CHRISTMAS ISSUE 2019 the

MISSIONStories of Second Chances

Everything Has Changed in Me

When Kristina walked into the Reno-Sparks Gospel Kristina came to the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission at the Mission last December, it didn’t feel much like Christmas. urging of her husband and her parents, who have been pillars for her. And while that first day was extremely “I was screaming obscenities at my mother,” says the difficult, she’s so glad to be here. married mother of two young girls. “I didn’t want to be here. My body and my addiction wanted one last drink,  one last hurrah. “I’m stronger than I ever “I remember Tammy from the Mission just looked at thought I could be.” me gently and said, ‘What’s wrong, baby?’ Then she “I was broken…lost…tired…sick…hurt,” Kristina says. let me pour my soul out to her, and all my pain and all “But now I’m stronger than I ever thought I could be. my hurt just lifted from me. I knew I was in a safe place I feel like every day I wake up wearing the full armor that could get me where I needed to go with God.” of God. My faith has grown exponentially.” Kristina’s dependence on alcohol began 20 years ago, In a few weeks, Kristina will be graduating from our when she started drinking at age 11, mostly to try year-long program. She’s excited to be back with her and fit in with the “cool” crowd. One thing led to family and plans to resume nursing school (she’s just six another, and by her teens she was lost in her addiction. months away from her degree). This is most certainly a “Once I started spiraling, I was drinking about a gallon Christmas she’ll remember always. of vodka a day,” she says. “I’d been to one treatment “My sickness has turned into brightness, like a fire inside,” center,” Kristina continues. “It was an expensive, she says. “Everything has changed in me.” Your support fancy rehab, but it had nothing to do with God. has truly been a gift for Kristina, and she is eternally I knew I needed God.” grateful for your selfless generosity!

2115 Timber Way, Reno, NV 89513-5956 | 775-323-0386 | www.rsgm.org FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Luis Santoni

Merry Christmas! But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people…” — Luke 2:10

Christmas is the Dear Friend of the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission, perfect time for… God has always reached out to the lost and the least. One of the early Random Acts of examples of this is the shepherds in the Christmas story. They were Kindness wanderers, with no roof over their heads, and in those times, they were not well-regarded in society. On December 19, a couple of our trucks I love that God chose to work through these lowly shepherds anyway— will make a special detour from their regular routes. Loaded up with holiday to do a work in them. They were the first to hear about the birth of Jesus, food items, Christmas trees, and from a heavenly host no less. Then God used them to spread the word household essentials, they’ll roll into about the Christ Child. a low-income neighborhood near our warehouse for an annual event we call Today, God continues to reach out to the lost and the least…right here Random Acts of Kindness. at Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission. He’s lifting them up, dusting them off, and working miracles in their hearts and lives. Then they carry on as a As quickly as we can get the goods off living testimony to others of God’s power and goodness. the truck, about 20 of our volunteers will go door to door, handing out Thank you for the important part you play in restoring hope and dignity turkeys, pies, potatoes—complete to our homeless neighbors this holiday season and throughout the year. holiday meals and even Christmas trees. You are truly a blessing to each and every person we serve. And you’re This is only possible because of the a blessing to me too. Merry Christmas! generosity of friends like you. Thank you for your continued acts of kindness Your servant, and for sharing the joy of the season with people in need.

Luis Santoni

Give the Gift of New Life to Homeless Neighbors It all started on that starry night, when God chose to launch His long-awaited project to reclaim and redeem the world, starting in a humble stable in Bethlehem. That night, God announced peace on Earth and goodwill to all humanity through His Son— our Savior—Jesus Christ. Today, thanks to caring and compassionate people like you, God continues to offer His peace and goodwill to men, women, and children at the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission. People who were once enslaved to alcohol, drugs, and unspeakable abuse have found freedom through the King of Kings. Those who've lost 22 their way are now following the One who says, “Follow Me.” MY EYES HAVE BEEN OPENED Calling All By Robert Volunteers

My name is Robert, and I began to struggle with addiction following a The holiday season brings devastating divorce after 11 years of many opportunities for you or marriage. I felt lost and like nothing your organization to help care really mattered anymore, and alcohol for our hurting neighbors: and drugs were a way to escape the pain. DAILY DINNERS Help serve hundreds of men, The Mission is a lighthouse “ women, and children in our in a very dark city…” dining room. Daily 4:30-6 p.m.

I had a good job as a supervisor THANKSGIVING with a shipping company. But things Set up: Noon, Nov. 27 eventually got to the point where Dinner: 4 p.m., Nov. 28 I would just go home after work and drink. Then my weekends turned into RANDOM ACTS OF calling in sick Monday…then Tuesday KINDNESS Through the grace of God and the help …then Wednesday. It didn’t take long Event: 1-3 p.m., Dec. 19 of the good people here at the Mission, till I lost my job. At my lowest point, I have a new outlook on life. They’ve I found myself homeless and living CHRISTMAS opened my eyes and helped me see in a dope house for 45 days. Set up: Noon, Dec. 24 that my old pattern of thinking was Dinner: 4 p.m., Dec. 25 When I walked into the Reno-Sparks destructive and that I don't have to live Gospel Mission in March, I was the way I was living…that there is Volunteer today by calling welcomed with open arms. The Mission more out there for me. Mariah at 775-323-0386, is a lighthouse in a very dark city—just Ext. 16. Or email: I’m forever grateful for the compassion a great place for people who are broken. [email protected] and care I’ve received here, and mostly It reaches out to people like me who for the second chance at life. feel they are somehow unlovable and For more information, unteachable and that this is their station Thank you for opening your heart to please visit us at in life. And the Mission is here to say, bring new hope and new life to people facebook.com/renomission “No, you can do better than this.” like Robert! or www.rsgm.org.

Give the Gift of New Life to Homeless Neighbors Please remember those who are homeless this Christmas Your gifts to the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission offers every man, woman, and “ I bring you good child who comes through our doors nourishing food, warm clothing, safe news that will shelter—and the promise of God's peace, goodwill, and transforming power. So, this Christmas season, please remember people devastated by cause great joy homelessness who are seeking hope and a new start. for all the people.” To donate immediately, please use the enclosed remit slip. You may also give your donation by visiting us online at www.rsgm.org or calling us at — Luke 2:10 775-323-0386. Thank you for touching so many lives through your generous giving during the holidays and throughout the year. 3 EMAIL ADDRESS CITY /STATE /ZIP ADDRESS NAME SIGNATURE ACCOUNT NO. Your donation sock(s) comfort items, of Christmas stuffed clothing, and Clothing &Comfort Needed this Holiday Season In addition to your financial support, you can also help support, also provide additionIn you can to your warm financial can bedropped at Mission the off can at 2115 Timber Way, hours the between currently experiencing of: ashortage holiday forclothing our homeless The Mission this season. is guests of 4p.m. 8a.m. and (Mon.-Thurs.) 8a.m. to and 2p.m. (Fri.). • • • • Blankets Knitted caps Knitted Warm socks Winter coats/jackets for men and women and men For more information please at us call donating 775-323-7999. about goods,

     season. Christmas this Luis, YES, GIFT CHRISTMAS MY Pleasebillmy credit card: (pleaseprint) $ $60.76 $30.38 $21.70 • • • ______to provide asmany mealsandcare aspossible Gloves Comfort kits (soap, kits Comfort toothbrush/ underwear regular and Thermal toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, etc.) to provide to provide to provide please use my gift to help bring new life to struggling neighbors new life to bring to struggling my help use gift please EXP. DATE

10 14 28 mealsandotherassistance mealsandotherassistance mealsandotherassistance Here is my donation of: my donation is Here as allowed by law. You may also give online at at online give also You may law. by allowed tax as is gift Your donation. generous your with it return and form completed this mail Please

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