COME IN FROM THE COLD  

Dennis came to Victory Mission with only the clothes on his back. After years of substance abuse, financial struggles, broken marriages and bouts of homelessness, he took the bus to Springfield to get a fresh start. But he couldn't find work. At 55 years old and in poor health, he knew he could no longer survive on the streets.

Even if you've never been dangerously cold yourself, you can imagine the discomfort of trying to survive in the elements. Praying for sleep at night, but fearful of what might happen if it comes. And without regular meals, weary bodies don't have the fuel they need to generate their own warmth. The risks of frostbite and hypothermia often outweigh the perils we normally associate with homelessness.

Here at the Mission, we invite homeless men like Dennis to come in from the cold. Not just to escape the winter weather, but to overcome the chill of addiction ... regret ... despair ... and fear of the future, every season of the year. Because we reached out to Dennis when he had no other options, his life has changed for the better. Not only has his health improved, but he recently graduated from our 12/12 Recovery Program and now plans to earn his high-school diploma through our GED Program.

Every winter, friends of the Mission step up to provide food, shelter and other life-saving essentials to the hurting in our community. While the health of the economy remains weak at best - continuing to drive needy people to our doors - your compassion couldn't be more needed. From January to March:

- As many as 120 homeless men will sleep in safe, warm beds at our Victory Square.
- About 10,000 nutritious meals will be shared at our Cook's Kettle restaurant.
- Countless cups of steaming coffee will be served along with Christian love and care.

We hope you will make a financial gift to help the suffering come in from the cold ... in so many miraculous ways. Your heart will be warmed by sharing your kindness and compassion with others this winter season.

Jim Harriger shares about Victory Mission & Victory Mission Trade School.

FEBRUARY 5 

FEBRUARY 10 

FEBRUARY 16