Nashville Rescue Mission’s faith-based programs and services focus on the whole person—physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and social. Our goal is to restore the whole person through a Christian approach that builds a firm foundation for living a productive life. For Rickie, the Mission’s impact has been profound . . .
Rickie hated hearing those words from his son. But, looking back, he can see now what everyone else saw so clearly—that addiction had taken control.
“Alcohol affected my life to the point where I needed a beer. One beer led to another one, and another one, and next thing you know, I had stayed up for the majority of the day. By the time I took a shower and was sleeping well, it was time to go back to work,” he shares.
“Then one day, I fell asleep behind the steering wheel,” Rickie says, remembering the close call that shook him to his core. “By the grace of God, no one got killed, no one got hurt. But that’s when I really knew it was time.”
Loved ones told Rickie about Nashville Rescue Mission—a Christ-centered community with programs and services that help people experiencing life-dominating challenges like addiction learn how to heal and recover their lives.
“I fell short of the glory of God. I let Satan come into my life,” Rickie says, shaking his head. “But thank God for Nashville Rescue Mission . . . for the chapel and the Bible studies. It has made me stronger; it’s made me realize just how important God is.”
The Mission’s Life Recovery Program has given Rickie the structure, stability, and professional help he needed to overcome addiction and rebuild his relationships with God and his family.
“I know that I have a family who loves me. When I leave and go home, I want to be a better person than I was when I came,” he says, with tears in his eyes. “I’m going to be a better dad, a better grandad, a better brother, a better servant for God.”
The future is bright for Rickie. He has broken the shackles of addiction and learned how to live in a new way. His family and former job are looking forward to his return.
“I speak from the heart—the Mission has been a blessing to me,” Rickie says. “If it hadn’t been for the Mission, who knows where I would be. I’m very grateful.”
As the Mission prepares for a busy Thanksgiving Day, Rickie is quick to share what he is thankful for. “The people who support the Mission, the kindness, the smiles, the meals, a change of clothes,” he says with a smile.
This Thanksgiving, thousands of neighbors will turn to Nashville Rescue Mission for meals, shelter, and help in recovering their lives. You can share meals and other life-transforming hope with them in this special season!
Every $3.11 meal you provide will make all the difference for someone who is hungry, hurting, or experiencing homelessness or addiction, as Rickie once was. Thank you in advance!
