How can I best describe the atmosphere at a Rescue Mission graduation? Let me do my best:
You can feel it in the room. The joy of renewed hope and a life transformed in Christ. The peace, strength, and excitement of the graduates in knowing they are freed from the pain of the past, the bondage of addiction, the chaos of life on the streets. The emotion of seeing individuals that were once homeless now ready, eager and equipped to step into their futures. The pride and overwhelming joy of family members, friends, and staff as they watch the graduates, who have worked diligently for so many months, walking across the stage as new creations.
It is truly a night unlike anything you have ever experienced. And it is one that I continually count myself blessed to witness.
Among this Summer’s graduating class are stories like Eddie, who I shared about last week, the hard-working father, inspired to change his life for his daughter. There is Candace, the single mother who found a place to rest and find stability for herself and her two children at the Village of Hope. There are the Hernandez’, a family who moved to California in hopes of a bright future but instead found themselves living in their van, unable to find jobs. Today, both parents are employed and providing for their 4 children. And there is Samantha, the young woman who experienced a tumultuous adolescence seeking satisfaction in all the wrong things, and who is now gainfully employed, faithfully serving her church, and committed to living a life for Jesus Christ.
I invite you to take a look at the Summer Graduation video here and listen to these graduates’ stories yourself. Rejoice with them as they move forward into a renewed and self-sufficient life. Thank you for your support which makes it possible for men liked Eddie, mothers like Candace, families like the Hernandez, and women like Samantha to be given a second chance at a life of joy and hope.
Giving online is easy, safe, and quick. Your donation will make an immediate impact to provide meals, shelter and services for a homeless family in desperate need of a hand up to self-sufficiency.
