When Curtis Borders was released on parole in 1984, he was a long way from the man he would become. After failing a drug test, with nowhere else to turn, he arrived at the steps of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.
“I had used drugs for over 20 years. I was sick and tired of that lifestyle, but I really didn’t know how to change,” he says.
After a year at our Mission, he completed his Bible studies and discovered a new path for his life. He recalls, “I was growing with leaps and bounds. I was seeing something in me that I liked that I never allowed myself to really see when I was an addict.”
Curtis’ time at our Mission sparked a powerful transformation. Today, he’s sober and has served as a pastor for over 20 years. “God and my family are my life. It’s just awesome when you surrender yourself and your will over to a power greater than you,” he says.
At 73 years old, Pastor Curtis continues to pay it forward by working as a chaplain at our Mission. His life is a living testament to the power of renewal and restoration. “I just thank God for the privilege of being a part of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries because it has really helped me.”
As you celebrate Easter this year, I hope you will keep our residents in your heart and in your prayers. Remember, each person who walks through our doors has amazing potential, just like Pastor Curtis Borders.
“I’m a giver today. Years ago, I was a taker, but I give today,” he says as he describes why he believes it’s so important to keep supporting the men, women, and children who come to our Mission. “There are so many who don’t have what they need. And as a giver, it’s all right to open up your heart. That’s why you give…because you have a heart of compassion.”
This Easter, consider giving someone like Pastor Curtis Borders the gift of renewal and purpose. Every success story starts with a hot meal that only costs $2.37!
A MESSAGE
FROM THE CEO
Chad Audi, PhD
President and CEO
Dear Friend,
Thank you for being a loyal and compassionate supporter for the men, women, and children of our Mission. You make life-transforming care possible for them, often during their lowest and darkest days.
Each gift you provide means that someone in our community who is hurting receives nourishing food, safe shelter, clean clothes, recovery support, job training, education, and Christian care. More than that, you give them a refuge where they will be treated with love and dignity.
As we prepare to serve hundreds of Easter meals this spring, I hope we can count on you to continue your support on behalf of our hurting neighbors. The economic toll of the past few years has been devastating. Many people in our communities are facing homelessness for the first time and urgently need resources that can help them rebuild and restore their lives.
Will you join us to celebrate Christ’s resurrection by helping lost souls in our community find new life? I can’t think of a better way to serve our Lord this Easter season than with love and compassion for our brothers and sisters.
Rebuilding Detroit, one life at a time,
Chad Audi, PhD
President and CEO
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure
you use, it will be measured to you.”
~Luke 6:38
EXTEND YOUR LOVE YEAR-ROUND
Would you like to make a difference in the lives of Detroit’s men, women, and children year-round? If the answer in your heart is YES, then prayerfully consider joining a special community of dedicated supporters who transform lives through a monthly gift.
Year-round support means we can better plan and care for our Mission’s residents.
You can easily set up your recurring gift and change it any time if you need to. Your special monthly contribution will provide food, shelter, and Christian care. It will help transform lives throughout the most difficult times of the year, especially during times when we may face pantry shortages or donations are down.
Would you like to start now? Please visit drmm.org if you would like to set up your gift online or check the special monthly giving box on the return slip provided with this newsletter. This is a chance to extend your love to our most vulnerable neighbors when they need our help the most!
God bless you for your compassionate heart! Amazing people like you help change lives daily through Christ’s love.
With rent, groceries, and gas at all-time highs, more of our Detroit neighbors have been pushed into homelessness for the first time. Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase in the number of people seeking support from our Mission. Unfortunately, the number of beds we are currently able to provide for them is limited.
To meet this growing need, we are asking our supporters to join us in helping provide more beds this year so that we never have to turn anyone away. Only with help from loyal friends like you can we make sure there are enough beds to meet the rising number of homeless men, women, and children in 2023.
Please consider making an extra-generous gift this Easter that will provide a clean, warm bed for someone during their most difficult days. Mail your gift or visit us at drmm.org to donate online. As homelessness in the Detroit area skyrockets, we need you more than ever.
Sophia Whitehead started her Arms Open With Love Foundation from the trunk of her car, serving sandwiches to a handful of homeless individuals. Six years later, she and her friend, hairstylist Niesha Lee, spend time at our Mission, filling our residents’ plates and styling their hair!
“I come up with creative menus, and we try to cook things that they don’t normally get a chance to eat on a daily basis,” she says of her cooking, which often features soul food like chicken and waffles, BBQ, and homecooked chicken with greens.
She remembers when they started helping Mission residents. “Some of these women hadn’t had their hair done in 10 or 15 years.” She told us, “They were crying because they were just so happy to see the transformation.” On another occasion, a little boy came up to give Sophia a hug and told her, “Thank you so much because we haven’t had a homecooked meal like this in so long.”
During Easter, the team also provides Easter baskets for children. Sophia and Niesha try to make each visit as joyful as possible. “It’s so touching,” Sophia says, describing the smiles.
To supporters like you, she says, “Please keep giving because your giving is not in vain, and these people really need help.”
Together, you, Sophia, and Niesha help our residents feel loved and seen. In the spirit of renewal this season, I hope you will consider making a gift today that can continue to change their lives.
To volunteer at Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, please contact Billie Lionberger at 313.993.4700 ext. 1500 or email [email protected].
OUR MISSION
Sharing the love of Jesus Christ
and the message of hope in His gospel.
BOARD MEMBERS
Randall Pentiuk
Chairman
Pam Dover
Teola Hunter
Brenda Jones
Elizabeth (Bettye) Misuraca
Eric Mitchell
Nina Simone Caudle
Secretary
Martha Scott
Frank Taylor
Robert (Bob) Vallance
