“GOD SAVED MY LIFE”

Common decency prevents me from sharing everything that happened to me when I was a little girl. But at the age of 8, I was forced to do things no child, no person, should ever have to do.

And while I’d accepted Jesus as my Savior, the truth is, I just spiraled out of control. Even at 13, I was already dabbling with drugs and boys. I had no guidance in my life. My faith was placed on the back burner, and I looked for any other outlet to cope, endure, and forget.

I dropped out of school at 16 and my parents kicked me out of the house. For the next 24 years, I was trapped in a cycle of drugs, men, and abuse. I’ve been beaten, manipulated, and controlled. In fact, I’m surprised I’m still alive.

I don’t share all of that for you to feel sorry for me. I made some terrible decisions and I own them. I’m telling you this because I want you to understand the powerful work, and utter miracle, God has performed in my life through the Durham Rescue Mission.

At my lowest point, strung out at a shelter for battered women, I realized I needed more than a meal and bed for the night. I needed a whole life transformation. That’s when I went to the Durham Rescue Mission.

Through the amazing number of classes in the Victory Program, the Mission taught me the Scriptures. They taught me about responsibility and held me accountable. I’d never been so immersed in the Word of God.

“God saved my life. He’s given me a second chance. I’m so thankful—to God, to the Durham Rescue Mission, and to the generous supporters who help make this program possible.”

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A Word of Thanks & Encouragement from the Founders

There’s so much to thank God for.

Dear Friend of the Durham Rescue Mission,

With the Thanksgiving season already upon us, we have so much to thank God for. Just recently we opened our new Clegg Family Student Housing Facility.

Committed to never spending money we don’t have—our philosophy is that we don’t go into debt—the facility was paid for before we built it. And it means more hope and a better future for those in desperate need in the Triangle.

With up to 54 beds, we need to raise the operating funds.

That’s why your support is so critical—to ignite hope in the hearts of those who have nowhere else to turn and are depending on the Mission this holiday season.

We could tell you more about the power of hope; we have so many stories to share. But Crystal (page 1) and Stephen (page 5) say it better. Their stories are perfect examples of the impact of your generosity in action.

We’re also excited to announce the opening of our new thrift store at 2109 S Main St in Wake Forest, NC, which translates into more job opportunities for our guests and those seeking to turn their lives around.

So please join us in thanking God for His faithfulness at the Durham Rescue Mission. And thank you for your partnership and friendship. None of this work would be possible without your prayers and support.

Reaching out to the homeless and hungry—together,

Ernie and Gail Mills, Co-founders

INSIGHT: Sheila Wilder

Testimonies

“Jesus Changed Everything!”

I had everything: a good job, a family with kids, and a home. But before I knew it, I’d lost it all.

In 2015, I went through a divorce, and I lost my mother to cancer. Everything in my life just spiraled out of control.

Depression sunk its teeth into me . . . and I just lost my will to do anything with my life. I moved in with my brother and while I worked part time to pay my way, I was living off a small inheritance my mother left me. In truth, I smoked and drank it all away. I was so isolated and felt so alone. I was looking for anything to numb the pain.

I’d accepted Jesus when I was 15. That was many years ago, and I’d fallen away from my faith. But when I was at rock bottom, I knew I needed something more than just recovery to turn my life around.

That’s why I came to the Durham Rescue Mission. It’s more than a homeless shelter— it’s a program built upon the foundation of the Gospel.

When I came to the Mission, I enrolled in the Victory Program. I learned about money management and dealt with the issues in my heart that caused my addiction.

Today, I have the tools I need to be successful. I’ve never felt so prepared to make better decisions with my life. Also, I’ve recently joined the Mission staff as the Volunteer Coordinator. I’ve never felt so close to God. Jesus changed everything!

My future has never looked so bright. Thank you so much for your support of the Durham Rescue Mission. I’m a life that’s been changed through your generosity.

2019 Fall Graduation Celebration

The Durham Rescue Mission will hold our Annual Fall Graduation for 18 of our clients on Tuesday, September 24th at 10 am at the Storr Chapel on 1201 E Main Street in Durham. Our special speaker will be the Voice of the Wolfpack, Gary Hahn.

For those in our Victory Program, walking the aisle and sharing their stories is one of our most powerful and emotional traditions. Most of our graduates had hardly known a day of sobriety in their adult lives before they found the Mission! Celebrating this transformation at these ceremonies—the deliverance from bondage—is one of the most joyous moments we get to experience. We would love for you to experience this as well so please come join us for this wonderful occasion.

SAVE THE DATE!
2019 ANNUAL FALL BANQUET

Mark your calendar now for October 10th, and plan on joining us at our Annual Fall Banquet. Enjoy outstanding food and fellowship while showing your gratitude and support for one of our community’s most vital resources.

If you would like to be a sponsor or attend the event, please contact Tony Gooch at (919) 688-9641, ext. 5048 or visit our website at www.DurhamRescueMission.org.

How We Stack Up

ranked charity in all of North Carolina in 2019 by Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator is the nation’s largest and most utilized evaluator of charities and has rated the Durham Rescue Mission with a 4-star rating for the eighth year in a row. Charity Navigator has also now given the Durham Rescue Mission its highest rating of all charities in North Carolina (100%) for the third straight year.

(almost 2/3) of all homeless in our area choose the Durham Rescue Mission for help, according to the last complete Durham County Point in Time Count. Thank you for your ongoing support as together we help men and women in need discover New Life in Christ.

of every dollar you give is used for programs that benefit the men, women, and children we serve.