Success Stories

The following testimonials are from men and women who have found hope
at the Hendersonville Rescue Mission

 

Over the last 20 years of my life, I have struggled through homelessness and severe drug addiction. In July 2021, I had made a very bad judgement decision. That split second decision would literally cost me everything. I sat in county jail for 6 months, during which, I rededicated my life our Our Lord Jesus Christ. I went to prison, was released on 9 months parole, and went to rehab for 28 days before coming the Mission. The staff here are so caring, helpful, resourceful, and supportive. Now, with God at the center focal point of my life, the encouragement of the Mission, and local support groups, I have maintained my recovery for the past 14 months. I am now near completion of the Discipleship program offered by the Mission, and not only have I grown spiritually, but they have aided in my new life journey. When I was asked if I would be interested in being the Women’s Mission Attendant, I was speechless, because of knowing the amount of trust and responsibility they were putting in me. They showed me that they see in me the changes only God could make.
Thank you HRM! I look forward to being able to give back as a volunteer once this part of my journey is complete.
May God bless all those who follow through those doors of Saving Grace.

Jennifer Caulder

I was brought to Hendersonville Rescue Mission by my father in the Fall of 2016. I was horribly addicted to alcohol, could not maintain a job of any sort and was no longer welcome to stay in my parents’ home. I had lost everything I ever owned due to my alcoholism and unwillingness to give it up. Reverend Tim Jones directed us to Miracle Hill Ministries’ Renewal for Women. I began there the end of November 2016 and graduated in July 2017. I have chosen to follow what I was taught there and to yield to God.
Now, instead of being a problematic, adult child and a danger to society; I am a responsible, empathetic, emotionally intelligent adult who looks to God’s word and to sound, faith-based counselors to make decisions. With the income with which God blesses me, I choose to tithe a minimum of 10% of my first fruits gratefully back to Him. Monthly I give $100 to Hendersonville Rescue Mission. Thank you for helping me when I was in need. I give $20 a month to the local humane society, $20 a month to Gideon’s and $20 a month to Miracle Hill Ministries foster homes for orphans. My parents give monthly to both Hendersonville Rescue Mission and to Miracle Hill Ministries’ Renewal for Women in recognition and in gratitude for what Reverend Tim Jones did for our family that day. God willing, the amount I give will increase throughout my life.
God showed up and rescued me “big time.” Keep heart in the work you are doing, it does make a difference.
– Joshua 1: 1-9
Hendersonville Rescue Mission always has a friend and a volunteer in me.

Elizabeth F

I came to Hendersonville Rescue Mission a few years ago with nothing but the clothes on my back. I knew I had a big problem with drinking and needed to get help. I started the Turning Point Recovery Program and really listened and applied myself. When you are willing to put forth the effort, the program really works. After several months I had stopped drinking and smoking and committed my life to Christ. My previous work experience allowed me to become an intern at the Mission. Eventually, I was hired as a cook and am now working as the Kitchen Supervisor.
I believe that Hendersonville Rescue Mission helped save my life. Turning point is an awesome program – one of the best things I have ever done because it turned my life around. This is the best I’ve felt about myself in a long time. I try to encourage the other guys who are entering the program. I tell them how important it is to make the effort. I tell them that if I can do it anybody can.

John King1

In 2020 I checked into the Hendersonville Rescue Mission after spending months on the streets. They helped me get on a regular track with my meds for my mental health issues. They encouraged me to take the first steps to get back on my feet by getting a job. They taught me how to let God be part of my life, to guide me through my down times in life, by completing the Mission’s Biblical programs and attending chapel every night. If it wasn’t for the Rescue Mission, I probably would still be on the streets doing the stuff I was doing.
They helped me learn about controlling my finances and managing money so I would be able to have my own house and be able to survive. They also gave me help and guidance to be more stable and a willingness to do better not just for myself, but for my kids so we could be back together.
After 5 months there, I was still working and able to get my own place. Thank you to everyone at the Hendersonville Rescue Mission for your love and support. I would recommend the Mission for anyone who wants and is willing to do better in life.

Leslie Bell Tolson

In the spring of 2021, I found myself cold and alone, sleeping on the floor of a storage unit. I knew I had hit rock bottom. I began to desperately pray and ask God for help. I first heard about Jesus when I was a child, but I felt that up until that moment my heart had been blind. Life’s journey has taken me through many rough storms, including becoming addicted to alcohol at a very young age. Through it all I could sense that God was there pulling me back every time I drifted too far out. That night as I prayed in the storage unit, I knew this time would be different. I didn’t take another drink and I checked myself in at Hendersonville Rescue Mission.
I knew about the Rescue Mission and I knew that was the place I needed to be even though it would be difficult at first. It’s a good place, whenever you are down to nothing you can go there. They feed you, clothe you, provide a clean bed and a warm shower. Soon after I arrived, I committed myself to completing the Discipleship Program. In the months ahead I began working and saving my money. In the evening I would study God’s word through my discipleship books. I felt that God was being gentle with me, little by little teaching me His truths and giving me wisdom and understanding.
One year later I had graduated from the Discipleship program, was one year sober, had a place of my own, and was back at the Rescue Mission serving as a volunteer in the kitchen. I never thought I would be as joyful as I am. God and this place have been my rock and refuge. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve given thanks to God over this past year, I would give it all back to the Mission. I’m ready to take up my cross and follow Jesus daily. I’m grieved for those that don’t see Him. I know I can never give God back what he has given me, but I hope I can be of help to others.

Rath Moore

A Life Transformed by Jesus Christ

Pam, a shelter resident at the Hendersonville Rescue Mission, shares how her life has been impacted and transformed since arriving at the Hendersonville Rescue Mission in 2017.

 

Brittany's Testimony

There are many ways the Hendersonville Rescue Mission has given me inspiration:

1. Gave me hope where there was none. 2. That with God, I can do anything. 3. Don't give up and never stop trying. 4. Not to be so down on myself. 5. That I can change my life. 6. I don't have to lie or be ashamed. 7. I can start to like the new me. 8. THAT I AM SOMEBODY.

When I was facing eviction, my children were scared, and I was, too. We came to the mission, though I felt I had failed the children by becoming homeless.

Everyone at the mission made me feel better, and I was told that God had a plan for me. I feel good learning more about God and what He does for us.

Now, I have a good job and am actively looking for housing. I know with God I can do anything, but without Him, my life would be full of sin and depression. After accepting God into my life, I am a new person with a new outlook on life.

Being here at the mission has really opened my eyes to the Lord, and I thank Him and the mission for this blessing. Now, instead of feeling like a failure, I know God has a plan. My life and my children's future will all come together in His time.

*I wish to thank the staff and the members at the Mission for such a pleasant six month stay. The structure of the Hendersonville Rescue Mission helped clean me up, and it has brought me closer to the Bible than I have ever been. The Mission is the perfect place to live as I redirect my goals. I know if I am willing to put forth the effort, the Hendersonville Rescue Mission has the potential to help me change my life.

It is with giving praise and honor to God that we let you know that He has blessed us with a place to live. It has indeed been a blessing to have been allowed to move into the mission when we had no place to go. We truly thank God for all of you and the wonderful work you do.

That God will continue to bless all of you is our prayer. We will stay in touch with you in order to give back as we have been given.

With love and sincere appreciation,