JUNE 2017
NO
Vacation for the Homeless
BECAUSE OF YOUR SUPPORT, FAMILIES HAVE HOPE FOR TOMORROW
Summer at the Mission Your gifts offer help and hope
S
REV. GLENN CRANFIELD President and CEO
LOOK AT THE BIRDS OF THE AIR; THEY DO NOT SOW OR REAP OR STORE AWAY IN BARNS, AND YET YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER FEEDS THEM. ARE YOU NOT MUCH MORE VALUABLE THAN THEY? Matthew 6:26 NIV
ummer might mean a vacation for some, but at Nashville Rescue Mission, there’s still a steady stream of men and women in need of meals, shelter, restrooms, and showers— basic life needs most of us take for granted. Through our Guest Services Ministry, men and women meet with case managers who assist them with things like obtaining a copy of their birth certificate, or a new state id, or signing them up for subsidized housing. Later, the sounds of uplifting music will fill the Chapel, as a local church leads our guests in a time of praise and worship. A group of volunteers are chopping vegetables in the kitchen, preparing a hot meal for the hundreds of people who will line up for dinner tonight. In their weekly meeting, our staff prays for each homeless person we serve—many
of whom we can greet by name— that God will ease their loneliness and heartache, and give them courage to accept help through our recovery ministries. Across town, several of the women who recently graduated from the Mission’s Life Recovery Program are out looking for work or attending other appointments. When they return, they’ll help out with chores in the kitchen or cleaning, then enjoy a meal together before gathering for a time of prayer. Tonight as many as 800 people will sleep under our roof—each one deeply loved by God. With your support, the Mission is here to offer hope to each of them—all summer long and throughout the year.
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2 HEART of the MISSION / June 2017
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for K I N G & C OU N T RY MISSION IN MY WORDS
We moved from Australia to Tennessee when I (Luke) was five and Joel was seven. Our dad was a concert promoter in Australia; and when a tour he had been planning didn’t work out, we lost everything. Thankfully, Dad had a job offer in Nashville, Tennessee. So we packed what we could into 16 suitcases and sold everything else. At the time, there were six kids—mom was pregnant with the seventh. Around two months after we arrived in Tennessee, Dad lost his job. It was a very difficult time, but we saw God at work in our lives and we drew closer to each other. We would mow lawns and rake leaves as a family and do whatever we could to get by while Dad was looking for work. There were times when we would all sit in this furniture-less house we were renting, not knowing where the next paycheck was going to come from. We didn’t even have a car. We would sit in a circle and pray for everything, and we saw miraculous interventions! Being from Australia, the idea of Thanksgiving was new to us. That year, we were invited into a stranger’s home to share a traditional Thanksgiving meal. “That’s the biggest At the end of the reason why our family night the father of the house walked up stayed in Nashville— to my mom and said, “Hey, we believe God’s we saw neighbors told us to give you a loving neighbors.” new minivan.” So he handed over the keys! Others found out that we didn’t have any furniture, and they showed us compassion. A few months later, we didn’t have a way to pay for my little sister’s birth. In the hospital, somebody anonymously paid for it—the whole bill!
People we didn’t know … complete strangers in the community loved on us and cared for us. That’s the biggest reason why our family stayed in Nashville—we saw neighbors loving neighbors. It’s also one of the reasons why we love and support Nashville Rescue Mission. The Mission loves on people who are hurting and in need. The Mission provides connection and community for people who may believe they have exhausted all other options. I know there are people who think it is enabling if you help someone who is homeless. My philosophy is a little different. It’s not my responsibility to be the judge. It is however, my responsibility to serve and to give. If a person is hungry, feed them. If someone needs a place to sleep, give this person a bed. But I’m also uniquely aware of my helplessness. I know there are times when I can’t financially provide but I want to acknowledge them … and encourage them to seek help from a place like Nashville Rescue Mission. In America, I don’t think homelessness is just an issue of food and shelter; often, it’s a lack of connectivity to community. There are a lot of nonprofits in Nashville that we can give to and support. What I love about the Mission is that I can see their impact on people all across this city. On behalf of for KING & COUNTRY, we love the Mission and believe in the work this organization is doing.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Grammy award-winning band, composed of Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, recently released their movie, Priceless, now available at Redbox, Walmart, Amazon, and iTunes. Also, check out their new single, “O God Forgive Us (feat. KB).”
June 2017 / HEART of the MISSION 3
NO
Vacation S for the Homeless BECAUSE OF YOUR SUPPORT, FAMILIES HAVE HOPE FOR TOMORROW
F E AT U R E STORY
4 HEART of the MISSION / June 2017
ummer is here. School is out. Most kids can’t wait to go to the pool. Some kids are headed to summer camp. Others will be going on vacation, maybe to the beach, or to visit family. And then there are others who do not know the blessing of a vacation, much less the thought of summer camp, or even going to the pool for that matter.
There is a growing portion of the population who have never experienced these luxuries—the homeless. Their summer is spent on the street, at shelters, living in cars, or bouncing between houses belonging to friends and family. It’s especially difficult when children are involved. Before Marci and her four children, ages ranging from nine to 16, arrived at Nashville Rescue Mission, they weren’t thinking about how they were going to spend their summer vacation. They were wondering where they would sleep that night, when and where their next meal would come from, and if they would be blessed with a warm shower any time soon. “AFTER MY KIDS’ FATHER LEFT and chose a life of
drugs and addiction, we became homeless,” said Marci. They have stayed with friends and relatives. Sometimes
they have slept in their car and other times on cold, concrete floors. This past winter Marci and her kids, “Lived in a house with no toilet and no electricity … we took cold showers for six months. It was horrible.” Once they moved to Tennessee, a counselor at her daughter’s school told Marci they could get help at Nashville Rescue Mission. “I called the Mission and was told, ‘Come on, bring your kids, come in right now.’ I’ve had no luck calling shelters in the past,” said Marci, “They are either full or don’t take mom’s with kids.” When they first arrived at the Mission, Marci’s expectations were low. But once they got checked in, she was pleasantly surprised. “It’s not what I thought it would be,” shared Marci, “it is better, much better.”
THE MISSION OFFERS CASE MANAGEMENT to determine each person’s unique circumstance and needs. Marci is getting help securing proper identification, has access to computers to look for job opportunities, and is getting assistance applying for housing. “I never imagined I’d be where I’m at right now,” said Marci, “When I was a kid, I thought, I’m going to be married and live happily ever after. You know, situations happen. If the Mission wouldn’t have been here when I needed them, I don’t know what I would have done; we would probably be on the street, no telling where.” ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL CENTER ON FAMILY HOMELESSNESS a staggering 2.5 million
children are homeless each year in America. This historic high represents one in every 30 children in the
United States. Determined to get their lives back on track, Marci has worked hard to get her kids settled into a new school and is looking for work. “My kids like it here, and it’s good we are here for now,” said Marci. “But we are not planning to stay.” Marci’s ultimate goal is to secure housing and provide a more stable environment for herself and her children. “I’m grateful for this place,” said Marci, “If I had to pay to stay here or somewhere else, I couldn’t do it. I don’t know what I would do. I’m so grateful. My kids can lay their heads down at night and sleep on comfortable beds. We have a shower … we can take baths every night. It’s amazing. And I’m grateful.”
“If the Mission wouldn’t have been here when I needed them, I don’t know what I would have done … ”
With your help, families like Marci’s can find hope for tomorrow. Because you care enough to give, the Mission can provide homeless families food to eat, clothes to wear, a safe place to sleep, and a hot shower. At the Mission, these families can attend classes on nutrition and parenting, and receive encouragement through daily devotions. All of these things are made possible through your generosity and support.
If you would like to provide hope for those the Mission serves visit: nashvillerescuemission.org. June 2017 / HEART of the MISSION 5
SHINING A LIGHT FOR THE LORD
VOLUNTEER STORY
Sarah and Jason glorify God through their service
LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN. M AT T H EW 5:16 N K J V
One day the Lord put Matthew 5:16 on Sarah’s heart. After spending some time praying about it, Sarah and her husband Jason received a letter in the mail from Nashville Rescue Mission that mentioned a need for volunteers. This seemed like a great opportunity to shine their light into the lives of those in need. When Sarah called, the volunteer coordinator asked if she would be willing to lead a Bible study for the women staying at the Mission. Six years later and she is still teaching the Bible to women who are in the first phase of the Mission’s Life Recovery Program. “I care deeply for those who are broken hearted and those who are in need,” said Sarah.
“ T H IS EX PERIENCE HAS GIVEN US A DI FFER ENT PE RCEPTION ON THE INDIVI DUALS WHO AR E ST RUGGLING WITH HOMELES SNES S …” 6 HEART of the MISSION / June 2017
“Reaching out to the women who are taking their first big step on their journey of recovery at the Mission fulfills me in ways I can’t explain. It is a blessing to walk with them. And God gets all the glory for that.” SOON AFTER SARAH STARTED LEADING the Bible study, she and
her husband Jason felt called to lead a monthly chapel service for the women. “The ladies really enjoy it when Sarah and Jason are here,” said Jean Lazenby, assistant director, Women’s Guest Services. “They’ve been coming for several years now and feel like family. Many of the women have gotten to know them and have a strong connection to them and the message they bring.” Today, Sarah and Jason have added a second monthly chapel service into the mix—this time at the men’s campus. “We have a
passion for the men and women at the Mission. We want to reach out to them and share the love of Christ with them,” said Jason. Over the last six years, they’ve had the opportunity to minister to hundreds of homeless and hurting individuals staying at the Mission. “The Mission reflects the love of God,” said Sarah. “And it is the heart of Nashville.”
“UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY TALK WITH AN INDIVIDUAL,
you really don’t know their story or how they got there … you only have assumptions,” said Jason. “Some are homeless because of things that happened beyond their control, others are homeless because of choices they’ve
made, or maybe they’ve been uprooted from their home and now they’re trying to get back on their feet. It’s enlightening to minister to them and to hear more of their stories. This experience has given us a different perception on the individuals who are struggling with homelessness and are staying at the Mission.” “During one of our chapel services, a man approached the altar with tears in his eyes,” shared Jason. “I was surprised when he told me that at one time in his life he had been a youth pastor. Yet on that day he was filled with guilt and shame. I had the privilege of praying with him and reminding him of Jesus’ love for him. He gave his life back to the Lord and couldn’t wait to tell his mom. In fact, he was so excited, he asked to use Sarah’s phone to call her. It was an incredibly moving experience for both of us.” “The reason we support the Mission is because they are helping people who are in need,” said Sarah. “And we can see the impact of the work they are doing. They are transforming lives.” Lives are changed every day because of volunteers like Sarah and Jason. Find out how you can use your skills and God-given gifts to bring hope to those in need: nashvillerescuemission.org/get-involved.
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616 7th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 Open Mon. - Sat. 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. June 2017 / HEART of the MISSION 7
H2O
On your next trip to the grocery store, help provide a drink of water to the homeless of Nashville by donating bottled water to Nashville Rescue Mission. Your donation will not only provide relief, it will also give hope.
BOTTLE D WATE R with A CAUSE
L I V E S Y O U H AV E T O U C H E D APRIL 2017 Daily Avg.
Monthly
918
Volunteer Hours
160
4,812
15,717
Travel Assistance
n/a
60
1,863
Program Graduates
n/a
6
51,157
Nights of Lodging
782
23,446
Chapel Attendance
524 62
Education Hours
Monthly
31
1,705
Meals Served
Daily Avg.
Bible Class Attendance
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639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203 | 615-255-2475 | nashvillerescuemission.org
D O N AT I O N D R O P- O F F S 616 7th Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37203 Open Mon. - Sat. 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.