A Place of Refuge
Dear Friend, I don’t need to tell you how cold it gets around here in the winter, especially overnight. Bone-chilling, teeth-chattering cold. Most of us have winter coats and heated homes to ward off the frigid, dangerous temperatures. But what if you didn’t have either? What if you actually had to spend a January…
In the Shepherds’ Sandals
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…
Transformation is Our Mission
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…
Caring for the Whole Person: Body, Soul and Mind
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…
Celebrate! Why We Make a Joyful Noise
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,…
Jesus Came to Transform Us
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…
