• A newsletter about helping guide lost souls home.
  • September 2022 | Donate Now
Homeward Bound

“I tried everything else. But I didn’t try God.”

When Elena discovered alcohol as a teen, she knew she was sliding down a slippery slope. When she drank, she binged. Before long, her body was so broken from the addiction that it could no longer function without elevated levels of alcohol. She was drinking all day just to keep from feeling sick . . . but she knew her body was shutting down.

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A young mother of three, Elena was terrified and reached out to her own mother for help. She spent extensive time at inpatient therapy facilities, outpatient therapy facilities, and Alcoholics Anonymous. She was in and out of jail and eventually had to give up custody of her children. Four years of time and money could not save her from crippling addiction — or herself. Feeling selfish and alone, she decided to live in a van so she would not be a burden to her family.

Even when hope seemed lost, Elena’s mom never gave up on her. She heard about the Durham Rescue Mission and convinced Elena to go. Packing her bag, Elena feared what was ahead. When she checked-in to the Mission, she recalls feeling an overwhelming, “Yes!” She realized quickly it was so much more than a homeless shelter.

Fast forward a few years, and Elena has completely reclaimed her life. A Victory Program graduate, she discovered what so many at the Durham Rescue Mission do: An ongoing relationship with God is the key to overcoming addiction. She had tried everything else and failed. When she opened her heart to God, and the healing that only He could do, she began to change from the inside out.

Today Elena enjoys a loving relationship with her husband, who saw her through the program. She is a mentor to other women who are just beginning their recovery. Elena serves on staff with the Women’s Division ministry and is a testament to the program.

“Expensive rehab with all the perks didn’t make the difference — but God and the Durham Rescue Mission made the difference,” shares Elena.

Thank you for supporting the work of the Mission; and for lifting people like Elena in your daily prayers. You provide them healing, hope, and help to create a better life.


A Season of Thankfulness!

Rob Tart

It is a time of thanks and giving here at the Durham Rescue Mission! As the leaves begin to take on the beautiful color of fall here in the Triangle, I am reminded of the transformations in life.

This is my favorite season to reflect on all we have to be thankful for as this year comes to a close. The Bible speaks of seasons in life for every one of us.

We see more men, women, and children turning to the Mission for meals and a warm place to lay their heads as the nights cool and fall settles in. Our staff will be busy helping our neighbors in need during a challenging season of their life. Whether they are struggling with finances, addiction, or mental issues, each individual has a unique story that we are prepared to help them face and overcome.

Your support is vital as we diligently, and prayerfully, plan every detail of our Annual Thanksgiving Meal. On this special day, we hope to provide a nourishing meal to people in need and be examples of God’s transformational love.

Will you help ensure we are ready to meet the needs of all who come to us for help this season?

I am also excited to share about the ongoing progress of the Mills Family Student Housing Dorm. This new facility houses 66 students and is on schedule to be completed in December. Please join us in thanking God for His continued faithfulness at the Durham Rescue Mission; and thank you for your faithful support. None of this work would be possible without your friendship, partnership, and your prayers.

Serving the homeless and hungry,

Rob Tart
CEO/President

P.S. The Durham Rescue Mission counts on the dedicated support of our donors to care for all who are in need during the Thanksgiving season. Please consider a gift today to provide meals, shelter, and life-transforming care as we strive to be His hands and feet in our community.

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Serving to help women find hope and a new future

Mary has been a volunteer and God-focused source of encouragement at our women’s campus for 10 years. As her children began college, Mary wanted to fill her time in service to God. Prayers led her to the Durham Rescue Mission.

Mary

She spoke to the women at the Mission about overcoming shame. She quickly discovered that she was as drawn to helping these women, as they were drawn to her kind heart.

It did not take long for Mary to become a regular volunteer. She began leading choir classes with the women at the Mission, singing praise songs and hymns. They discussed the significance of the lyrics, which helped begin conversations about God and the hope found through His grace. Her patience, kindness, and passion for sharing God’s love and forgiveness has led many of these women to a relationship with Christ.

Mary shares with each woman that they are a “child of God and person of worth.” She wants to help them believe in themselves and create brighter futures. Seeing this happen gives Mary great joy. Her hope is that each class feels like a taste of Heaven to a soul that is hurting and hungry for change.

Mary’s message to any woman she meets at the Mission is simple. “God loves you so much that He paused your life so you can spend this time here to see what is possible for you,” she tells them. “God came down and got to know all of us and give grace.”

Mary’s incredible example of stewardship through service challenges each of us to give in the ways God calls us. Whether it is through our financial gifts, time, or talent — or all of it! — we impact the future of so many women at the Mission. We are deeply grateful to Mary and all who share their lives in this way.

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Mark Your Calendar

Annual Fall Banquet

September 30, 2022 | 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm We look forward to an evening of fellowship with everyone who supports the Durham Rescue Mission and celebrating the amazing work God has accomplished this past year because of faithful friends like you! Watch our website for details: durhamrescuemission.org

Easter Basket

Annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner

Easter Basket

November 24, 2022 | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm We are preparing now for our Annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner. Your monetary and in-kind support, and your volunteer time, is appreciated to make this an incredible day of service for those in need in our community.

Contact [email protected] to get involved.

Please remember . . . to invest in the life of a person in need during this fall season, you may use the remit slip enclosed with this newsletter. You may also give your donation online at give.durhamrescuemission.org/Fall2022. Thank you for being a friend to those who are discovering new life through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

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Restoring Families and Giving Hope
(919) 688-9641 | [email protected]
Post Office Box 11368, Durham, NC 27703
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