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