and desperate for a chance—any chance—to earn a living and provide for your family. Which is why I am drawn to helping the homeless. I know the brokenness and hopelessness many of them are feeling, and I know they deserve the chance and the help to get back on their feet. If you watched season eight of American Idol, you may know a bit of my story. My journey on Idol began four weeks after the death of my wife, and high school sweetheart, Sophia. After she passed away, I felt hopeless for a long time. But I was reminded that hope was always in front of me, I just needed to find it. My success led to a platform where I was able to establish Sophia’s Heart, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families who have been affected by poverty, broken homes, and broken dreams. I started it because I wanted to remind people of their worth at a time when they are surrounded by situations that make them feel worthless. Our organization is going
“The Mission is stepping up and meeting the needs of men, women, and children, who are broken and in desperate need of help and hope.”
The Mission is stepping up and meeting the needs of men, women, and children, who are broken and in desperate need of help and hope. Simply by meeting their most basic needs with the love of Jesus, the Mission is reminding them they are important, even if they don’t feel it. When you help restore a person’s sense of value, it’s amazing how their willingness to dream also returns—they begin to hope for a better life, and believe they deserve one. No one wants to be homeless. No one wants to need help. But these are people. People who need to feel valued and loved by others; who need to feel they have a place in the world. They need attention, direction and support, just as much as three meals and a place to sleep and I’m thankful for Nashville Rescue Mission stepping up to meet that challenge right here in our community. I invite you to join me in supporting them and their work.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
BMG recording artist Danny Gokey became a favorite of millions of fans as a Top 3 finalist on Season Eight of American Idol. He has released four studio albums, including My Best Days, Hope in Front of Me, and Christmas Is Here. His latest album, RISE, debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Top Christian/Gospel Albums Chart, number 9 on the Top Current Albums Chart, and number 32 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. Gokey is also the founder of Sophia’s Heart, an organization that provides hope and help to homeless families in crisis.
through a transition now, but more than ever I’m committed to helping the homeless, which is why the ministry of Nashville Rescue Mission is so near and dear to me. 03
Heart of the Mission | February 2018
YOU CHANGED HER LIFE Tia was five when she invited Jesus into her heart. She was a good student, involved in sports, played in the band, but she had a rebellious side she kept hidden from her family. “When I was 12 … my step-father tried to do things to me,” said Tia. “Thankfully he didn’t. But my momma stayed with him. I felt like she chose him over me. I lost my sense of self-worth and self-confidence. I don’t blame my mom anymore, but for a long time, I did.” Tia was 16 when her grandfather, who had been like a father to her, passed away. “I was crushed. Things went downhill after he died. I was acting out sexually. I started smoking weed and drinking until eventually, it was whatever, whenever, however.” WHEN TIA STOPPED GOING TO SCHOOL, her mom made
it clear she wasn’t going to let her off the hook. “She told me, ‘You have to get your GED.’” Despite refusing to attend the prep classes, she passed with some of the highest scores in the state of Tennessee. Despite Tia s academic accomplishment, she wasn't ready to turn her life around. She spent her days hustling for money and ripping people off. She entered her first treatment center when she was 21, and for the next seven years, she spent her life in and out of rehab and jail. Jail is where she first heard about Nashville Rescue Mission’s Life Recovery Program. “I don’t have anything against the 12-step program, but there was no need for me to have a higher power because I knew that Jesus is the highest power. I told my momma I needed Jesus and I needed a Christian facility. That’s when she brought me to the Mission and dropped me off.” 04
Heart of the Mission | February 2018
“I LEARNED MANY VALUABLE LESSONS while in the
Mission’s Recovery Program,” recalled Tia. “I learned to be compassionate. I learned not to live today based on how I feel. Just because I felt like God didn’t love me, that didn’t make it true. I also came to realize that I’m no better than anybody. Just because I may have a few more material things than somebody, it doesn’t make me better than them. I learned to try to see people the way God sees them.” Getting to the point of being clean and sober was not an easy road for Tia. She faced a variety of obstacles and setbacks, including her pride. In fact, it took a couple of attempts for her to complete the Mission’s program. And even then, challenges and setbacks continued to plague her, but Tia remained focused and determined.
“I LEARNED NOT TO LIVE TODAY BASED ON HOW I FEEL. JUST BECAUSE I FELT LIKE GOD DIDN’T LOVE ME, THAT DIDN’T MAKE IT TRUE.”
BUT HER CHALLENGES DIDN’T END THERE. When Tia applied for her license from the Tennessee Board of Dentistry, her past almost prevented her from moving forward. “At first they said no. I filed an appeal and went before the board. It was an open meeting. It was humiliating. It was hard. The first time they voted, they voted no. I had letters of recommendation from my teachers, from the office where I had done my internship. But there was a doctor on the board, Dr. Shaw, I’ve never met him, and I don’t know him, but I will never forget him. He motioned that they at least give me a probationary license. When they approved my license, I was elated. Only God could do that!” Since receiving her license, Tia has worked in the field of oral surgery for several years. She is married and currently in school with plans to become an RN.“God restored my relationship with my mom. I always knew she loved me. She just didn’t approve of what I was doing. Her tough love helped me get on the right track.” “Thank you, Jesus, is all I can say! My life is not perfect. I’m not perfect. I’ve had struggles even after graduating the Mission’s program. God is still working on me. God is a deliverer. He’s my deliverer. When I prayed, ‘Lord, help me get clean’—He did it. But I had to walk in that deliverance. It hasn’t been easy, but God didn’t promise us easy. He promised us grace. Now, I can’t imagine my life not living for God.”
AFTER TIA GRADUATED THE PROGRAM she moved into transitional housing. She had a job and eventually moved into an apartment, but still, something was missing. “I was watching TV when I saw a commercial for Remington College. Right then I made up my mind to go back to school. I was finally going to do something with my life.” Two days later, she was enrolled. But after finishing her second day of school, she came home to find an eviction notice on the door. The school gave her an extension of a month to give her a chance to find a place to live. She stayed with her sister-in-law for a while, but when things there didn’t work out, Tia decided to stay at the Mission as a guest. Even when lights would go out at night, Tia would sit in the bathroom where the lights stayed on reading books and completing homework. Tia was making straight A’s and had perfect attendance when fear stepped in. “I remember thinking, ‘I’m inadequate. I’m not worthy. I can’t do this.’” She fell off the grid and went missing for a week. “A teacher called my mother and told her she desperately wanted to find me and they would let me back in school because they wanted to see me make it. It blew me away to hear that my teachers saw something in me I didn’t see in myself.” When Tia graduated, she was one of the top students in her class. 05
Heart of the Mission | February 2018
A Difference Maker A LOOK AT THIS VOLUNTEER’S HEART FOR SERVING
What started with a work commitment over the past decade has evolved into a lifestyle of volunteering and serving at Nashville Rescue Mission. It’s been 12 years and Diane shows no signs of slowing down.
“I grew up in a small town where homelessness wasn’t very visible,” said Diane. “But family and spiritual values were taught early on. I think that’s why I have such a strong desire to give back to others who may not have experienced what I did growing up.” OVER THE YEARS, Diane has worked in the kitchen,
chopping vegetables and serving meals. “I’m always looking for ways to get more involved,” said Diane. She’s answered phones during the Mission’s annual radiothons and served on the Hearts of Hope committee for the last three years, while also volunteering to assist ladies during the week of pampering leading up to the event. “It’s exciting to see a volunteer who is so passionate and committed to what we are doing,” said Cheryl Noe, senior director of development for Nashville Rescue Mission. “Which is why we invited Diane to be on the committee for our Hearts of Hope luncheon, an event around Valentine’s Day where our 06
guests are honored. She’s been such a blessing to the Mission and to the women we serve.”
“It was enough that we were there to simply spend time with them.” “ONE OF MY MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES happened
last February during the pampering week,” said Diane. “I reluctantly signed up for a couple of hours to paint nails. I am not that good at doing my own nails, much less someone else’s. However, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and
Heart of the Mission | January 2018
appreciation from the women we were serving. It didn’t matter to them that we were not professional manicurists. It was enough that we were there to simply spend time with them.” Diane says this event is extra special to her. “It is a phenomenal experience to watch the women get excited about a new outfit and be treated with respect, honor, and love. Creating a week and a day where we celebrate them and show them love and attention is such a blessing.” HER VOLUNTEER SPIRIT IS CONTAGIOUS. “For the past
six years, during the month of November, 10 to 15 of my co-workers will join me in serving at the Men’s Campus. Over the years, many friends including those from my church have joined me and my family in volunteering. There are so many different needs and numerous unique opportunities to get involved.” Diane invites you to join her in serving at the Mission with the promise that you will be blessed beyond measure. “If we give of our time and resources, we can make a difference. The Mission relies on our community to help provide food, shelter, and hope for a different future to so many every day. When I step foot on the Women’s or Men’s Campus, I am blessed. I see the staff at the Mission daily giving their hearts to those in need without question. They give tirelessly and unconditionally to the men, women, and children who need some guidance during a vulnerable time in their lives and they are making a difference. I invite you to join me in supporting the Mission. Let’s be a part of making that difference.”
Tracy Y
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KORNET SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT
hope hearts of
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LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO GET INVOLVED AT:
nashvillerescuemission.org/volunteer
When I attended the inaugural Hearts of Hope luncheon I was hooked. The stories of miracles and transformations shared that day melted my heart. I could see the Mission was a special place where God’s hands and heart were at work. I am overwhelmed by how they love people of all backgrounds. No one is turned away or loved less because of who they are. The way the Mission serves others with humility and honor is empowering. We see the need to help the homeless everywhere we go in Nashville. There are those out there I want to help, but don’t know how and those who need help that I can’t provide by myself. Supporting Nashville Rescue Mission, though, is a guaranteed way to ensure we’re meeting the need for help and hope in a loving, Christ-centered way. I am honored to support Nashville Rescue Mission’s goals, leadership, and mission to provide hope to those who need it most. Heart of the Mission | February 2018
WE REMEMBER Members of Nashville’s Homeless Community who died in 2017:
O
n Saturday, December 16, 2017, the Nashville community gathered at Riverfront Park to honor and remember 116 men and women who were homeless or had experienced homelessness and passed away during this past year.
“We remember these who are no longer with us. They were mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters—their lives matter to God and they matter to us,” said Rev. Glenn Cranfield, president and CEO of Nashville Rescue Mission. “With your prayers and support we remember them and pray for fewer lives lost due to homelessness in the years to come.”
* DENOTES THE PERSON WAS FORMERLY HOMELESS
Billy Page Scott Abraham* Will Aker Curtis Allen* Dwight Allen Ben Amos Mary Asafari Colin Bach Berl Bamberg* Michael Bass Levi Battle Jr. Chase Beckwith Brian Bednar Charles Boyd Richard Brimm Franklin Brooks Russell Brooks Alan C. Brown* Timothy Brymer Jeff Buck Kimberly Bullock Chris Burney* Sterling “Tater” Butler Jeffrey Burroughs Christina Cannon Robert Carr David Wayne Collins James Conley Dillion Dabbs
Joe Dalton Ryan Daughtery Brian “Bamma” Davis Allan Deckrett* David Dodson* Frederick Eggleston Melanie England Gary Evans Wesley Ferrell Johnny William Fisher Charles Fussel* Scott Gilliland James “Sonny” Glenn Lucille Groff* Kris Hansen Constance Hardiman Lorraine Harvey Randy Hendricks* Christopher Hill Keith Hill Vanessa Hoard* John Hogencamp Kelonda Holt George Hopkins Reno Hutchinson* Johny “Candyman” Hutchinson Tamatha Isbell
Freddie Ivey II Carlos Moran Christina Jackson Edward Mosley, Jr. Martin Ray Jackson James Newman Tony Jibi Faye Parker Steve Kahler Tim Parker Scotty Kilgore Delois Perkins Robert Kirkland Ray Ponce De Leon* Harold Labell* Jennifer Roby Jennie Langford Michael Romano Edward Leggs Judith Ross Sherrill Lowe* James Runyon Wayman Lowry Tracy Scott David Lozon* Ernie Shoemaker David “Cowboy” Kankeo Sisounong Luttrell Jack Sloan Johnathan Douglas Frank Smith Lynn Kenneth D. Smith Oshala Majak "Bull” Snodgrass Roy Mallard Michael W. Smith Brittany Manning* William B. Stewart Randy Maupin Edward Stephen Thomas McAtee Thomas Tenpenny Jeffrey McCoy Charles Terpstra Royce McCrary Mark “Tex” Ude Alvester Michael Waters Merriweather Wayne Watson Lance Mitchell David W. White Robert L. Mitchell Okoner Weldon* Carl “Hammer” “One-Armed” Steve Moore Willis Melvin Moore Amos Wilson Michael Moore Douglas Zartman
L I V E S Y O U H AV E T O U C H E D | DECEMBER 2017
HOPE lives HERE E st. 1954
Meals Served Nights of Lodging Chapel Attendance
639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203 615-255-2475 | nashvillerescuemission.org
Education Hours
Daily Avg.
monthly
Bible Class Attendance
20
610
20,549
Volunteer Hours
219
6,799
461
14,292
Travel Assistance
n/a
42
72
2,221
Program Graduates
n/a
9
Daily Avg.
monthly
1,546
47,936
663