He was a happy boy. And he was happiest when those around were happy too. God was a big part of his world and that continued even after his parents divorced and he lived with just his mother.

Things changed at age 15, when Ralph went to live with his father who had no relationship with God. Slowly he lost contact with God and church life. By his early twenties his relationships with people were going wrong. Now when he tried to make other people happy he found they questioned his motives and spoke badly of him.

Ralph was trying to live like a Christian, without the Spirit of a Christian.

But Ralph couldn’t see that. He just grew more and more frustrated, putting himself down for his failure to be the person he was when he was young. He wandered the country and became homeless for a while. He got married, hoping his wife could fill the void in his heart.

But his frustration only increased. He hated himself. He spent time after time in a mental hospital and came very close to ending his life-often!

One day, after living in his van for three weeks, he had to get a shower. He knew of the Lebanon Rescue Mission and figured they would give him a shower and then he would be on his way.

As soon as he walked in the Mission he sensed the presence of God. The people welcomed him, respected him and invited him to stay the night. The conversation was like food to him. These people knew God. From the first day at the Mission, Ralph knew he had found what he was looking for.

From being homeless in a van, feeling miserable and on the edge of destruction, Ralph completely turned around. “I came here focused on myself,” he says. “Now I’m thinking of helping others. I’ve let go a whole bunch of selfish thinking and all the stress has gone.”

Ralph’s future is very bright. He is finally at peace. The empty space in his heart is filled with joy. He volunteers in various places, loves his church and sees a new career ahead of him.

Ralph is blessed. He humbly admits that without the Lebanon Rescue Mission he may not be alive today. Thank you for keeping the Mission going to provide a place for hungry people like Ralph to come in from the cold world.

How your support for the Lebanon Rescue Mission changes lives.
­­It’s the power of love.

Not everyone who comes to the Mission has been captured by drugs, alcohol and crime.

Some, like Boyd, never had the privileges and opportunities most of us take for granted. They didn’t grow up in a strong, secure family or find school learning easy. Their gifts and natural talents weren’t developed in their youth. No one gave them much of a break or opened a door for them. They just try to get along with the little they have. Sometimes they need a hand-up.

Boyd has always lived in Lebanon. He does temporary work when he can find it, usually in a kitchen. But there hasn’t been much work around lately.

His money mostly went for rent for a small apartment he shared with a friend.

The apartment was small and his sleeping quarters were cramped and uncomfortable. And then he fell out with his roommate and it was time to leave. Thankfully the Lebanon Rescue Mission was there for him.

Clay is the Chaplain at the Mission. He tells everyone who comes that the Lord brought them to the Mission. Then he asks them to make the most of this opportunity to draw close to God. Their faith can grow here and they can develop skills to make the most of their time, money, and talents.

Boyd took those words to heart. In the 9 to 12 month training program he is learning about God and memorizing scripture. He likes how it helps him think about God in between his studies and duties in the kitchen.

Clay cheers him on and tells him if he keeps those scriptures fresh in his memory they will guide him and bless him all his life.

Two of Boyd’s favorites are:
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

And, 1 John 5:11-12 “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

Boyd is also preparing to be a better employee when his stay at the Mission is complete. He intends that his next employer will have an honest, reliable employee who serves the company and his Lord with all his heart.

The other men at the Mission respect Boyd for his dedication and integrity. He has earned their respect.