Being in the people-helping business, ringing in the new year always comes with one question for me. “What more could I do to help more people?”
That’s just my bent. Not only has God given me a heart for people, especially those who are hurting and helpless, but He has given me a growth mentality. I don’t do very well with status quo. I’m always on the moves, thinking of ways to do things better and more effectively.
At our two shelters, our goal for every person is that they can eventually become self-sufficient. In other words, we want them to be able to help themselves.
We recognize there are always going to be limitations and exceptions. Some individuals will always require the services and support from others.
But for those who can, my dream would be that every guest who enters our doors would be able to reach their full potential. Whether that is finding a job, moving into their own place, getting healthy enough to care for themselves, have dependable transportation, taking care of their family and on and on we could go.
In 2025, we will continue to open our doors and go onto the streets with the goal of helping people help themselves. Some will take us up on the help, but unfortunately, won’t be interested in helping themselves. The reasons are countless, and some may even seem legitimate in some ways. But we won’t give up if they won’t.
You see, when God called me to this position at Faith Mission, He put it on my heart that it wasn’t to be a warehouse for the homeless. I have never forgotten that. And sometimes, helping can be hurting, if we aren’t lifting them up to something better.
