Community That Helps Change Lives

by Patrick H. Vanderburgh, D.Min. President

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:8-10

I love that verse, especially how wonderfully it describes the community at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission and what happens here. For many of our guests, the hospitality they receive here at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission may be the first time they’ve experienced love and care from someone else in a long time. The community they find here — in our shelter programs, in our school and at our community events — is often one of the most important pieces of their journey to a transformed life. The love they receive is a reminder of an even more important love — the love of Jesus Christ, which truly transforms the lives of the men, women and children who come here for help.

That love and community continues even outside of our doors, at the churches they attend as they build new relationships with those around them — or even rebuild relationships with family and friends. Those relationships, as you’ll read about in Dustin’s story, are vital to the kind of long-term recovery that our neighbors are striving towards.

The community that Dustin mentions just isn’t possible without you. Friends like you understand that community better than most, because you see the people we serve as neighbors. Every time you give your time and treasure, you demonstrate your love for them.

I’ve heard it said, “You can give without love, but you can’t love without giving.” It’s true — and I am so grateful for your love. God bless you!

The Power of Community

Like many youth, as a teenager in Cudahy, Wisconsin, Dustin thought he knew everything. In high school, he was bright, popular, athletic and knew what he wanted: At 6’-7”, he had visions of a basketball scholarship and maybe more. But a serious injury in his junior year derailed his plans.

“I didn’t know what to do,” he says. “At the time, a lot of my friends were starting the whole party scene. I started smoking marijuana at 18 and before long I was doing cocaine, psychedelics, ecstasy and alcohol. I knew I was meant for more in life. I just wasn’t doing it. I was disappointed in myself, but it was easier to get high than to change.”

In 2017, however, he took a hard look at his life. He was working temp jobs, sleeping on a sofa at his sister’s house and his future looked hopeless. “I had to do something to change,” he says. “So, I did some research and found the Milwaukee Rescue Mission. I didn’t have a Christian background, but I was willing to give it a try.”

He soon turned his life over to Jesus. Through faith in Christ and the Christian community he found at MRM, Dustin’s life completely transformed. In fact, he soon became a leader.

“Even though I’m one of the youngest men here, I started a Christian men’s accountability group called B.O.S.S. Club — Brothers of Spiritual Strengthening. We’re all about building relationships, because it’s only through these relationships — here, at church, in the community — that we’ll get through. When we stumble, somebody will be there to help us up. We’re role models for each other, and Jesus is our ultimate role model. A successful life comes through God’s grace and relationships.”

Now Dustin has a new life plan: He has decided to serve in the military, like much of his family.

“I can’t thank the donors of the Milwaukee Rescue Mission enough,” he says. “They’re doing something amazing here, whether they know it or not. They changed my life. I couldn’t have done this without them, without God or without my Christian brothers.”

Provide More Help to Hurting People

Our Summer Match Means Your Gift Will DOUBLE!

Every summer, our homeless and hurting neighbors face significant challenges. Crime increases. Kids are out of school and often go hungry. Families face greater childcare costs, a greater risk of eviction or having their home utilities cut off. At the same time, the Milwaukee Rescue Mission faces challenges, too, including a drop in donations, stretching our budget even further.

But there’s great news! This summer, generous friends of MRM have offered a $170,000 matching grant! We need your help to reach our goal to receive the full match — and provide twice as much help for struggling neighbors. This extraordinary opportunity is only available for a short time — the deadline is August 31!

Ways to Give

Give online at milmission.org/summermatch
Mail a check and write “Summer Match” on the memo line
Call us at (414) 2RESCUE and mention the “Summer Match”

Work at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission!

Have you ever thought of joining the team at MRM? You can make a real difference in the lives of our hurting neighbors through work. Check out our employment opportunities.