“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you…that power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms…” Ephesians 1: 18-20 NIV

Easter will soon be here and with it, we turn our attention to the great power of Christ’s death and resurrection. Jesus not only overcame the grave, but defeated death for each of us. The amazing power of Jesus’ resurrection is available to every one of His children.

While other families are preparing to celebrate Easter with bunnies and baskets, the Nashville Rescue Mission is getting ready to serve 1,500 traditional Easter meals to homeless men, women and children and offer them the elusive hope they so desperately need.

As we offer the homeless food, clothing and shelter, we also express the message of Christ’s love and hope for the future. As our guests learn of Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection, many lives are changed.

Thankfully, the resurrection God gives, isn’t just bound to our mortal deaths. Because Jesus is the resurrection and the life, we can experience the renewal of our souls everyday. We are incredibly blessed to see this death to self and rebirth in Christ everyday at the Nashville Rescue Mission as those formerly without hope give their lives to Jesus.

There are more than 174 places in the Bible that talk about hope. But as we prepare to celebrate Easter, there is one particular verse that comes to mind. Romans 8:24 says: “For in this hope we are saved.”

Simple. Direct. To the point. Hope is the spirit of God, the spirit of the risen Lord that lives in each one of us. Hope is the spirit that changes lives at the Mission.

Men like Matthew, who is featured in this newsletter, come through our doors every day, broken and living in the grips of sin. Yet Jesus gave Matthew a new life and blessed the Mission by being a part of this transformation process.

Christ has blessed us greatly to be a part of His work at the Nashville Rescue Mission.  He uses our staff, volunteers and faithful supporters like you to be the catalyst in His life-changing work here on earth.

As you read through this month’s newsletter, I pray you see Jesus’ rebirth in the men and women you help reach at the Mission. Most of all, I hope you are renewed through the stories we share, knowing without your support, none of this would be possible.

Thank you for helping us give hope to the men, women and children who are homeless, hungry, addicted or in need. Thank you for being part of Christ’s resurrecting work here at the Nashville Rescue Mission.

Don
President/CEO