“The Path really transforms lives.” Meet Donna, Path Volunteer
Donna Small moved to Citrus County from New York in 2016 with her husband, Al, also a Path Volunteer. Prompted by the Holy Spirit after hearing about The Path on a Mission’s Sunday at her church, she began volunteering by helping out at The Path’s fall fundraiser banquet, Harvest of Hope. A week later, a phone call from Kathryn Sipper (Development Director) expressed a desperate plea for office help at the time. “And here I am,” Donna says with an enthusiastic smile, “Still helping a day or two a week-- two and a half years later! Whatever is needed there.” Donna’s “Can-Do Servant’s Heart” spills over into everything she does. She shares: “It has strengthened my connection to the Lord. With all the blessings that God has given us, I feel that part of our role as a Christian is to help others and give back. It’s important to us to be part of a Christian-minded organization. That really helps reinforce my faith.” “Because of what The Path does and how they do it,” she continued, “it’s really transforming lives for people who got into their situation for whatever reason-- not just the typical homeless we think of. This is the biggest message that needs to get out somehow. I don’t think people really understand until you come here and do something.” Whether it’s giving money, time, or furniture— it all works together to help The Path change lives and make an impact. “I hope you all realize how valuable you are. You have to be here and see the people whose lives you are changing!”
ONE DAY of Volunteering Changes Lives! 2 HOURS PER MONTH FOR 12 MONTHS = 24 HOURS = ONE DAY Current Volunteer Needs
Parenting Team — Married couple, 1 hour Monday afternoons, 4 weeks. Christian 12-Step for Men or Women- Leaders to facilitate group, 1 hour Tuesdays, early evening Eating Healthy Class — hands on cooking, healthy eating tips every other Monday, early evening Office Help — Flexible. Excellent phone and computer skills needed. Call 352-527-6500 ext. 9 for more information. The Path of Citrus County PO Box 3024, Inverness, FL 34451
The Path of Marion County PO Box 77-1739, Ocala, FL 34477
Lecanto Bargain Store 1729 W. Gulf to Lake Highway Lecanto, FL 34461 Mon.– Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dunnellon Bargain Store 20565 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Dunnellon, FL 34431 Wed.– Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Family Rescue Mission Dedication
SEPT 20
Harvest of Hope Fundraising Banquet
OCT 19
Monthly Partners Fellowship
OCT 25
Family Rescue Mission CELEBRATION Open House
NOV TBD
Client Services Office 21 S Melbourne St. Beverly Hills, FL 34465 352-527-6500 Member Association of Gospel Rescue Missions www.agrm.org
352-527-6500 • www.PathOfCitrus.org • www.PathOfMarion.org
The Path News SUMMER 2018
A Publication of The Path Rescue Mission • Serving the Homeless & Hungry in Citrus & Marion Counties
For William, the heat was a broken heart “God brought me here for a reason…”
With summer upon us, the heat can be oppressive. But William had been experiencing heat of another kind: the all-consuming, selfdestructive “heat” of anger over the loss of his wife at a young age. “I was angry at God and blaming Him for taking my wife.” Before the program that led him to The Path several months ago, William had been living in the woods for about a month. “I had no place to go. I was homeless. I’m not here for drug problems or anything like that. I’m here to learn how to let go of my grief— my anger— and get closer to the Lord.” Relief from the “heat” within him began to come from the men at The Path who helped William start to open up and talk through his anger. “They’re here for you. That’s what this program is for. Without anybody to talk to, I’d still be depressed, still be out there in the woods, upset and blaming God.” Prior to coming to The Path, William shared that God was not a big part of his life. But that has since changed. “I began to realize that God did bring me here for a reason. The Bible studies and other classes to help me where I struggle have been a life-saver to me. If
PLEASE KEEP READING MORE ABOUT WILLIAM INSIDE
The heat is on… The needs continue regardless of the season. With so many gone for the summer months, we count on your generous support to transform lives at The Path!
DIRECTIONS Dear Friend,
A Cup of Cool Water
We all know how refreshing a cool cup of water can be to relieve the summer heat. But where does someone like William find relief when consumed by “heat” within from unresolved anger brought on by tragic, unexpected loss? Where is the “cool, refreshing cup of water” for men and women who are being consumed by crisis?
DuWayne Sipper, Executive Director
“But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.” JOHN 4:14
The Path is a place that provides shelter plus compassionate longterm recovery programs that give men and women practical guidance and time to heal. Your gifts to The Path help men and women in crisis find the hope of Christ and renew their lives in Him. Your generosity gives them tools to build a purpose-filled future.
Later this year, we’ll be able to extend that gift to families without a home through The Path’s Family Rescue Mission—again, through the help of generous friends like you. Men and women at The Path learn they can make it not only through these hot summer months, but for the rest of their lives with God’s help and because of you. Please consider a special gift to help us meet their needs through the heat of the summer. With so many gone during these months, your continued support is critical. Thank you for showing them the love of Christ!
In His Service,
WAYS YOU CAN MAKE THIS A SUMMER OF GIVING Summer SCRUB UP! Help us look our best by collecting ✓ Diapers, pull-ups & wipes- sz 3, 4 & 5 ✓ Bleach & Pine-Sol cleaner ✓ 13-gallon outdoor trash bags ✓ Zip lock bags- gallon & sandwich sz ✓ Toilet paper ✓ Paper towels ✓ Laundry detergent ✓ Shampoo & conditioner ✓ Razors ✓ Deodorant Great summer project for the whole family! Drop collected items off at our office located at 21 S. Melbourne St. in Beverly Hills during business hours, Monday-Friday. Or call 352-527-6500 and press 9 to arrange a pickup!
Summer FIX UP! Build our work program by donating
Pressing Need… Prayerful Solution The Path’s Family Rescue Mission (formerly the Beverly Hills Motel) will provide a much-needed solution to keeping homeless families together during the recovery process and giving children in crisis much-needed security. Once families are in the program, they can stay for as long as it takes to stabilize, retrain for employment and build a foundation for self-sufficient living. We are so grateful for your generous “above and beyond” gifts, pledges and hard work to prepare The Path’s Family Rescue Mission for sheltering families. It’s not too late to get involved! Visit www.pathofcitrus.org or call Kathryn Sipper at 352-527-6500 ext. 5 for convenient online giving, more information on volunteering, or inviting leadership to speak to your organization this fall.
Your generosity will help families without a home find rescue, recovery and restoration through The Path’s Family Rescue Mission for generations to come!
William finds relief in his new life (Cont’d from page 1)
✓ Broken appliances ✓ Used power
equipment (all kinds) ✓ Trailers (all types) ✓ Farm equipment
Arrange a large item pick up by calling 352-746-9084
Little becomes much as a Monthly Partner in our 99 and ONE Giving Club You can provide food, shelter and life changing programs for men, women and children at The Path all year long with your monthly commitment of any amount! Call 352-527-6500 ext. 5 to enroll. Set up easy electronic giving or reminder coupons for mailing.
I didn’t come here, I’d still be out there where I was, doing things I shouldn’t be doing.” Working at the farm has also played a big part in William’s healing process and spiritual growth. It gives him purpose and direction every day. “It’s good to be out there in the sun all day by yourself, hoeing and other things because you can do a lot of thinking. You get up every morning because you know you have to work. You go out there, do your job and come home. It’s a blessing to do something positive for yourself and other people-- because I could be doing nothing.” William’s future looks much brighter than the dark days that brought him to The Path. “Right now I’m just trying to get my life back in order. I don’t want to go backwards when I go out there in the world again. I have a new life.” William is thankful for what you have done to help him and all the other men, women and their children at The Path this summer. “This is a good place. When you give to The Path, it’s a blessing for all of us because they do a lot for the people here. If it wasn’t for you, we all don’t know where we would end up. I’m grateful to be here.”