Dear Friend,

Sometimes I try to imagine what it must’ve been like for the shepherds on that holy night long ago. They were minding their own business (and their sheep) in the fields near Bethlehem, when they had a surprise visitor — “an angel of the Lord,” Luke tells us.

“And the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear” (Luke 2:9, ESV). I would’ve been terrified too! But then the angel delivered the greatest message of all time: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

The angel told them to go into Bethlehem, where they would find the baby, lying in a manger. A baby who is also a Savior? Their heads must’ve been spinning.

As if that announcement weren’t earth-shaking enough, suddenly a multitude — thousands, perhaps millions — of angels filled the sky and said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

That’s about when my imagination hits its limits. I cannot fathom what that must have been like for those shepherds that night. Fear and joy, all at once! Struggling neighbors who come to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission are familiar with those emotions. They’ve experienced fear through evictions, through domestic abuse, through street life, through hunger and heartache and hopelessness.

But when they come to MRM — all year round, but especially at Christmas — they find joy, even in the midst of their struggles. Because we are all about that “good news of great joy for all people.” That’s the gospel. That’s the Christmas message.

Every day at MRM, people are transformed by that good news. You’ll read about two of them in this newsletter — Jeff on page 3, and Ajaya on page 8. Their inspiring stories are only possible because of your kindness. Thank you!

This Christmas season, I pray that you and your loved ones are blessed with the joy and peace of the Christ child.

Patrick H. Vanderburgh, D.Min.
President

Dear Friend,

The title of our newsletter, Transformed, is very intentional. It’s the most important work that is done here at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission. Obviously, we aspire to rescue hurting neighbors from dire circumstances by meeting their immediate needs. But rescue without transformation — deep, internal, spiritual metamorphosis — usually won’t last.

Transformation is our mission.

The Apostle Paul felt the same way when he wrote to the believers in Rome. In a letter packed with sage advice and principles of abundant life, Paul urges his readers, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2, ESV).

For many of the folks who walk through our doors, conforming to the world is a real struggle — and one that leads to poor choices. Many have made these poor choices themselves, while some of our guests are victims of others making those choices. And still, others are wrestling with mental illness, job loss and life-altering tragedies. But regardless of their circumstances, they all need the kind of spiritual transformation that lasts. (Indeed, we’re all in need of it!)

This kind of transformation takes more than just providing food, clothing and shelter. It’s helping people reframe the way they think so that they are more likely to embrace real, permanent change.

Our Bible-based programs are a catalyst to this transformation, but only God can change and renew someone’s heart and mind. And, thanks to friends like you, broken souls can walk through our doors and discover the wonder, compassion and forgiveness of God — much like Matt did, whose story you’ll read on page 3.

This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the part you play in that process. Your support is helping to transform lives. Thank you!

Patrick H. Vanderburgh, D.Min.
President

Dear Friend,

Who is my neighbor?

Over the many years I’ve worked at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, I’ve often asked myself that question. The Parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates that a truly good neighbor is one who comes to the aid — in other words, rescue — of someone in need. That’s why we’re called the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.

But who are these neighbors of yours and mine that need help? What are their circumstances? Some have lost jobs and/or their homes. Some have made poor choices and are struggling with substance abuse. Some are fleeing domestic violence. Some have simply run into unexpected circumstances that are beyond their ability to handle right now.

Many of the folks who walk through our doors are dealing with mental illness. Whether they’ve lived with it their entire lives or it developed as a result of trauma, more and more we’ve seen mental illness to be a common denominator in our guests. So much so, in fact, that we are increasing our capacity to serve these neighbors even better — by adding an on-campus mental health clinic at MRM.

Mental illness, addiction, domestic abuse, job loss … Yes, there are so many reasons why a man, woman or child might walk through our doors. The need is great in our community! But with your help and by God’s grace, we can address the needs of our struggling neighbors and help them find healing — and the hope of a Savior who loves them.

“Let not your hearts be troubled,” Jesus said in John 14:1. Thank you for partnering with MRM to ease the troubled minds of our neighbors.

Patrick H. Vanderburgh, D.Min.
President

Dear Friend,

Years ago, a mom and her little girl arrived at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, in desperate need of shelter. The moment the girl said, “It’s my fifth birthday today,” was heartbreaking — heartbreaking that she was spending her birthday in a homeless shelter. The next day, our staff threw a big party, with cake and gifts, the works. Her mom said it was the best birthday her daughter ever had. That has stuck with me. We know those who come through our doors were created in God’s image, having value and a purpose. That’s why we celebrate birthdays at MRM. But our celebrating doesn’t end there!

We find hope around every corner here, evidence of God’s work in the lives of men, women and children who come through our doors looking for a fresh start. We find new life in every room, people whose lives have been transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit. We find growth and achievement, as those who come to MRM work hard to accomplish the goals and objectives of the programs you help make possible … goals that represent giant steps toward restoration.

In this issue of Transformed, you can read about Robert, who hit rock bottom and lost all self-worth before coming to MRM and finding a fresh start and new life. On page 6, you’ll meet Heaven, a teen girl who was devastated by the death of her father, but found peace and joy inside our walls.

I hope you’ll be encouraged by these stories and know how grateful we are for your continued compassion for those who turn to MRM for help and a hopeful future!

Patrick H. Vanderburgh, D.Min.
President

Dear Friend,

It’s been said: Jesus didn’t come to fix us, he came to transform us. This profound truth never ceases to amaze me — especially at Eastertime!

What God does through Christ’s life, death and resurrection … it’s so much more than a quick fix. Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we all have the hope of new life. No more are broken souls defined by guilt and mistakes of the past. Through the resurrection of Christ, God takes our brokenness and makes us whole — He transforms lives! It is a privilege to share this hope with those we serve, and an honor to partner
with you in this sacred work.

And this life-saving work is so important. As precious men, women and children turn to us for help, the challenges they are facing are certainly tough, even heartbreaking. Sometimes, they’ve made decisions that have led them down a bad path. Very often, these individuals have experienced such trauma and defeat that they feel nearly hopeless. Most who come through our doors share a similar feeling of despair — that life can’t possibly get better.

Even still, we have this hope: that Christ is risen, and has come to give us new life! The beauty we bear witness to when we see people’s lives transformed by the Gospel is powerful beyond words. It’s inspirational! And we are honored to share their stories — like Shaquonna’s on page six and Andre’s on page three — with you, our partners in serving!

Thank you for helping to provide resources to hundreds of struggling neighbors and being a part of the life-changing work going on at MRM. Through God’s grace and because you care for those who are hurting and homeless, our struggling neighbors have opportunity to experience life transformation. Happy Easter!

Patrick H. Vanderburgh, D.Min.
President

Dear Friend,

I love the new year! Whether it’s rung in with celebration or a simple flip of the calendar page, the arrival of January represents a new beginning and a fresh start.

But for hurting men, women and children facing homelessness, hunger and hardship, the new year can be especially difficult. As winter stretches into another month, snowbanks build, the nights grow colder … and the challenges of poverty, addiction, mental health and abuse can seem frozen in place.

For these precious souls, there’s never a good time to be homeless. But this is the time of year when our neighbors most urgently need shelter from winter’s storms — and the storms of life.

At the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, this refuge starts with the safety and warmth of a clean bed and the nourishment of a hot meal. As we meet these basic but critical needs, hearts are comforted … and our guests realize they are safe. Through counseling, education, personal connection and prayer, we help struggling men and women discover and understand the root causes of their homelessness — addressing hardships so they can not only develop the skills needed to overcome them, but to flourish in spite of them.

Most importantly, we share the love of Jesus Christ, the only One who can truly provide a second chance and a fresh start. Broken men overcome addiction and reconcile with loved ones. Women in crisis find renewed hope after escaping abuse and domestic violence. Children see a bright new future, brimming with potential.

Through God’s mercy and through your support, lives are renewed, spirits are revived … and our guests find new beginnings. You’ll see a wonderful example of this in Christina’s story on page 3.

Thank you for your help in making transformation possible for our guests. May God bless you in 2024!

Patrick H. Vanderburgh, D.Min.
President

Dear Friend,

It’s Christmastime — “the most wonderful time of the year,” as the classic song reminds us. For many, the season is filled with festive lights and carols, warm-hearted gatherings and holiday cheer. But for most of our guests, their memories of the holidays are not so rosy.

For our neighbors who are struggling, sadly, there are no cozy nights by the fire — rather brutally cold nights on the streets. Many are victims of domestic violence, some struggle with addiction … and still others have lost jobs, housing and all hope.

But there is hope — hope in the humble yet glorious birth of Jesus Christ, who came into the world to save us all from our sins. What a profound joy to share this Gospel message with the precious men, women and children who come to us in need!

Through the beautiful Christmas story, our neighbors in need discover a caring God who invites us to lead lives of hope and change, despite any circumstance of life. His love triumphs over every struggle, every mistake, every heartache — not only bearing the weight of one’s past, but redeeming it and using it for good. And when we share this Good News of the born Savior with those we serve — when we see a glimmer of hope reappear in their weary eyes — truly that is the most wonderful time of the year.

As we prepare a joyous Christmas celebration for our guests, I am so grateful to those who make it all possible. Donors who provide gifts, toys and food; volunteers who help decorate, wrap presents and serve meals; friends who help make every neighbor feel welcome… what a blessing to see so many come together to make the holidays extra special for our guests!

By God’s grace and through your generosity, our guests are able to experience a happy Christmas — some for the very first time — and know the hope of a Savior who loves them. Thank you for your compassionate support. Merry Christmas!

Patrick H. Vanderburgh, D.Min.
President

Dear Friend,

I love the story of Thanksgiving. We celebrate the holiday every year, yet many people don’t realize what a fascinating history it has in America — and how meaningful it is to us here at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.

The winter before the first Thanksgiving, half the Pilgrims died. The next fall, Governor Bradford proclaimed a celebration of Thanksgiving — in the midst of tremendous suffering! President Lincoln declared a “Day of Thanks” as a national holiday in 1863 — in the middle of the Civil War!

Although many often think of Thanksgiving as a day of turkey and football, it’s really a celebration of hope. And that’s how we observe the holiday at MRM — with great joy and deep thanks because of the hope we have in Jesus Christ, even in times of crisis, hardship and suffering. Here at MRM, we celebrate and share this hope with the precious men, women, and children we serve — “[giving] thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

Through God’s grace and your support, those who are homeless, hungry and hurting have a reason to be thankful when they walk through our doors. As they sit down to a hot Thanksgiving meal at a warm and welcoming table, our guests forget the shame and hurt of their pasts, and realize they have another chance – a chance to experience happiness and wholeness in Christ.

I hope you know how grateful I am for your compassion towards our struggling neighbors! By God’s grace and through your generosity, our hurting neighbors not only find refuge from their hardship when they come to MRM — but also encouragement, hope and a path toward life transformation.

Thank you for being a blessing. Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!

Patrick H. Vanderburgh, D.Min.
President

Dear Friend,

People often ask: What’s your highest priority at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission?

The answer is found in our mission statement: “Sharing God’s love by caring for those who are poor in body, mind and spirit, to see lives transformed through Christ to hope, joy and lasting productivity.” Loving our neighbors is at the heart of who we are and what we do at MRM. We’re driven by Galatians 5:14 (ESV), which says, “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

This makes me think of the parable of the Good Samaritan, found in Luke’s Gospel. The Samaritan alone helped a traveler who was robbed and left to die. While others simply walked by, the Samaritan provided care, food and shelter — all for someone he didn’t know.

This is what you help offer here at MRM. Giving of your own resources, you work with us to love our neighbors who are hurting, homeless and hungry. People you don’t even know are benefiting from your kindness — like Patrick, whose story you can read on the next page.

The love experienced by those who come through our doors is tangible, given in grace and truth. No matter our circumstances, we recognize that as sinners we all need the unearned love of our Savior, Jesus Christ — who uses friends like you to transform lives!

I hope you know the extraordinary value of your support. God is working through you to help struggling souls overcome addiction and homelessness, reunite with families and experience lasting change. Precious men, women and children find stability, purpose and hope; broken lives are transformed and made whole.

May God bless you for helping our neighbors!

Patrick H. Vanderburgh, D.Min.
President

Dear Friend,

I have the privilege of seeing first-hand how God is using your support to impact the lives of those who have fallen on hard times — and I can’t thank you enough for your part in providing life-changing care to hurting men, women and children in our community! By God’s grace and through your support, these precious souls not only have new hope … but reason to celebrate the transformation they’ve experienced.

You see, when they first walk through our doors, our struggling neighbors are often seeking basic necessities like a nutritious meal, safe shelter and warm clothing. Once those needs are met, the door is opened to more resources — vital services including counseling, education, job training, addiction recovery support and more. Taken together, these are the steps that can lead to a restored life!

Equipped with renewed health, skills and confidence, men and women in our recovery programs find jobs, housing and new opportunities. Children in need find a bright new future through counseling and education. Above all, our neighbors in need learn about God’s great love for them, and the new life He promises through His Son, Jesus Christ!

In this issue of Transformed, I hope you’ll be encouraged by Jeffery’s story, as well as the stories of others whose lives you’ve impacted through your support.

You’ve given so much reason to celebrate — thank you! — but the need is still great, and there are so many more neighbors struggling in our community. I hope you’ll partner with us once again to see more lives transformed.

Thank you for your continued compassion towards those who turn to MRM for help and a hopeful future!

Patrick H. Vanderburgh, D.Min.
President