We rejoice with those who rejoice, and we weep with those who weep.
Dear Friend of the Mission,
We care deeply about the 50 broken and hurting homeless men living at the Mission at any given time. We celebrate with them their achievements, their birthdays and their successes. Just the other day one of our residents who is working for a retail store came and told me that he has been promoted to train new employees since he does his job so well. In our dining room, a banner wishing one of our residents, John, a happy birthday is prominently posted so that we can celebrate John’s birthday and life. Another one of our residents whose name is also John just graduated from school to be a certified nursing assistant. His first interview for a job in his field went extremely well, and he told me that they have already scheduled him for a second interview. These celebrations are our celebrations – we truly do rejoice with those who rejoice. Please read the post in the Real Stories section entitled “Heading in a New Direction ~ Ira’s Story” to celebrate with Ira Dean, one of our staff members and New Life Program graduates, all that God is doing in his life.
But we also weep with those who weep. A number of our residents get word while they are living at the Mission that their mother, father, brother, sister, wife or child has died. Our heart goes out to our men when they lose a loved one. We always try to send one of our staff to the funeral to show our love and support. Some of our residents are diagnosed with a serious health problem while they are living at the Mission. Right now we have a man hospitalized with what appears to be congestive heart failure. We’ve had men
diagnosed with cancer, undergo open heart surgery, knock on death’s door with pneumonia, break bones and struggle with both chronic and acute health problems while living at the Mission. We pray for them and seek to support them in their time of trouble. As much as possible, we help them get well.
Thank you in advance for your kind and generous gift. You will be investing in the lives of homeless men, and you also will be standing with our men as they rejoice and as they weep.
Working together with you,
Robert A. Emberger, D.Min.
Executive Director
Before coming to the Mission, Ira was heading full speed down the road of self-destruction. His addiction to drugs left him with no job, no home, and a trail of broken relationships.
“Hello! My name is Rodney Foote, and I’m the Dorm Supervisor at the Whosoever Gospel Mission. I’m a graduate, and I highly appreciate the opportunity that was given to me to come here. By God’s grace and with the help of the staff members here at the Mission, I was able to turn my life around and become a new man. Now, as Dorm Supervisor, I feel as though God has given me a ministry with these men. I’ve been through some of the same stuff that they’re going through – I understand where they’re coming from. I listen to them and try to help them see God’s perspective on their life. I know God has changed me a lot (I didn’t used to be such a nice guy!). But I know God loves me, and He is helping me love these guys. I want to see them do well. If I can share some of God’s love and help them a little, I’m glad.”
Ross, Jose, Rodney and Ira persevered through numerous obstacles, worked hard, obtained financial self-sufficiency and successfully graduated from the Mission’s New Life Program! Ross (a retired City employee), Jose (a successful barber) and Ira (the Mission’s new full-time truck driver who is taking night classes to get his commercial driver’s license) all moved out into their own place; Rodney lives at the Mission as the Dorm Supervisor. Congratulations to these four men who persevered to finish what they started!
appears to be an ordinary key to others symbolizes much more to me – it’s a sign of restored relationships and regained trust. Twenty years ago, because of my lifestyle, this key was taken from me. Today, after twenty years, I got it back! This key is the key to my mother’s house. My family sees a change in me, and they trust me again. I am grateful to God and have a newfound appreciation for my family. It was nothing I did – instead it was Christ working through me. I know, should I continue on this path, the doors God will open for me will not depend on a physical key!”
The Mission serves three hearty, nutritious and balanced meals each day without charge to the 50 homeless men living at the Mission. Three times a day, the dining hall turns into a place of joyful fellowship filled with laughter and good conversation as men who are working hard to overcome addictions, strengthen their educational, vocational and life skills, find a job, and save up for their own place enjoy a good hot meal around a table with friends. Sometimes that meal can be exactly what’s needed to encourage a man to keep on pressing on in spite of obstacles. Your support through cash donations as well as gifts of nonperishable food help to make this all possible. When you give, you’re giving more than a meal. You’re giving hope – hope for a brighter tomorrow.
