Dennis and his wife Marsha moved to Nashville in February 2016, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Before that time, Dennis was the assistant pastor of a church in California, where he and his wife were actively involved in urban ministry.

“Shortly after moving to the area, my wife and I fell in love with Ethos church,” said Dennis. “It was during one of our prayer meetings on a Sunday night that I first saw the Mission’s building from the window. The logo caught my eye and I was curious to know more about what took place there.”

After taking the Mission’s “I Had No Idea” Tour, Dennis was impressed. “There were several things that stood out to me during the tour,” recalled Dennis. “The first was that the Mission doesn’t take any money from the government, which means they can share the Gospel without reservation. They also treat the men and women with dignity and respect, meeting all their needs psychically, mentally, and spiritually. It’s obvious through their Christ-centered approach that they desire success and a victorious life for those they serve.”

After signing up to volunteer, Dennis went home and prayed about where God would have him serve. He quickly received an answer after meeting with Ken Millwood, the Mission’s director of Life Recovery Ministries for men. “Before that meeting, I had no idea what a life recovery program was,” said Dennis. “This was a new facet for me of ministering to the homeless and addicted. The Lord gave me a vision for how I could serve, and in August 2016, I started teaching an elective class on Tuesday nights, based on the book of Ephesians.”

Over the course of six months, Dennis faithfully taught the men in his class to know the exceeding riches that God has for each of them through His gifts and blessings. “It was truly amazing to see the transformation in these men. One of the participants invited me to attend his graduation. I was honored he asked, and it was such a blessing to attend.”

Dennis has felt led to serve in several other capacities. Once a month, he leads a chapel service for the nearly 400 men who are nightly guests of the Mission. He has also recently started teaching a core class for the men in the Life Recovery Program.

“It is obvious God’s hand is upon Nashville Rescue Mission, and the Mission is finding favor in God’s eyes,” said Dennis. “I’m delighted to be a part of this family of faith. It is a blessing to serve at the Mission.”