Because they deserve the best!

I was talking to some friends this week who asked me why we got involved in the renovation and relocation project for the Evansville Rescue Mission. What was the main reason for the move?  What was the catalyst which got us heading in that direction? Well, there are lots and lots of reasons why this big change made and makes sense: The old building was getting a lot of age on it, and the maintenance costs were outrageous; We were really running out of space on the property both for the Men's Residence Center and for the Administrative offices; Our big on-site events were definitely outgrowing our property (like the Gobbler Gathering); and the community was ready to further develop MLK Blvd., and the property we occupied was a key part of the future plans.  Each one of those reasons was a key reason, and all by itself was enough of a reason for us to make the change. But at the end of the day, the Board and staff truly felt like our residents, clients, and guests deserve the very best facility we can provide for them, and the new property offers so many more opportunities for the Mission to do ministry. There's more indoor and outdoor property to utilize for programming and for residential living. The new location provides amazing exposure to the community. The building is much newer than our previous buildings, so maintenance costs should be much better. Since the building is better built than the old building, our utility costs should improve. The same goes for having everything under one roof. That will help!  But the overriding and overwhelming reason we decided to take on this massive project, really goes to the 96 year old heart of this Mission: We love people, and truly want to provide a great place to help meet their needs. For some of these precious residents, this is the nicest place they've ever lived. We're so happy to see them enjoying the space. My prayer is that the facility will be a tool to help us provide the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, spiritual development, and social interaction. So, I looked at my friend and said, "We did this because they deserve the very best we could offer." It's the truth. They do! There's no reason whatsoever to think that a Rescue Mission has to be some dark, dank, stinky, bug-infested, broken furniture filled, depressing facility. On the contrary! These folks are some of the kindest, friendliest, hard-working, well-meaning, God-fearing and God-loving people I've ever met. They deserve a warm, clean, cheery, attractive, comfortable, nice place to eat, sleep, and live while they're with us. For us to offer them any less would be a shame, but for us to be able to offer them this new facility is most certainly one of the highlights of my pastoral / ministerial career. It's been a privilege to work on this project for Jesus Christ, and for each person who will walk through those doors.  God bless each one who does!