Anthony Finds a Family

“I just knew I was coming here.”

Anthony’s landlord had been as patient as he could be. After he had lost his job, Anthony hadn’t been able to pay rent for months. Health issues had forced him to depend on others to get to and from work. When his company merged and moved farther away, he found himself with no means of transportation, and was forced to quit. Now as he was about to lose his apartment, he didn’t know where to turn. He had no family left. The few friends he did have were heavy drinkers and he knew he didn’t want to get sucked into their lifestyle. As he searched for places to go, he found the Milwaukee Rescue Mission. “I don’t know what it was, but I just knew that I was coming here,” he says.

“God will find a way to bring you to Him.”

Anthony came to Safe Harbor in early July. After staying for one week in the emergency shelter for men, he decided to join LifeSkills to receive ongoing support. Throughout it all, he saw God working in his life. “The first night I was here, a staff member said something that kind of struck me. He said, ”If you won’t go to God, God will find a way to bring you to Him.’ And I thought back to the circumstances that brought me here…from the day I lost my job, all the things went into motion for me to come here.”

“It’s just night and day.”

Each day, Anthony is learning more about God’s plan for his life. Through LifeSkills, he’s participating in classes, Bible studies and counseling, as well as taking online seminary courses. The impact the program has made on his life is evident. “From where I was to where I am now – it’s just night and day,” he remarks. As he works in the kitchen, he’s noticed that he has more compassion toward others. So much so, that he is considering becoming a missionary. “I got to thinking – it’s not enough to take the Word to people who haven’t heard it. I want to take it to people who aren’t allowed to hear it.” He already speaks a number of languages from his previous job and is excited to learn more.

“I feel as if I’m part of a huge family.”

Anthony is convinced that God brought him to MRM for a reason. Before coming to MRM, he remembers: “Most of my time was spent alone. Being without family made it difficult to find someone to talk to, but I no longer feel alone. I feel as if I’m part of a huge family…I no longer ask myself ”Why me?…Why now?’ I just ask myself, ”Why did it take me so long to accept His gift?’” When asked what he’d like to share with donors, Anthony says, “I’d like to thank them for their generosity. Thank them for not just the changes they’re making in my life, but the lives before me and the lives that are coming.”

“The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.” Psalm 116:5-6 NIV