The Rest Of The Story
Through our newsletter, we’ve shared many stories of lives impacted by this ministry. We all rejoice when we
see the touch of God’s hand on a life made new. Still, we must remember that a changed life doesn’t happen
without a life in need of change. A happy ending requires everything that comes before it.
It’s time to take a look at the beginning of the story.
Our neighborhoods are filled with hurting people. Lives are impacted by the growing drug crisis, mental illness, poverty, hunger and homelessness. Hearts are etched with isolation and loneliness. The park near us fills with people searching for momentary relief. Doorways and stairwells fill with homeless neighbors looking for a place to lie down. Sleep is an escape from the pain of the day.
WHAT DOES OUTREACH REALLY LOOK LIKE?
Every day, people come through our doors wounded and angry, frightened and uncertain. Their guard is up. Haven of Rest finds its purpose in meeting people where they’re at with Christ-centered love and compassion — even when it’s hard or uncomfortable.
Outreach may look like bringing Narcan to the railroad tracks in an effort to revive someone in the throes of a fentanyl overdose. It looks like an angry encounter with a man who is taking his pain out on the one trying to offer help.
Or, outreach may be an opportunity to be with a person as they draw their last breath. It is often sharing the message of God’s love only to have it rejected time and time again.
Ministry is not easy. It has a pain of its own when you watch someone stumble, fall or fail. But we cannot look away. We have to be willing to see the needs in order to be able to meet them.
HOPE STEPS IN
Outreach has its discouraging moments. But when hearts are compelled by the love of Christ to step toward the
need — no matter how painful or uncomfortable it gets — outreach turns into beautiful breakthrough.
In those moments, outreach looks like someone letting their guard down in a conversation and realizing they can
trust again. Or the reshaping of a heart as someone who has walked in loneliness for so long finds community and
connection.
Dedicated staff and volunteers offer welcome in the face of anger and encouragement in the face of fear. They open their hearts to build relationships with the men, women and children who come to Haven of Rest for minister to someone without loving them.”
STORIES OF REDEMPTIVE LOVE
You and so many other faithful supporters of the ministry join us on the frontlines by sharing resources and prayers that keep this work going. Even in the midst of dire circumstances, God uses willing hearts to reach people, allowing hope to step in.
This brings us back to the end of the stories — stories like Sheree’s, who rebuilt her life after addiction and
disappointment.
There are stories like Jeff’s — he found a firm foundation after homelessness. Or like Dana’s, who found purpose and lasting stability. Stories whose endings aren’t dictated by their beginnings.
Each story written through the redemptive love of Christ, made known through caring hearts like yours.
