I am often asked to summarize our services at Wichita Falls Faith Mission. Some people call it an elevator speech, something you could share in two minutes or less.
My most common response is what I call the 4 R’s.
Rescue, Restoration, Recovery and Reintegration.
I want to say more about each of those facets of our mission. Each one is important and, in many cases, follow in order so that a homeless man or woman who enters our shelters can go from little or no hope to a new life filled with hope for a better future.
Today, I want to talk about the service we often refer to as rescue.
When you think of rescue, you probably think about a fire fighter bringing someone out of a burning building or a coast guard diver saving the life of a drowning victim. You know, life-or-death situations.
The type of rescues we perform every day at our shelters aren’t as dramatic or time sensitive, but they can be life changing and even lifesaving. Rescuing someone off the streets with a place to sleep, clothes and a meal is many times just the beginning, but it is just as necessary. When we can show that we care in those small ways, it can give a person a new take on things. After time, they realize that we are going to be there and that their lives are important. They can begin to open to our team and then a small thing like a meal can turn into a relationship with someone who really cares.
As you can probably deduce, the rescue aspect of our mission isn’t meant to be an end but rather a means to an end. Of course, we feed, clothe, and shelter men, women, and children out of compassion and because it is the right thing to do, but we also want to see them get to a place where they can do those things for themselves. Our services are meant to be temporary, but the reason we do them is eternal. We want them to know that God loves them and has a purpose for their lives. We provide case management and programs that can address the very reasons they came to us in the first place. But it all begins with a meal and a bed.
Next, I want to address the idea of restoration. We believe that there can be restoration for everyone, and it begins with the acknowledgement of God. Remember to pray for those who need to be rescued from homelessness and hopelessness. If you know someone that is trapped there, send them to us. We want to help.
