Your compassionate support is giving George the time he needs to build a new life.

Ask George what he wants for Christmas this year, and he’ll tell you how much he hopes to see his granddaughter. It’s been a long time since the family wanted George around . . . but this year, with help from friends like you, everything has changed!

For over thirty years, George’s life was about one thing, and one thing only: addiction. And it was taking its toll. Depression, anger, anxiety . . . George’s days were filled with despair, and he could never hold a job for long.

In fact, he was the kind of person most of society gives up on. "He can’t change," they say. "He’s too far gone."

But as a friend to the poor in Greater Springfield, and a partner of the Springfield Rescue Mission, you know that with God there’s no such thing as "too far gone."

"Initially, I came to the Mission because I was hungry," George admits. But once his emergency needs were met, he began to feel God’s love through our staff and volunteers . . . and something happened in his heart.

"This place was completely different from what I expected," he exclaims. "I was totally surprised. We have tasks to do and they get done, but I don’t feel it’s a burden. In fact, I think we all enjoy it, and we talk about these things together. After years of being a loner, to be able to talk with others here and to relate to them . . . that’s a big change for me."

Best of all, George says that his life has been transformed by the spiritual care you help make possible. "I’ve learned to fellowship, to see God in a different light . . . to see what He has done and is doing for me. He was the thing that was missing. I’ve found peace of mind through Him."

After so many years, George knows the changes won’t be complete overnight. "I still get angry sometimes," he says. "But now I know how to deal with it better." And because of your generosity, George will have the time he needs at the Springfield Rescue Mission to grow fully into his new life . . . and back into his family’s lives as well.

Thank you for the gift of new life this Christmas!

For I am convinced that . . . neither the present nor the future . . . nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ROMANS 8:38-39 , NIV