Even in the midst of a global pandemic, uncertainty and fear, there is reason to hope…
Do you remember the first time you heard the “Christmas Story?” The best part is, The Christmas Story isn’t fiction or a fairytale. It’s God’s reassuring Truth! God sent His son, born in troubled times to a frightened young mother. The son of God, a Savior, born to bring fresh hope to a troubled world and healing to hurting souls. No wonder a weary world rejoiced.
It’s this hope-filled message we love to share with the over two thousand men, women and children who visit The Christian Center Rescue Mission each year.
We particularly love to share this message at Christmas. Just like Jesus’ birth begins a new story for all of humankind, so does the hope of a new beginning offered when the old life and old habits pass and a new hope is born. Through the Christ-centered services, care and hope your generosity provides, we help individuals close chapters of loneliness, pain, and tragedy in their lives and walk with them in navigating a new chapter full of hope and new possibilities.
We invite you to partner with us in these new beginnings this Christmas as TCC provides food, clothing, hot showers, shelter and life-restoring guidance as we celebrate the joyous new beginnings the season brings. The redemptive story of Christmas continues today, each time friends like you reach out with compassion to those who are homeless, hungry, addicted and downtrodden.
Here are a few highlights from 2020:
When the pandemic hit many local food providers and service organizations closed. The Christian Center remained open and faced the challenge. Though we saw an initial increase of nearly 250% in need for food we pivoted becoming both a community dining room and food pantry. Every person who came to us received a meal and when needed, food to sustain them and their families until pantries began reopening. No one left hungry. The Christian Center never closed and not a single meal was missed.
Working with local partners, TCC Community Dining room began providing food for home deliveries to shut-ins and elderly all over Madison County. Councilperson Jennifer Culp organized delivery drivers who, over the course of ten weeks delivered thousands of meals to the most vulnerable in Madison County.
In late November the Eleos Center opened, providing a place for our homeless neighbors to shower, launder clothing and meet with medical professionals, job trainers, counselors, and housing providers. Best of all, it provides a real opportunity to start over. A fresh new Hope, for a second chance for men and women in desperate situations.
In November as other organizations who normally provide a Thanksgiving meal to the public, cancelled their events, The Christian Center banded with partners around Madison County to serve 3,000 meals in eight locations from Elwood to Pendleton, Daleville to Lapel, ensuring that no one would go hungry on Thanksgiving Day.
Thank you for keeping the story of Christ’s birth alive – and filling hearts with the joy of Christmas – every day of the year.
Though 2020 has been a challenging year, the Christian Center did not sit still and wait for the difficult days to pass. With Gods help and your support we forged ahead to meet the growing and changing needs of our community. Yes, 2020 has been a difficult year but we will pull through together, remembering the lessons 2020 has offered us while offering HOPE to those who need it most.
On behalf of the staff, volunteers and those we serve, thank you for all you do to make a difference. We pray God will richly bless you and your family this Christmas season.
