Wheeler Mission's Blog

Frank’s story (name has been changed) is yet another example of what determination, coupled with a healthy dose of support can produce. His is a story not unlike many other stories we hear. It is a story of a man who could have been overcome by his circumstances, but with Wheeler's help and through the grace of God, he has taken hardship and turned it into success.

Frank came to us in July of 2008. He had lost his job and, due to a disability, had very few prospects of finding employment. As a result of his situation and the difficult economic times we all face, Frank also lost his home. He came to Wheeler Mission unsure of where to go in order to get the services he needed to salvage some part of his life.

Our Case Managers began to work with Frank shortly after he arrived at the mission. Over the course of the past few months we have seen tremendous growth in Frank. He has addressed his medical issues, has started the process of applying for disability benefits and has started trusting solely in the Lord for his sustenance.

Frank began working part time with our Winter Contingency program and also put in extra hours at the Downtown Mission. He recently secured housing for himself and moved out of the Mission. Today he continues to work part-time at the mission and live on his own.

We will continue to be a part of Frank's support system as he becomes more independent and grows in his walk with the Lord.

If you or someone you know find yourself in the same situation as Frank and want help please give us a call. (317) 635-3575

Rick

I have been considering the story of Jonah for some time now. Jonah was a guy in the Bible that was running from God and being disobedient. He went as far as to hop on a boat and go the opposite direction from where God had called him to go. As a result of his disobedience, God allowed a storm to come. The sailors on the boat were terrified. They did everything they could to right the boat and things just got worse. It became obvious that the only way to save the boat, and everyone on it, was to toss Jonah overboard.

Even today people often find that they are going through a storm that has been caused by the actions of a loved one who is trapped in addiction. No matter what they do or how hard they try, their lives are in chaos and they don’t know what else they can do. They too, have to make the hard choice and come to the realization that they can not have any semblance of a life as long as this loved one continues to bring the storm. It is never easy to tell a loved one that they can’t live in the home any more. It can be a scary thing. What might happen to him on the streets? Will God take care of her even in her addiction?

Returning to the story of Jonah, when the sailors finally threw Jonah off the boat, God provided a large fish to swallow Jonah. While many may see that fish as a punishment, it was actually a life saving event for Jonah. Without the fish, it is certain that Jonah’s life would have ended. It was in that fish however, that Jonah realized that he had nowhere to turn but to God. Once Jonah turned to God, he was delivered from the fish and began to walk according to God’s will.

As hard as it may be to ask an addicted family member to leave your home, there is a place where they can go where they might finally realize that they need the Lord. There is a place where they can go and hear about Bible-based programs designed to help addicts and alcoholics overcome their sinful behaviors and learn to walk with Christ. That place is right here at Wheeler Mission Ministries. If you or someone you know is being affected by a life dominating addiction, give us a call at 317-635-3575 and ask about the programs we have to offer.

Rick

Our noon-time meal for men is served at our Lighthouse Center (520 E Market St). We are seeing many men coming in to the Lighthouse Center seeking a meal and leaving having found so much more. The philosophy that we employ is to love the men that enter the building no matter who they are and help them get from the place that they find themselves to moving towards a better path. This gentle push to betterment is working with some and opening the eyes of others.

One success story is a gentleman well-known to Wheeler staff. He found himself without work and began eating lunch meals at the Lighthouse Center. One of our case managers met with him and helped him find the help that he needed to get a job and not drown in his own sea of despair.

Another encouraging story involved a man that has been enrolled in the Regeneration phase of our addiction recovery program since late January. This man had spent years breaking the trust and fellowship with nearly all of his family and found himself destitute and broken from his lifestyle of drug addiction. He had not spoken with any of his family since June 2008 and felt that he might never see his children again. God, however, had a different plan!

One day this past February this man began to pray that he would have the strength to write to his daughter who would turn 17 in the next few days. That very next day his daughter came to take a tour of the Lighthouse Center not knowing her father was there and the pre-ordained meeting from God took place. The daughter ran into the arms of her father whom she hadn’t seen in months and the prayer of the father was answered in less than 24 hours. This was truly an amazing event to witness and just another example of what God can do when we submit to him.

As you can see, serving a meal is just the beginning. We offer many opportunities to those who need and want help – both men and women. If you or someone you know are in need of help, please give us a call at (317) 635-3575.

Rick