Twenty-five years! That’s how long I’ve served on the staff of Haven of Rest Ministries! It has been a blessed and exciting journey.
I came to Haven of Rest initially as a volunteer in the Foodservice Department. In some ways, Haven of Rest was very different then – smaller, simpler, and with fewer programs. I saw how the Lord was using this ministry in mighty ways and how He had His hand of blessing upon it. Haven of Rest continued to grow as it reached out to hundreds of men, women and children who seemed to have lost all hope, and lives were being changed. Though the ministry is much larger now, its core values have never wavered.
My first thought when I was hired as the Foodservice Manager, was that I needed to be mindful that it was only by the grace of God that I wasn’t in the line to receive a meal or a safe place to sleep. There was a time in my life where that certainly could have happened. I have seen many people one would never expect to see, coming in and asking for help. I have met people who have lost everything because of ill health, job loss, or other unforeseen circumstances. One’s self-confidence and self-worth can definitely take a nose-dive in such dire situations. There are those who have grown up in families where they have been abused and neglected – never hearing a kind word spoken to them. They are angry and hurt, feeling their life is worthless. Many have no idea how they can find purpose, joy and fulfillment. And that’s exactly why God has placed Haven of Rest here. We are a lighthouse to those in crisis.
Whether it’s circumstances or choices that puts a person into these situations, Haven of Rest carefully works with individuals through quality, comprehensive programming. Needs are met and men and women acquire the tools and encouragement they need to be productive and confident. And it’s very thrilling to see the change that takes place when they understand that they are valuable people, loved by a merciful God, who has a purpose for their lives. I thank God for the many life-changing miracles I’ve seen in these 25 years.
Rose Rose,
Community Relations Coordinator
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