The Nashville Rescue Mission is near and dear to my heart. Initially, I was invited to serve during Thanksgiving over ten years ago through a partnership NewsChannel 5 has with the Mission. It was part of my job, but evolved into something I want to do and look forward to doing every year. Five years ago, I started bringing my family to serve.

 

It has been a huge blessing to share this experience with my children, Kayela (16) and Taylor (10). My wife Yolanda and I felt it was important to teach our children the value of helping and serving others. We are very blessed. I believe it is our responsibility to help those who aren’t as fortunate as we are.

 

The first time I brought my daughter Kayela, she was ten years old. I remember her asking about the people we were serving. She wanted to know why they were here and not at home. It was an incredible teaching moment. I was able to tell her some of the reasons people are homeless and that the Mission is in the business of helping them get back on their feet. Today, my kids look forward to our time volunteering at the Mission.

 

“The Nashville Rescue Mission is definitely in the business of saving and changing lives. It’s an honor to serve with them.”

 

The Mission recently helped a friend of mine turn his life around. Although we lost touch over time, I knew he had faced a lot of difficult situations. His mom and dad had both passed away. Then his grandmother died. He was divorced and living with his sister, when she died. He was devastated and his life crumbled around him. He found his way to the Mission and through the life-recovery program, he made a fresh, new start. While he was in the program, I visited with him and talked to him on the phone. We’ve stayed in touch. He’s upbeat and doing great…all thanks to the life-change he experienced while at the Mission.

 

I have a true appreciation for the work of the Mission. When I was growing up, my mom worked at a factory. When the factory shut down we received government assistance. In those days it was called the “government cheese” program. We went through some tough times. We lived in the projects, but my mom worked hard and we eventually moved out.

 

I don’t know what brings a person to the point of seeking help at the Nashville Rescue Mission. But what I do know is that no matter the situation or circumstance, the Mission extends hope and a helping hand to those in need. It’s why I support the Mission and why I look forward to volunteering my time to such a fantastic ministry.