One evening, just a couple months ago, Jeff was walking near the downtown ASU Extension campus and before he knew it, he was attacked by several men and a woman. In an attempt to steal his backpack, they kicked him, hit him with a bat, tried to stab him and left him in a pool of blood, unconscious with multiple injuries. The following two weeks were spent in the hospital and when he was released, he was put in a cab and sent to the Phoenix Rescue Mission.
As part of our mission to rescue lives, to save lives, change lives and serve lives, our staff began to minister to his physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Seeds of hope and promise of a future are being planted in Jeff through our hospitality.
Jeff found himself on the streets of Phoenix after coming here from Seattle to help his sister through a bitter divorce. But alcohol, drugs and rage caused him to lose favor with his family and he was forced to leave his sister’s home.
When he came to the Mission, he put his head down, followed the rules and reflected on what had gone wrong in his life. Then he missed curfew and his bed was given to another. A week later he returned determined to work through the demons of destruction that had brought him to this point.
Jeff enjoys the security the Mission provides and says “it provides a buffer from the street.” While he sometimes feels embarrassed to be staying at the Mission, he is grateful that he has a safe place to sleep at night.
Further he says, “I really like the chapel services. They help and for the past two days I have been starting to pray on my own.”
Jeff believes “all this crazy stuff” happened for a reason. “I am here for a reason,” he says. “This is where I am supposed to be; this is a chance to move up. Another thing I like about this place is that it gives me time to think, to clear my mind and to pray.”
Jeff is at a major turning point in his life. He is discovering that peace comes from Jesus Christ. He is examining his faith and he is talking to God. He is discovering the satisfaction of serving others. Day by day we have the privilege of planting seeds of hope and seeing him grow and become whole.
Jesus talks about this in Luke 13 where He tells the story of the farmer planting seed. Some, He says, “fell along the path…some fell on rocky places…some among thorns…some fell on good soil…” In Jeff’s case the seed has fallen on good soil and it is beginning to grow and will “bring forth fruit” as we help him.
