Dear Friend,

With God, all things are possible. I hold this truth close because Scripture tells us so — and because I see the “impossible” happen every day at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.

I’m reminded of Ezekiel’s vision in the valley of dry bones. God asked him to speak life into what seemed lifeless, and because of his faith and obedience, the Lord raised a mighty army. What looks impossible to us is never impossible for God.

Since He could bring life from dry bones, and since He could conquer death through the cross, He can — and does — transform lives that the world may disregard. Miracles aren’t just stories from the Bible. By God’s grace, and through your faithful support, they are happening right here, right now at MRM.

You may notice neighbors in our city who are struggling with homelessness or addiction. Their journeys have been difficult, and they carry a heavy burden. But each one is deeply valued, full of potential and never beyond God’s redeeming love.

Like the bones in Ezekiel’s vision, these precious souls are ready for new life. When they experience compassion, nourishment and hear the good news of the Gospel, hope takes root. God’s grace renews them, offering new life — both now and eternally — through Christ’s resurrection. This is the true promise of Easter!

Thank you for being a vital part of this life-changing work and for helping bring hope where it’s needed most. Your kindness makes life transformation possible.

Wishing you a joyful and blessed Easter season,

Patrick H. Vanderburgh, D.Min., President

As we’re now a few weeks into the new year, I miss the light the holidays usher in. My mother-in-law actually still has her Christmas tree up. In fact, she leaves it up all year because she loves Christmas so much. Every now and then, she goes into the room to look at it and enjoy a little cheer. It reminds her of the joy of celebrating Jesus’ birth.

 

I understand how she feels, especially at this time of year. The holidays are behind us, the lights and decorations are all down for most of us. The days are short, and the nights are long, and winter is here in full force.

 

We all could use a little warmth and light right now — especially the men, women and children who come to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission for help. Thank you for helping to make this past holiday season a special time of comfort and joy for our neighbors who were hungry, hurting or homeless. You provided compassion when they really needed it!

 

The need is still great as we begin this new year, and we serve our most vulnerable neighbors. I hope they can count on your continued generosity today and in the months ahead. With God’s grace, you can help those who are struggling find shelter in the storms of life and rebuild what’s broken in their lives.

 

Even though Christmas is behind us, we continue to celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ among us because He is the light of the world — a light that always shines in the hearts where He dwells. God bless you and yours in this new year!

Dr. Patrick H. Vanderburgh, President

There’s a Christmas song that begins, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” For many of us, it is. But it can be a depressing time for men, women and children struggling with hunger and homelessness. When a neighbor in need comes to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission at Christmas time, big holiday meals and presents under the tree are often just a wish or distant memory.

Thanks to you, they can make new memories that are joyful in their own way.

I’ll never forget one family staying in Joy House, our shelter for women and children. Right before Christmas, the kids came down with chickenpox. Of course, we had to quarantine mom and the kids in their room. On Christmas Day, we were still able to provide the family a delicious Christmas dinner and gifts, and in spite of the quarantine, the mom smiled and told staff, “This is the best Christmas I can remember.”

What a great reminder that is for all of us this Christmas season. We might think being in a homeless shelter, quarantined with sick kids, is a disaster. But for this mom, MRM was probably the safest, most peaceful place she’d been in a long time. That peace was God’s good and perfect gift to her right then.

Peace isn’t the only gift our neighbors find at MRM. There’s hope. Many can’t see beyond the next five minutes when they come here, but soon they’re looking five years into a bright future.

And most of all, they hear about the best and most perfect gift God ever gave us, His Son Jesus Christ. You provide a place for hurting neighbors to be transformed by His love and mercy. That’s a gift for all of us, to see and be a part of those stories.

I wish you a very merry Christmas!

Dr. Patrick H. Vanderburgh, President

Dear Friend,

It’s easy to feel thankful when life is going well. But to those facing job loss, addiction, abuse or homelessness, reasons for gratitude can feel hard to come by.

That’s why what happens at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission is so powerful — and it begins with you.

 Your support gives hurting people a place to heal. Your kindness offers them dignity and hope. Your generosity sets them on a journey to a new life.

For many, that journey starts with a warm welcome and a hot meal. A simple meal can mean so much to someone who hasn’t experienced genuine care in a long time. In the midst of their trials, they find something to be thankful for. Many of our program graduates consider that moment of gratitude to be the turning point in their transformation.

And there’s no better time to highlight that moment than the Thanksgiving season.

After nearly 40 Thanksgivings at MRM, I’ve seen countless people come together on this day to celebrate and give thanks, even in the midst of their struggles. I’ve also seen countless lives change in the months following that first meal — a meal you helped provide.

As our hurting neighbors make their way back to stability, thankfulness becomes second nature – and they’re thankful for you. They know your prayers and continued support keep them on a pathway to lasting change.

All of us here at MRM are grateful for you, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year.

Thank you, and may God bless you and your loved ones this season and always.

Dr. Patrick H. Vanderburgh, President