A Long Journey Home

Recently, folks from the Kansas City Rescue Mission joined Bruce’s family for a memorial service celebrating his life. His last few days were painful, but he endured each moment fearlessly and peacefully. He died in late March, surrounded by his loved ones.

If you’d known Bruce when he first walked into KCRM’s doors 10 years ago, you might have expected a very different outcome to his story. Decades of alcoholism cost Bruce his job and his home, and left him a broken and bitter man.

Bruce’s family worried about him but stayed a safe distance away. For years, KCRM became the place he counted on for safe shelter, a decent meal, a shower and change of clothes. Though Bruce tried repeatedly to kick his alcohol habit, he always fell back on the bottle when he was challenged by conflict, hardship or his own pride.

But KCRM didn’t give up on Bruce … and neither did God.

As Bruce sunk deeper into addiction, sickness and fear became constant companions. But our staff’s vigilant care and constant prayer won out and Bruce finally gave his life to Christ. Freed from the bondage of alcoholism, he spent the last years of his life sharing his story of hope and restoration with anyone who would listen!

When I think back over my 25 years as executive director of the Kansas City Rescue Mission, I remember many times when I greeted a homeless guest — someone just like Bruce — for the first time, and thought to myself, “It’ll take a miracle to get this guy back on his feet.”

But over my years here, and throughout KCRM’s 60 years of ministry to the poor and homeless, those miracles just keep coming!

Without the support of people like you, Bruce may never have stepped through KCRM’s doors for a hot meal and a bed. Or, found the freedom and hope in Christ he so desperately needed. Today and every day, KCRM will be here to feed, shelter and offer that same freedom and hope to hundreds more men who need to know God will never give up on them. Your support will mean so much to them.

You can make a tremendous difference in a man’s life with your gift.

Thank you for giving generously.

Sincerely,
Rev. Joe Colaizzi
Executive Director