All my life I have enjoyed cooking. The way you take individual ingredients and spices to create something brand new excites me. When following recipes, I have learned the importance of measuring correctly and how the smallest mistake can lead to a disaster…this is a major metaphor for my life.
For years I have tried to follow my dream of being a cook, but my drug addiction would always strangle my desires and preparation. I tried to run away from my addiction by taking cooking jobs in different cities and states, but my drug habit followed me everywhere I ran.
My addiction became so bad that I lost my job, my apartment…everything. I went to a local mission and enrolled in their discipleship program which motivated me to make a change in my life and give up my habit for the last time. I graduated from the program…and relapsed, so I picked myself up, enrolled and graduated from the program again. But the false promises proved that my addiction was bigger than me.
Things began happening around me. My friends were dying from overdoses and the drugs started to make me sick. I was fed up with my life and I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. This was the chance to get things right and for God to do something miraculous in my life.
I enrolled into the discipleship program for a third time and began setting long-term goals for myself. My first goal was to re-unite with my family, then get an
education, and someday own a restaurant. After talking with my family I began looking at educational facilities where I could get the credentials I needed to be a cook. I graduated for a third time from the discipleship program and I was granted admission into the Victory Trade School, but before I could enter the Hospitality program I had to get my GED.
I entered the PREP Program to learn more about discipleship and study for my GED. It was like a spiritual alignment as we studied God’s Word and focused on following Jesus’ example. Within four weeks I became an elder and was teaching Bible studies.
To this day I am drug free and I recently received my GED. I am a full-time student in the Hospitality program and the Cook’s Kettle is a ministry to me…my work is a ministry to me.
My future goals include completing the Victory Trade School Hospitality program and then enrolling at Ozarks Technical Community College for Business Management to open my own restaurant.
I can’t say thank you enough to the staff, tutors and supporters. We are like family now, as we reach these goals together through the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.
You will find Bernard always wearing the button “Can I pray for you today.” His love and passion for Jesus Christ shines through in his work, smile and life. It is through your generosity that men like Bernard are taking the necessary steps to be ministers through hard work and discipleship. Please donate today to continue eliminating poverty from the inside out through Springfield Victory Mission.
The Little Caesers Love Kitchen, a pizza kitchen on wheels, rolled into Springfield to provide fresh pizza for 200 people after Victory Mission's Chapel service. Little Caesers donated all the food and labor costs for the meals. "We know it's important to reach out to the communities where we do business, and help make a difference," said David Scrivano, president, Little Caeaser Enterprises, Inc. "As a family company, we are proud to work together with our local franchisees and company-owned stores to coordinate the vehicle, staff and food and to there for people in Springfield who need assistance."
Victory Mission & Victory Trade School
When Victory Mission begain in 1976, it was a hand out to those that needed help. Now, Victory Mission is a multi-faceted, Christian educational facility teaching the life and job skills needed to become productive citizens.
Neighbors Concerned Over Victory Mission Expansion
KOLR 10 reports on Victory Mission's plan to move forward on new building. CLICK HERE to watch the video and ready the article.
Feet, Buses, Bikes are Only Transportation Modes for Some
KY3 Reports - CLICK HERE to watch the video and read the article
Hostel Plans Should Progress
Administrative delay for proposed hostel may be a hidden halt - CLICK HERE to read the article
Plans for Victory Lodge go Forward
Director vows to press forward, work with city amid development plan - CLICK HERE to read the article
They call it Going Green, we call it saving money! In an effort to be more environmentally friendly and use a larger portion of your donations to help men, women and children, Springfield Victory Mission has started the Going Green Mailing Initiative. Please visit our PUBLICATIONS page for more information on the Going Green Mailing Initiative.
Victory Mission Sees Increasing Need
"Victory Mission Sees Increasing Need" is a report from KY3 about Martin, a Victory Mission resident, who has come through our programs and is now working. CLICK HERE to read the article and watch the video.
Three 1st Place Awards
The Cook's Kettle Restaurant took home three, 1st Place Awards at the Art & Romance of Chocolate competition (Best Patisserie, Best Dessert, Peoples' Choice Best in Show). CLICK HERE to learn Chef Chadwick Isom's (Cook's Kettle Restaurant) recipe Chocolate Truffles on KOLR 10.
Victory Mission helps turn lives around
KY3 reports on the Victory Trade School and how the battered economy is prompting more people to turn their lives around. CLICK HERE to read the article and watch the video.
Learning to Serve
Victory Trade School was recently featured in an article by Heather Berry in the Rural Missouri publication. CLICK HERE to read the article: Learning to Serve.
JULY 13-31
Back to School Sign-Up
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9AM to 3PM, Victory Mission Ministry Center (1715 North Boonville), 2nd Floor
Families meeting free/reduced school lunch guidelines can register for
free school suppplies and clothing for school-age students grades K-12.
An original Social Security card or government DFS print out must be presented for EACH child upon registration. EACH adult must present a photo I.D. and Social Security card upon registration.
JULY 14-16
Second Annual Tent Renewal
6PM, Victory Square (1610 North Broadway)
The Tent Renewal is a time of reflection and celebration as we worship
together with the men, women and children involved in Victory Mission's
programs. Highlights include preaching by Victory Mission Chaplain Rob
Helfer and Executive Director Jim Harriger, as well as music by the
Linda Wilson Band, Southgate Baptist Church Quartet and Bert Smith.
Hamburgers and hotdogs will be served after the service.
