HEART of the MISSIONJANUARY 2016

At 68, Jerry had never been without a home—until December 15, 2014—the day he walked through the doors of Nashville Rescue Mission.

HOMELESS F O R T H E F I R S T T I M E

Here’s how your gifts changed Jerry’s life

M O R E T H A N A S E C O N D C H A N C E

THEREFORE, IF

ANYONE IS IN

CHRIST, HE IS A

NEW CREATION.

THE OLD HAS

PASSED AWAY;

BEHOLD, THE

NEW HAS COME.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 ESV

Every time you like a photo of our guests, read a story of hope from a program graduate, or give us a re-tweet, you’re spreading the word about what we do here at the Mission. Just by using social media you are HELPING!

Did you know that with God, you don’t need a New Year to get a do-over? So many people start “New Year’s Resolutions” at the beginning of a year, but with God, any time is a good time to start over or get a “second chance.”

God expects us to give ourselves and others these second chances because it’s in His nature to extend His grace to each person for a lifetime. His love is everlasting. His mercies are new every morning.

That doesn’t mean our decisions aren’t without consequences. In God’s freedom we certainly have the ability to destroy ourselves, even our eternity. But His cross and resurrection are offered to us to redeem what we have lost even by our own destruction.

Truth be told, God gives more than a second chance; He gives one chance after another after another. This is made clear when Peter asked

Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.”

As you begin this year, start out with hope in God’s redemption. He can make all things new. We renew our efforts and dedication to being an instrument of God for “second chances.” When everything in a person’s life seems hopeless, the Mission is open for starting over.

Jerry’s story in this newsletter is a great example of how God redeems and restores. Because you give, the most desperate will have a place to come to start over and get a second chance. Thank you for your faithful support of this ministry.

REV. GLENN CRANFIELDPRESIDENT AND CEO

2 HEART of the MISSION JANUARY 2016

C O T YS E N S A B A U G H

S T A R T I N G O V E R

USE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOR GOOD

facebook.com/nashvillerescuetwitter.com/nashvillerescueinstagram.com/nashvillerescue

My fiancé, Dominique, and I share a passion for uplifting charitable organizations, families, and individuals, so when the Turkey Fry took place in 2013, I invited her to join me. We helped fry over 500 turkeys in one day. It was hard work, but it was fun as well. The real blessing was knowing those turkeys would provide the men, women, and children at the Mission with a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal.

The Mission does a remarkable job of serving the homeless in our city. But I soon realized providing the homeless with meals and shelter was only the tip of the iceberg. As I became more involved, I learned about the different programs they offer to help those in need get back on their feet.

In November of 2014, Dominique kicked off her 25 Wishes for her 25th Birthday by joining me at the Turkey Fry. During the course of those 25 days, we made several trips to the Mission. In addition to the Turkey Fry and helping serve Thanksgiving Dinner, day 23 of the 25 Wishes celebration was spent hosting a Christmas dinner for the men in the Mission’s Life Recovery Program.

I was very moved by my experience at the dinner and had the opportunity to sit down and talk with several of the men who were in the midst of the residential recovery

program. One gentleman opened up his heart and shared his life story with me. I admired his willingness to do that, and without fear, no less.

My fiancé and I have found other ways to serve, like the Mission’s Hearts of Hope event that takes place in February. This is an event to honor the women who stay at the Mission. Mark your calendars, because this year’s event is on Saturday, February 13th. You don’t want to miss it.

I have been so blessed in my life. Now it’s my turn to give back and be a blessing to others. There are many needs at the Mission. There are also numerous ways to give back, whether it’s volunteering to serve a meal, teach a class, or donate. There is a place for everyone who has a willing heart.

Words can’t describe what it’s like to volunteer at the Mission. It’s something you have to experience for yourself. I invite you to join me in supporting Nashville Rescue Mission. I promise it’s a life-changer. It definitely was for Dominique and me. I’m looking forward to doing more in 2016.

MISSION IN MY WORDS

JANUARY 2016 HEART of the MISSION 3

Shortly after being drafted by the Tennessee Titans, I participated in the Tracy Lawrence Turkey Fry at the Mission. It was my first time to volunteer there, and it was an incredible experience.

COTY SENSABAUGH is a cornerback for the Tennessee Titans. He was selected by the Titans with the 115th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He grew up in Kingsport, TN and played college football at Clemson University.

C O T YS E N S A B A U G H

“I’ve never not had a place to live,” said Jerry. “But I put myself in a bad situation. After retiring at 63 and collecting social security, I soon discovered it wasn’t enough for me to live on. So I moved in with friends. I helped with the bills and watched their kids while they worked. Turns out they weren’t paying the bills. So when they were evicted, so was I.” With nowhere else to go, Jerry went to Nashville Rescue Mission.

ORIGINALLY from Galveston, Texas, Jerry grew up in a traditional home. “My parents were great. We went to church every Sunday. I had wonderful brothers and sisters. In 1964, I graduated high school and joined the Navy.” After serving active duty in the Vietnam War, Jerry left the Navy and several years later he joined the Marine Corp, where he proudly served the United States of America until 1982.

“I started drinking and using drugs during Vietnam,” said Jerry. “I never was a heavy user. I popped some pills and smoked some weed, but no IV drugs. Thankfully, my drug use stopped after I left the service.”

4 HEART of the MISSION JANUARY 2016

HOMELESS F O R T H E F I R S T T I M E

At 68, Jerry had never been without a home—until December 15, 2014—the day he walked through the doors of Nashville Rescue Mission.

Bob Snodgrass and Jerry Hooks

Here’s how your gifts changed Jerry’s life

After the military, Jerry spent the next half of his career working in the auto parts industry. “I managed several auto parts stores before coming to Tennessee in the late 1990s with a girlfriend. Shortly after that, I moved to Nashville.” During that time, Jerry’s struggle with drinking was intermittent.

“I don’t like to use the word, but I was an alcoholic,” Jerry said. “One day I just stopped drinking, but I needed a place to get away from the alcohol. That’s when I went to a halfway house.”

LOOKING BACK, Jerry sees God’s hand all over his life, especially in this situation. “I had prayed for the last 15 years about my drinking. I had given up on my faith in the Lord. But one day, He set me free from the desire to drink. I realized God can help you when nobody else can. You could go through all the programs in the world, but you’ve got to have God’s help.”

Despite growing up in a church, Jerry turned away from his beliefs over the years. “You can’t have faith unless you participate in it,” said Jerry. “I didn’t participate. I was drinking and doing whatever I wanted. While living in the halfway houses, I participated in AA, but it never clicked with me. I didn’t like the idea of doing what AA’s Big Book told me to do. Now I know why. That book isn’t my authority. The Bible is.”

“My faith was renewed the day I walked through the doors of Nashville Rescue Mission,” declared Jerry. “I didn’t want to come to the Mission. But I’m glad I did. It changed my life. I was hopeless. But I soon discovered that hope really does live here. It’s not in the building, but in the people. I met two of the most amazing people at the Mission—Ken Engle, a chaplain, and Bob Snodgrass, a case manager. They’re both reverends and I was drawn to them. They opened my eyes to the hope I found.”

AFTER A FEW WEEKS of living at the Mission, Jerry decided to participate in the Guest Volunteer Program (GVP) where guests earn special privileges such as sleeping in the same bed every night, access to laundry services, and being first in line for meals. In return, they volunteer to help with chores around the Mission.

“I enjoyed being a part of GVP,” said Jerry. “The Mission gave me a bed and three hot meals a day. It might not be what you want, but many people have a lot less. In exchange, I helped out around the Mission. It made me feel like I wasn’t taking a hand out. Instead, I was giving back.”

JANUARY 2016 HEART of the MISSION 5

Shortly after arriving at the Mission, Jerry started attending Trevecca Community Church (where he is now a member). A few months later, Jerry was hired to work at the Mission. He then transitioned into the Mission’s Pathways program which allowed him to work, save money, and make plans for permanent housing.

Then, Jerry got approved for an apartment within walking distance of his church and a couple of miles from work. He moved into his new place in September.

“Just when I thought things couldn’t get much better, God surprised me,” said Jerry.

“I received a message that my youngest daughter, Wendy, had contacted the Mission and wanted to talk to me. She’s in the Navy and based in San Diego. I haven’t spoken to her in over ten years. I’m still not exactly sure how she and my son located me, but I’m glad they did. It was so good to talk to her.”

“I had lost contact with my children due to my days of drinking and doing drugs. Yet God in His divine plan made a way for reconciliation to start taking place. On October 18th, my 69th birthday, my phone rang. I had no idea who was on the other end of the phone, until she said, ‘Dad, this is your daughter, Leslie Ann.’ It was also her birthday. She turned 51. I had not spoken to my oldest daughter since she was 16 years old. Now we talk all the time.”

“I’m 69 years old,” said Jerry. “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine after all these years, so many amazing things would happen to me. I am blessed. I’m reminded that it’s never too late to make a brand new start. Thanks to Nashville Rescue Mission my life is better than I ever imagined.”

T H E R E S T O F T H E S T O R Y

6 HEART of the MISSION JANUARY 2016

For the last four years, the couple has spent their date night serving at the Mission. Not meals—but coffee, fellowship, and fun.

“A friend at church mentioned they were starting a Friday night coffeehouse at the Mission for the men in their Life Recovery Program,” said Shelley. “She said there would be food, music, and fellowship. Glenn and I decided to go. We went the third week and we’ve been going ever since.”

Shelley had other experiences with the Mission, having volunteered back in the 90s when she was a single mom and her son was in elementary school. “I felt it was important to

teach my son how we should be grateful for our blessings and not take them for granted.”

Fast forward to today—Shelley’s son is all grown up, and now she and her husband, Glenn, find joy in going to the Mission each week to fellowship with the men. “After that first time, I’ll never forget asking Glenn what he wanted to do on Friday night, and he replied, ‘Let’s go to the Mission.’ That was four years ago and outside of missing here and there, if it’s Friday night, the Mission is where you’ll find us.”

Even in the last year, battling Glenn’s recovery from knee surgery and other family issues, this dynamic duo puts volunteering at the Mission at the top of their list. “We also volunteer at our church and several other organizations. But we get more out of being at the Mission than anything else we do,” shared Shelley.

“Glenn and I get a chance to see first-hand, how God can take a broken man, give him hope, and watch him fight to stay alive. Miracles are happening every day at the Mission. People are saved. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”

“We started our Friday night coffeehouse to show the men in our program how to have a family-friendly, fun night without the influence of drugs or alcohol,” said Currey Womack, a counselor at Nashville Rescue Mission. “Many of the men and women who come to us in search of help have never experienced anything like this. It makes an impression on them to see volunteers come in week after week, at first strangers, but over time becoming more like family. They bring snacks, serve coffee, play games, play music, or sing karaoke. The fact that none of them have to be there,

It’s Friday night and Shelley and Glenn Meadows are ready for their date night. But instead of heading out to the newest restaurant in Nashville, they’re on their way to Nashville Rescue Mission.

Volunteers give back, TOGETHER

A

DifferentKind of

Date Night

Shelley and Glenn Meadows

but simply choose to be there is not lost on our program participants. The coffeehouse has become as much a part of our ministry as chores, classes, and counseling. While it started at our Men’s Campus, it’s now going strong at our Women’s Campus, too.”

While Glenn Meadows, one of Nashville’s most highly sought after sound engineers, runs the sound board at the Friday night coffeehouse at the Mission, Shelley brings snacks, helps serve food, and has started crocheting hats and scarves for the men. This has become their ministry.

“I’ll never forget Bobby, who we met during that first year,” recalled Shelley. “He was a big, ole teddy bear of a man, who had spent a long time in the penitentiary. He had no idea what I was doing when I asked him his favorite color. As Christmas neared, I handed him a present—inside was a blue scarf I had crocheted for him. In my mind, it was just a little thing. But as he said to me, with tears in his eyes, ‘This is the first Christmas present I’ve received since I was a baby,’ I knew it meant so much more than words could ever say. It changed me. It changed us.”

“I can’t imagine our lives without volunteering at the Mission,” said Shelley. “Regardless of whether you’re serving a meal, chopping vegetables, crocheting hats, working a sound board, teaching a class, mentoring a homeless student—there is something for you to do at the Mission. It’s a place where anyone and everyone can get involved. You can use your talent or skill to help someone in need of hope. It’s so easy to love on people. All you need is a little time and a heart to help.You won’t regret it. I promise.”

JANUARY 2016 HEART of the MISSION 7

COLD WEATHER ALERT

“As Christmas neared, I handed him a present—inside was a blue scarf I had crocheted for him. In my mind, it was just a little thing. But as he said to me, with tears in his eyes, ‘This is the first Christmas present I’ve received since I was a baby,’ I knew it meant so much more than words could ever say. It changed me. It changed us.”

Cold weather can be deadly when you're homeless.The Mission is gearing up to protect our city’s homeless population from the elements.

The following items are urgently needed:Coats / Hooded Sweatshirts / Flannel ShirtsWinter Gloves / Heavy Socks / Scarves

Visit nashvillerescuemission.org and scroll down on the first page to download the complete Winter Wish List.

Shelley shares a hat she crocheted with a man in the Mission’s program.

is a proud member of

LIVES YOU HAVETOUCHED

NOVEMBER 2015

639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203615-255-2475 | nashvillerescuemission.org

Meals Served

Nights of Lodging

Chapel Attendance

Education Hours

Bible Class Attendance

Decisions & Prayers

Volunteer Hours

Travel Assistance

Program Graduates

1,622

774

614

86

26

38

294

n/a

n/a

DailyAvg

Monthly

48,665

23,218

18,416

2,579

767

1,152

8,834

47

12Saturday, February 13, 201611:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Trevecca Nazarene UniversityMore details at nashvillerescuemission.org/heartsofhope

Join us in being a Heart of Hope and sharing God’s love with the homeless and hurting women of Nashville.

Hearts of Hope is sure to be a spectacular event and we’d like you to join us. On this day, Nashville Rescue Mission is inviting you to be a part of sharing love and compassion with the women who seek safe shelter, nutritious meals, and recovery from some of the harshest struggles of life through the programs and services offered at the Mission.

With your generous support at this special luncheon, guests and program students will be blessed with a day they will not soon forget as they are treated to a beautiful luncheon, where they are the guests of honor.

This is an incredible opportunity to share the truth of God’s love with a group of women who are often marginalized by society.

2016 PEFORMERSCAROLINE KOLE + REBA McENTIRE

“The best way I know how to help the homeless is to support the work of Nashville Rescue Mission. Thereare so many needs and I have no idea which one is the most urgent. But they do. The Mission is on the front lines and they need our help.”

-REBA