NOVEMBER 2016
What Does Thanksgiving Mean to You? It’s more than just a meal
THANK YOU!
You Are Filling Hung r y S oul s
REV. GLENN CRANFIELD
President and CEO
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. PS AL M 1 0 7 :8 - 9 NK J V
SAVE THE DATE
Upcoming Events
T
hanksgiving is a special time of year. It has a way of bringing families and friends closer together in a way that other days do not. For many, there is something about the warm, fuzziness of being home with family for the holidays that lifts everyone’s spirits. Yet, for over 800 men, women, and children who are in our care each night, Thanksgiving may not be a special holiday. Instead, it might be a painful reminder of what they are missing or have lost.
It is for this reason your support is so appreciated. Your gifts make it possible for us to provide an extra special Thanksgiving for those who might otherwise be hungry, discouraged, and alone. And in filling their stomachs, we can then share the Good News of Jesus and the hope He brings. A meal is only temporary, but eternity is forever. With your help, we can offer them both. Thank you for your faithful support.
NOV. 12
NOV. 22
Nashville Praise Symphony Men’s Campus Chapel 7:00 p.m.
Tracy Lawrence Benefit Concert Wildhorse Saloon 8:00 p.m.
NOV. 15 & 16
NOV. 23
Radiothon - 94 FM The Fish (15th) 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (16th) 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
NOV. 21
Radiothon - SuperTalk 99.7 5:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Learn more at: nashvillerescuemission.org 2 HEART of the MISSION / November 2016
NOV. 22
Tracy Lawrence Annual Turkey Fry 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Life Recovery Program Graduation Men’s Campus Chapel 10:30 a.m.
NOV. 23 & 24
Great Thanksgiving Banquet Noon
NOV. 24
Annual Music City Thanksgiving Day 8/4 Miler Run/Walk Men’s Campus Parking Lot 7:00 a.m.
Mission
IN MY WORDS
Growing up in the small town of Grand Saline, Texas, I never would have imagined my love for music would one day take me around the world. Through the many different people I have met and cultures I have experienced, my eyes and heart have been opened to the beautiful diversity of God’s creation and the wideness of His mercy for us all. Along the way, I have had the privilege of meeting wonderful people who are doing profound work through responsible organizations in every region across the globe. But in recent years, now living with my wife, Lauren, and our two girls here in Middle Tennessee, it is inspiring to see the work of Nashville Rescue Mission connecting my fellow Nashvillians to the needs of our neighbors here at home.
…we remember that the grace God has extended to us is the same grace He extends to every single person.
About ten years ago, I learned that Bible study groups at the Mission had begun using my music as a soundtrack for their gatherings. I have always hoped that my platform might promote something more than just record sales, so to hear that some of my songs were helping framework the physical, emotional, and mental recovery of those whose journey had placed them under the care and tutelage of the Rescue Mission was deeply honoring. And then to think that this music might also aid the Mission in its Gospel-sensitive motive to spiritually restore those broken down by life right here in our zip code, I was so moved. Sometimes it’s easier to support someone across the world rather than help our neighbor next door. When we remain on the outside of people’s lives, it is easy to judge
their circumstances, but when you really get to the bottom of someone’s story, you realize there is so much involved in what brought them to the place of needing help— things in and out of their control. We have all needed a helping hand. So when we take the time to get to know the details of each other’s stories, we remember that the grace God has extended to us is the same grace He extends to every single person. I love how Nashville Rescue Mission reflects this grace by becoming a lighthouse of refuge for the most vulnerable citizens of this city. Rescue is at the heart of the Gospel. And the Mission is simply inviting us to do our part in helping each other find home.
ABOUT THE ARTIST With ten albums, 15 No. 1 radio singles, a GRAMMY® Award and eight additional nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, a platinum and four gold albums to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. November 2016 / HEART of the MISSION 3
What Does Thanksgiving It’s more than Mean to You? just a meal WHAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF THANKSGIVING? Is your first thought of a plate pilled high with turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie? Is it of family near and far that will gather together, talk, and watch a game or a parade? Does your picture also include a time of thankfulness toward God? Now imagine if you had no idea where your next meal was going to come from. Picture your life without family or friends. How difficult would it be for you to envision being thankful in that moment, especially toward God? “IT’S HARD TO HAVE HOPE WHEN you’re homeless and hungry,” said David, a guest of Nashville Rescue Mission for the past six months. “When you’re living on 4 HEART of the MISSION / November 2016
the streets, it’s almost like you’re invisible. People avoid making eye contact with you. But at the Mission, the staff and volunteers smile at me, speak to me, and treat me like a welcomed guest. It’s amazing how much that lifts a person up.” David is not alone. Each day over 800 men, women, and children, find more than a meal at the Mission—they find hope. This hope is because of you.
IT MAY BE TRUE THAT THANKSGIVING is more than a meal, but food is still one of the great joys of the holiday. It’s hard to imagine someone that knows the value of a full stomach better than those who are experiencing homelessness and hunger. “I came here because I was homeless and I was hungry,” said William. “The Mission makes sure I have plenty to eat. But they have given me so much more than a meal. I enrolled in their Life Recovery Program and now I am excited about my future. Food is temporary. I’ll be hungry again tomorrow. But the chance for a better life … knowing that God loves me no matter what—you can’t put a price on that kind of hope.” It is proof positive that with each meal served with a smile, a touch, a tender word—a message of love, acceptance, and hope is shared. “THANKSGIVING IS JUST ONE DAY OUT OF 365 that helps make the Mission a light in the darkness,” said Cranfield. “We want our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness to enjoy a special Thanksgiving dinner— made and served with love! But after they’ve been fed, we want them to leave with something much greater—hope for a brighter future through Jesus Christ.”
“WHEN YOU’RE LIVING ON THE STREETS, IT’S ALMOST LIKE YOU’RE INVISIBLE.” OVER THE COURSE OF THE THANKSGIVING holiday,
the Mission will serve over 6,000 meals to the hungry, homeless, and hurting. Preparing meals on a scale this size is a major undertaking. It requires thousands of pounds of turkey, potatoes, gravy, dressing, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, and lots of pumpkin pie. “So much time and effort goes into preparing and serving an extra-special Thanksgiving meal,” said Rev. Glenn Cranfield, president and CEO of the Mission. “Volunteers get here early to prep for the day. Every turkey must be carved, every potato chopped, every pie sliced. Tables are covered with tablecloths. Walls are decorated with notes of hope. Uplifting music plays in the background. Thoughtful steps are taken to make it an extraordinary day—filled with special memories for those who call the Mission their temporary home.”
It’s through your generosity the homeless and hungry can find a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings at the Mission. But it doesn’t stop there. Every day, those in need can find the comfort of nutritious food, essential clothing, and safe shelter—all because of your heart for the homeless, your compassion for the poor. November 2016 / HEART of the MISSION 5
Love
Y OUR NEIG HB OR AS YOURSELF WH O I S YO U R N E I G H B O R?
“There are a few rules I try to live by. One is that you should always treat others the way you want to be treated. The Lord tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves. So who is my neighbor? It could be anybody. If I see someone in need, I’m going to do whatever I can to help that person. It’s just who I am.” –Miss Maple At the age of 76, there are no signs Miss Maple is slowing down. In fact, she’s just getting started. Her first experience volunteering at Nashville Rescue Mission was in 2010, and over the past six years, she has been spending every Tuesday she can at the Mission serving those in need. “It started with a group of friends from my church,” said Miss Maple. “We signed up to volunteer and as they say … the rest is history. I’ve met some of the nicest people while volunteering at the Mission. We’ve become quite friendly and will take time out to ask about each other’s health and family.” 6 HEART of the MISSION / November 2016
MISS MAPLE SPENT 36 YEARS of her life in service to
the poor and needy as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Matthew Walker Clinic. She might have retired, but she wasn’t ready to rest just yet. “It’s always been important to me to help people who really need it,” said Miss Maple. “There are many more people in need and there are still things I can do to help.”
“THERE ARE MANY MORE PEOPLE IN NEED AND THERE ARE STILL THINGS I CAN DO TO HELP.” A proud graduate of the Seventh-day Adventist School of Nursing at Riverside Hospital, Miss Maple has overcome her fair share of battles. While she has never faced homelessness, she has survived breast cancer. Her experience gave her a new perspective on what it means to need care and compassion—something she’d spent her whole life giving to others—and intended to keep on doing.
“I CAN’T SAY I KNEW A WHOLE LOT about the Mission before volunteering,” said Miss Maple. “I do remember receiving mailings around the holidays and I would give, but I had never been there. There were also occasions when I would hear about the Mission from a patient at our clinic, but outside of that, my experience was very limited.” But after that first time volunteering, Miss Maple was hooked. “I look forward to Tuesdays. Going to the Mission each week centers me. I’ve made friends. I’ve developed a sense of community that extends beyond my church. I’m glad I can still help people.” “WHEN YOU HEAR THE NAME MISS MAPLE, there are lots of words that come to mind, such as committed, faithful, loyal, and dependable,” said Joy Plank, director of volunteer services at the Mission. “She treats her role as a volunteer as someone would treat a full-time job … if she’s not going to be here, she will call to let someone know. She brings such joy to those around her when she’s here serving, she knows when she’s not here she is missed. We are thankful for Miss Maple and so many others who give of their time and talents to serve those in need.” WA N T T O L O V E A N E I G H B O R I N N E E D ?
Visit nashvillerescuemission.org/get-involved and find out how you can get involved and give back.
Miss Maple wraps the silverware with tender-loving care
PASS THE HOPE As we sit around the Thanksgiving table we often hear the murmurs of “Pass the gravy!” or “Can one of y’all pass the butter?” We laugh, count our blessings, and gorge ourselves on way too much turkey. But for many, Thanksgiving can be a painful reminder of what they are missing or have lost.
With your help we can share some hope. Snap a photo of you or your family volunteering at the Mission. Upload your photo to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #PassTheHope. We’ll share them with our guests during the Great Thanksgiving Banquet.
WE CAN’T WAIT TO #PassTheHope WITH YOU!
November 2016 / HEART of the MISSION 7
Christmas wish list Here’s how you can help make Christmas merry & bright for those in need:
1
PURCHASE A GIFT OFF THE CHRISTMAS WISH LIST BELOW - OR DOWNLOAD AT nashvillerescuemission.org
2
ORGANIZE A TOY DRIVE OR STOCKING PARTY AT YOUR CHURCH OR WORKPLACE
3
GET CREATIVE AND GATHER YOUR FRIENDS TO THROW A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE MISSION
DONATION DROP-OFFS
MISSION DONATION CENTER
MON. - SAT.
616 7 Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. th
WOMEN
CHILDREN/TEENS
MEN
Granola Bars Healthy snacks Candy bars/gum/mints Board games Pens/stationary Small notepads/journals Jewelry Nail clippers Small flashlights Picture frames Purse/tote bags Cosmetics/perfumes Lotions/soaps Women’s clothing Hats/gloves/scarves Socks/underwear (sizes 6-13) Metro bus passes Restaurant gift certificates Phone cards Hair care for AfricanAmerican hair (heavier combs, hair oil)
Learning toys/books Baby/Barbie dolls Baby toys (rattles, teething rings) Musical toys Matchbox cars Infant & children clothing Socks/underwear 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 soap Teen clothing
Tote bags Toothbrush/toothpaste Mouthwash (non-alcohol) Wax deodorant Hats/scarves/gloves Warm winter socks Sports-team blankets Coats (winter & rain) Jeans (32-52 waist, but no longer than 38) Gideon Bibles Pull-over hoodies (medium-4XL) Earplugs Journals/pens Bus passes Brushes/combs Steel toe boots Black non-slip shoes Black shirts & pants Thermal twin-size blankets Underwear (large-4XL)
* For the purpose of this list, we request all items be new.
LIVES YOU HAVE TOUCHED
September 2016
Daily Avg.
Monthly
Meals Served
1,810
54,286
Nights of Lodging
874
26,213
Chapel Attendance
543
16,281
Education Hours
96
2,870
Bible Class Attendance
36
1,074
Decisions & Prayers
28
847
Volunteer Hours
120
3,585
Travel n/a Assistance
45
Program n/a Graduates
6
is a proud member of
639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203 615-255-2475 | nashvillerescuemission.org