But your gifts give hope for

tomorrow

HEART of the MISSIONJUNE 2015

when you’re

homeless

Summer’s

NOvacation

With your help, lives are changed

DEUTERONOMY 16:17 NIV

During the hot summer months, we will not be on a vacation or even on a relaxed schedule here at Nashville Rescue Mission. In years past, our beds would be filled during the cold winter months, then slack off a bit during the hot summer months. But, today the Mission is at or near full capacity year round.

Why? There are thousands of people in the Nashville area struggling with homelessness every day because they no longer can manage their lives. Whether it’s job loss, addiction, or simply struggling to make ends meet— more people than ever are coming to the Mission for help.

The challenge for us is during the summer when services to those in need are on the rise, giving is often down. We make

every effort to prepare for the summer shortfall, but with record summer temperatures on the horizon, I know our limits will be tested. This is when your gifts make such a difference.

The summer is hot! The homeless men, women, and children are searching for a cool, comfortable, safe place to stay, where they can receive help and hope.

Because you give, our staff and volunteers are ready to provide both emergency and long-term help to all who enter our doors. Thank you for being mindful of the fact that homelessness doesn’t take a vacation.

REV. GLENN CRANFIELDPRESIDENT AND CEO

2 HEART of the MISSION JUNE 2015

“EACH OF YOU MUST BRING

A GIFT IN PROPORTION

TO THE WAY THE LORD

YOUR GOD HAS BLESSED YOU.”

SEE THE STORIES THROUGH OUR PICTURESA picture is worth a thousand words, right? So come join in the fun on Instagram! We love showcasing smiles and stories of hope. Follow us on Instagram to bring a little extra happiness to your social media feed and stay up to date on all things happening at the Mission. See you there!

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I’m sure most of their stories would include the line, “It wasn’t something I planned.” The truth is this could easily be me or you. Each of us could be one bad choice away from losing everything.

People everywhere are hurting. I don’t think anyone plans to become homeless, or lose their job, or bury their child. But life happens. The challenges we face have a mind of their own. They don’t ask permission to enter our lives, and they don’t wait in line until we feel ready to deal with them. They rush in without warning—not one at a time, but in a flood. They become shackles that hold us down.

No wonder God wants us to share our ups and downs with each other and puts different people in our lives! There is always someone who has walked through the fire before us. Their testimonies, examples, and guidance give us strength.

When someone finds themselves homeless, I suspect they think they’re alone, but they’re not. God is there, and He’s reaching out to those in need here in our city through a place called Nashville Rescue Mission. Surrounded by a community of those who love the Lord and have these huge hearts of compassion for the hurting, that person who is homeless and feels very much alone can take refuge and find strength.

One of the things I love most about living in Nashville is we go out of our way to take care of hurting people—especially the “least of these.” It’s something the Mission does every day. As a parent, it’s something I want to teach my kids, that it’s also our responsibility to help those who are in need.

When I stop for a second and realize, that this person, well, they’re also someone’s baby. Some momma rocked that child. And there’s nothing more precious than a child. In that moment, I catch a glimpse of how Jesus must see us—each of us is a precious child of God.

Then I ask myself, “What can I do to help?” I can support the work of Nashville Rescue Mission. They exist to give help, hope, and healing to those who may think they are all alone—they want to be that “someone” for the one who feels they have no one. It’s why I believe in and support the work of the Mission. When I don’t know what to do, they do know how to help the homeless in our community. They do it every day, 365 days a year—and for that, I’m grateful.

MISSION IN MY WORDS

JASON CRABB, is best known as the lead vocalist for the award-wining group, The Crabb Family. With 10 Dove Awards and three GRAMMY™ nominations with his family, Crabb has performed on the Grand Ole Opry, at the final Billy Graham Crusade in New York, and with the legendary Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. He released his first solo album in 2009, which landed him a GRAMMY™ award.

JUNE 2015 HEART of the MISSION 3

Whenever I see someone who is homeless I’ve often wondered, “How did that person get there? What’s their story?”

“WHEN SOMEONE FINDS THEMSELVES HOMELESS, I SUSPECT THEY THINK THEY’RE ALONE, BUT THEY’RE NOT. GOD IS THERE, AND HE’S REACHING OUT TO THOSE IN NEED HERE IN OUR CITY THROUGH A PLACE CALLED NASHVILLE RESCUE MISSION.”

“If you had asked me in 2012, what I thought my future would look like, I would have never considered homelessness as a possibility,” says Cynthia, mom to Jessica (11) and Kyra (10). “Yet here we are. And while I know this is only temporary, the stress of being homeless is taking its toll.”

FROM 2009 to 2012, things were going well for Cynthia and her two daughters. She had a steady job as a housekeeper at an assisted living

facility in Brentwood. They were living

with her sister, when an unexpected conflict forced her

into making a quick decision to move. “My biggest mistake was moving into an apartment without thoroughly examining it. I was under a lot of stress and needed to find a place fast. Looking back, I was too hasty and have paid dearly for my mistake.”

What Cynthia thought was an answer to prayer, turned into her biggest nightmare. “I had no idea the apartment was infested with mold. At first, it was just a cough, then a cold, but eventually I developed asthma and my health quickly deteriorated. I was so sick and stayed sick for days at a time. I missed a lot of work and because of it, they had to let me go. They didn’t want to fire me, but based on their sick leave policy, they didn’t have a choice.”

WITHOUT A steady income, Cynthia didn’t know what to do. Her apartment was making her sick, and being sick made it difficult to look for a new job. Ultimately, Cynthia decided it was more important for her health and the health and well-being of her children to move out.

“We couch surfed for awhile, staying with friends, or in motels when I could afford them,” shares Cynthia. “But the instability of the situation created even more stress. I was running out of options.”

“I didn’t realize I would have so much trouble getting out of my lease,” says Cynthia. “I thought because of the mold, they would just let me leave. But I was wrong. They sued me for breaking my lease, and now I have a judgment against me, which I’m paying off. But it also prevents me from getting approved by any other apartment complex.”

4 HEART of the MISSION JUNE 2015

Instead of planning a vacation for her daughters this summer, Cynthia is homeless and searching for a safe place for them to live.

But your gifts give hope for tomorrowwhen

you’rehomeless

Summer’s

NOvacation

WITH NOWHERE else to go, Cynthia decided to turn to Nashville Rescue Mission. “I knew the Mission would have beds we could sleep in and meals we could depend upon. I knew we would be safe there.”

“Growing up, I never lacked for anything, I never wanted for anything ... and honestly, I didn’t need anything,” recalls Cynthia.

“It’s humbling to be at a point in my life where I have to depend on other people and the generosity of strangers for our most basic needs. But I’m so grateful. I appreciate Nashville Rescue Mission, the staff, the volunteers, and the donors. I don’t know where we would have gone were it not for the Mission.”

CYNTHIA IS looking forward to the future. “I’m focused on saving money, re-establishing my credit so I can eventually move us into an apartment. One that is clean, safe, and free of mold. I know this is not the most comfortable situation for my daughters, but I remind them and myself regularly—this is not our home and it’s only temporary. And we are grateful for it.”

Not having a car limits Cynthia, but she still finds creative ways to create a sense of normalcy for her daughters. “We go to the library on days when it’s too hot, too cold, or rainy. When it’s nice outside, I like to take them to the park for a picnic. It helps to do something other families typically would do. I try to take them out to eat at least once a month. Last month, we went to a Mexican restaurant and had a wonderful time of being together.”

WHEN ASKED about taking a summer vacation, Cynthia replied,

“The closest thing we’ve come to a

summer vacation is going to Chuck E. Cheese or Monkey Joes. But one day, I’d like to take my girls to Florida. I’ve never been and I would love for us to go to the beach and see the ocean.”

AS CYNTHIA looks to the future, she finds herself dreaming about an apartment. “It will be so nice when we have a place of our own. I can’t wait. And in the meantime, I’m so thankful to everyone who supports the Mission, because of you, my daughters and I have a roof over our heads, a safe place to sleep, and three hot meals a day. Thank you.”

JUNE 2015 HEART of the MISSION 5

“IT WILL BE SO NICE WHEN WE HAVE A PLACE OF OUR OWN. I CAN’T WAIT. AND IN THE MEANTIME, I’M SO THANKFUL TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTS THE MISSION, BECAUSE OF YOU, MY DAUGHTERS AND I HAVE A ROOF OVER OUR HEADS, A SAFE PLACE TO SLEEP, AND THREE HOT MEALS A DAY. THANK YOU.”

You can help Cynthia and other moms like her when you:

1. DONATE2. VOLUNTEER3. PRAY

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

What started out as volunteering to read to the kids staying at Nashville Rescue Mission, has evolved into a ministry Kim is passionate about—loving on the homeless women and children who call the Mission their temporary home.

“I NEVER expected a volunteer experience to change me so much,” says Kim. “It has made me grow stronger in my own faith. There was a time when I went down the wrong path. So it’s easy for me to put myself in their shoes. I’m so blessed. And when you think about it, most people are just one paycheck away from disaster, so this could happen to anyone. I serve because I want those who have fallen on hard times to know just how much God loves them.”

Kim’s ministry inlcudes a weekly visit to the Women’s Campus where she drops off homemade cookies that will be served to the homeless women and children at the Mission. “When a woman says to me, ‘Did you bake these just for us?’ with a shocked look on her face, I know I’m doing exactly what God wants me to do.”

WHEN SHE’S not baking cookies and putting smiles on faces, Kim runs an antique mall in Franklin. “I enjoy my job,” shares Kim. “But doing this ... this is my JOY.”

As she lovingly bakes over 200 cookies each week, Kim prays over the baking process and each cookie, knowing it has the potential to bless and bring a smile to someone who is hungry, homeless, and hurting.

But Kim’s love for the women and children at the Mission extends beyond cookies. “This was my third year helping with the Mother’s Day Banquet,” shares Kim. “Even though my family lives out of town, my mom, sister, step sister, and niece came in to help me prepare and serve a special lunch to the women on Mother’s Day. There was a delicious lunch, goody bags for the moms and kids, and flowers on every table. It was a joyful day of celebrating moms. I’m already looking forward to next year’s banquet.”

JUST IN THE last year, Kim has decided to bring either a cake or cupcakes on a monthly basis to help those women and children celebrate their birthdays. “I love my birthday,” says Kim. “I can’t imagine not having cake on my special day. I was inspired to do this when we celebrated my daughter’s 26th birthday. Each of these women is someone’s daughter and they deserve cake!” Kim has no problem putting herself in their shoes.

“Coming to Nashville Rescue Mission is the highlight of my week!” exclaims Kim.

6 HEART of the MISSION JUNE 2015

It‘s amazing what

30,000cookies

can do

“If I could give Nashville Rescue Mission my entire paycheck I would,” Kim declares boldly. “I love seeing how God works. There are so many things we can do as volunteers and donors to meet the endless needs they have at the Mission. For me, I do it out of love. I needed to see God, and serving at the Mission makes God real for me. It’s more than cookies and cake, it’s love.”

JUNE 2015 HEART of the MISSION 7

COOL DOWNImagine living on the streets. It’s hot. You’re thirsty. You want a drink of water. Nashville Rescue Mission is currently patrolling the streets in our city handing out water to the homeless and inviting them back to the Mission where they can rest and cool off. Please consider donating a case of bottled water to help those in need this summer.

Donations can be dropped off at the Mission’s Donation Center, 616 7th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203, Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT YOU WOULD LIKE TO

SHARE WITH THOSE IN NEED?

Visit nashvillerescuemission.org and click on Get Involved.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

VOLUNTEER

PRAY

GIVE

SHARE

Meals Served

Nights of Lodging

Chapel Attendance

Education Hours

Bible Class Attendance

Decisions & Prayers

Volunteer Hours

Travel Assistance

Program Graduates

1,714

756

547

80

32

1,408

266

n/a

n/a

DailyAvg

Monthly

51,431

22,684

16,421

2,411

963

47

7,977

52

13

LIVES YOU HAVETOUCHED

APRIL 2015

639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203615-255-2475 | nashvillerescuemission.org

This 4th of July, Nashville Rescue Mission will serve over 2,000 meals to homeless men, women, and children in the Nashville community in celebration of America’s independence.

You can make this day just a little brighter for those in need.

Join us in making America’s Birthday—a day of life, liberty, and happiness for Nashville’s homeless. Your gifts will give them something worth celebrating.

DONATIONS

Donations can be dropped off at the Mission’s Donation Center, 616 7th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203, Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Your gifts will help the homeless celebrate freedom!

• hot dogs• hamburgers• buns• condiments

• soft drinks• bottled water• chips• desserts