MARCH 2019
$2.26
PROVIDES A MEAL AND MORE
Sto r i e s of h ow your g if t s c h a nge l ive s
Change Lives T his Easter
new
MAKE ME
HOW YOUR GIFTS TRANSFORMED PAYTON’S LIFE
“LORD, I DON’T WANT TO GO BACK DOWN THESE STEPS THE SAME WAY I CAME UP,” PAYTON PRAYED AS HE WALKED THROUGH THE DOORS OF THE MISSION IN 2014.
Payton grew up in Memphis, attended church on Sundays, and was an All-American high-school football and basketball player. He had big plans, but struggled in college, and dropped out. “I started selling drugs to make money, but when I became my best customer, things went downhill,” said Payton. Over the next 20+ years, Payton married, became a father to four children, moved around, changed jobs, and battled addiction. “I was calling the shots on the streets but couldn’t be the man of the house. Year after year, my wife begged me to get help. I loved my sin too much to quit.” Eventually, his lifestyle caught up with him and he spent four years in prison. But still, that didn’t stop him.
YO U C A N G I V E T H E G I F T O F L I FE T H
“I FOUND JESUS CHRIST AT THE MISSION.” Payton enjoys keeping the guests safe.
“I was good at selling drugs. So much so, my sons decided to follow in my footsteps. They became two of the biggest drug dealers in Memphis. I was shocked. Once I learned that I knew something needed to change.” Finally, Payton was tired of the pain, turmoil, and suffering. “I was sick of that life. I decided it was time to try something different.” Because of you and your support, the doors of the Mission were open to Payton when he was ready to get help. “It wasn’t easy,” said Payton. “But I was determined. I spent hours praying. Some days I would cry out to Jesus asking for His help to keep me from leaving.” Payton says he was so used to doing things his own way, that he didn’t know God’s way. “The classes helped me see me and gave me the chance to get to know Him for myself. I found Jesus Christ at the Mission. I developed a relationship with Him. He changed me and made me new.”
After graduating from the Mission’s program, Payton made Nashville his home, where his wife of 37 years joined him. He started working at the Mission. He joined a local church where he has since been ordained and is currently serving as the Sunday School Superintendent. “I’m in awe of how God has blessed me,” said Payton. “My wife and I just purchased our very first home. All my kids are Christ-followers and involved in church. I’ve got grandkids and even greatgrandkids. I couldn’t ask for more.” “Hope ... it really does live here. It lives in me. Now I can share it with other people. I tell them, if He did it for me, He’ll do it for you, too.”
Thank you. Because of you, Payton’s life was transformed. His changed life touches his family, his co-workers, and the nearly 500 men who stay at the Mission each night. Which is why your support is so essential. Your support goes a long way in helping so many in need. We couldn’t do this without you.
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H I S E A S T E R! I T S TA R T S WI T H A M E A L ! I'VE BEEN GIVEN
NEW LIFE YOUR HELP MEANS SO MUCH MORE THAN MEALS
Following graduation from the Program, Nate found a job, and then moved into the Mission’s transitional housing where he continues to stay involved and connected with his community at the Mission. “There are a lot of things I’d say about the Mission. First and foremost, it’s an opportunity for a new life. I’ve had the chance to find myself, and find out who I am in Christ. He’s truly the restorer, and He’s bringing things back so much quicker than I ever could’ve imagined.”
“FROM THE MOMENT Nate is grateful for this new opportunity.
F
ifteen years of struggling with addiction had put Nate on a path of self-destruction. After 38 days in jail following a DUI, he knew something had to change.
“I’ve lived in Nashville all my life. I knew the Mission was a homeless shelter, but I had no idea they had anything to do with recovery. Getting into their Life Recovery Program was something the Lord orchestrated.” Nate had tried several different rehabs, but this was his first time going through a faith-based program. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the moment I walked through the doors, I felt welcomed. I immediately sensed God everywhere in this building. For the first time in my life, I experienced a genuine, authentic community.
I WALKED THROUGH THE DOORS, I FELT WELCOMED.” “When I think about this experience, the word transformation comes to mind—something along the lines of like beauty from ashes—beauty from brokenness. I felt a sense of peace that I’ve never experienced before and it started the day I walked through those doors. I’m so grateful.” Your support provides so much more than meals. For people battling addiction, like Nate, your gift means the opportunity to put off their old life and find a new life in Christ. Right now there are over 100 men and women in the Mission’s Life Recovery Program battling addiction and desperate for a new life. It’s why your support is so vital. It’s more than meals. It’s the chance at a brand new life.
REV. GLENN CRANFIELD President and CEO Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Isaiah 46:4b NIV
Easter
THE HOPE OF
YOU GIVE THEM A REASON TO BELIEVE
The hope of Easter is perhaps one of the most powerful messages for those staying at the Mission. The power Jesus had over death and the grave gives the men and women the hope that they too can overcome and find new life. They can also experience the freedom of knowing their sins are forgiven through the resurrection of Jesus. And that, “neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39). Knowing they are loved can make such a difference. Many of those who come to us struggle to even love themselves. But because of you and your support, they are treated with dignity and respect. They learn to feel valued and precious in the eyes of God. I am so thankful for your partnership. You make it possible for the broken and hurting in our community to find hope again. God bless you this Easter!
Easter With your donation of any of these items, YOU will help make this Easter special for those who are hungry and homeless. Donations may be dropped off at the Mission’s Donation Center.
Items needed Boneless Buffet Hams Green Beans #10 & #20 Cans Other Canned Vegetables Potatoes, Salad, Dinner Rolls
Donation Drop-Offs Mission Donation Center 616 7th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 Mon. - Sat. 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
THIS EASTER, PROVIDE MEALS AND HOPE FOR JUST
$2.26
YOUR GIFT HAS THE TO CHANGE LIVES
Power
Easter is a precious time at the Mission. A time to share the hope of Jesus, His Resurrection, and the new life He offers.
Please provide as many Easter meals and more as you can for $2.26. And when you send your gift, please return the enclosed placemat to encourage a hurting person at the Mission.
The men and women at the Mission are hoping to make a fresh start, too. When you give meals at Easter, you not only fill their stomachs, but you help fill their hearts with the promise of a new life in Christ. Your generosity has the power to change lives. It often starts with a meal, but it may lead to so much more. The will to overcome addiction. The courage to ask for help. The resolve to learn a new skill for a job.
You’ll help more people share in the joy of our Risen Lord this Easter and help them start on the path to new life. Thank you again for your faithful support, especially during this Easter season.
L I V E S YO U H AV E T O U C H E D | January 2018
HOPE lives HER E E s t . 195 4 639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203 615-255-2475 | nashvillerescuemission.org
Daily Avg.
Monthly
1,664
51,596
Nights of Lodging
739
Chapel Attendance
Meals Served
Education Hours
Daily Avg.
Monthly
Bible Class Attendance
29
888
22,903
Volunteer Hours
95
2,940
497
15,400
Travel Assistance
n/a
44
97
3,011
Program Graduates
n/a
9