Wheeler Mission's Blog

Are you getting ready for Christmas? There are gifts to purchase, homes and yards to decorate, cookies to bake, cards to address, family to visit, Christmas programs to attend or participate in…the list goes on and on. In the bustle of this activity, it’s easy to miss, let alone experience, the true meaning of Christmas.

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given…and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This Prince of Peace would one day say to His followers “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

May peace with God and the peace of God be yours this Christmas as you focus on the real meaning of the season: to celebrate His birth – the greatest Gift ever given.

Rick

She had been in and out of our Women’s Center several times. Often intoxicated upon her arrival, she wanted a safe, warm place to sleep in lieu of sleeping in an alley or car. She was growing tired of waking up and not knowing where she was, and was afraid she would die if she didn’t get some help. One day she decided, “I don’t want to live like this anymore.”

So, once again, she came to Wheeler’s Center for Women and Children. She spoke with the staff who told her that indeed, she didn’t have to live like that anymore. They gave her a bed and a meal and counseling. She decided to take a huge step and dedicate herself to complete our Addiction Recovery Program for women called Higher Ground. It was a challenge, as she was in her early 50’s and had been drinking since she was in her teens.

That was two years ago. Today, she is clean and sober, has restored her relationship with her mother, daughters, and grandchildren, and is working toward earning her GED. She is working part time and continuing to develop her relationship with the Lord through study and church involvement. She is fun to be around.

Thanks to all of you who support our programs and who make it possible for people to experience a changed life.


Rick

Labels: addiction recovery

A note from one of our staff:

We recently had a 10 year reunion for the graduates of our Hebron Program at Wheeler’s Camp Hunt. This program for men in addiction has seen thousands of men enter its doors and more than 130 of those men have completed the one year commitment. Throughout the weekend, where we were celebrating “A Decade of Discipleship” we saw more than 65 graduates make the trip to reunite, fellowship, and worship God for bringing them out of the slavery of addiction. The group included ministers, missionaries, an Indianapolis Chaplain, fathers, husbands and their families.

I know all about the program and shouldn’t have been surprised, but this was another great reminder to me that what goes on out at Wheeler's Camp Hunt isn’t just another rehab, another method to get guys clean. 65 men don’t normally show up to rehab reunions. What’s happening here is a miracle of God that changes men without hope into godly men with a passion to serve Christ.

I pray that one day God reveals to me and the leaders at the Hebron Center the thousands upon thousands of lives that have been impacted because of their hard work. Imagine for a moment the ripple effect of just these 65 men that are ministering hope to people on a daily basis by their testimony!

God is awesome. Thank you for supporting this ministry.

Brian

Labels: addiction testimony

I just returned from a visit to Marquette Manor, a Senior Living Community on the north side of Indianapolis. I was invited to share about Wheeler Mission with the residents, and came away blessed by the friendliness and interest of those who attended our presentation.

Wheeler goes back to 1893, so many of the “senior” who live in the area are familiar with what we do, since there has never been a time in their lives when Wheeler wasn’t’ a part of the landscape of the city.

A gentleman at the meeting spoke very fondly about his relationship with Leonard Hunt, the director of Wheeler Mission from 1944 until 1978. Almost all of what he knew about Wheeler stemmed from his relationship with Mr. Hunt. It struck me again about God’s faithfulness in sustaining this outreach to the poor and homeless.

As time goes by, we can look back and see His gracious outpouring that has provided sufficient funding, a dedicated staff, facilities, and volunteers. It’s such a privilege to be a part of what He is doing in and through this ministry. Like the Apostle Paul, I am “being confident of this very thing - that He who has begun a good work in you (and Wheeler) will carry it on until completion.”

Rick

Labels: Leonard Hunt

I learned something recently on a trip to Germany. Previously, I had not been aware of all the German hymn writers who gave us some incredible hymns of our faith.

It was memorable to be able to stand in both the City Church and Castle Church in Wittenberg, churches where Martin Luther preached centuries ago, and sing his hymn “A Mighty Fortress is our God.” What a great hymn of praise to God that was especially powerful when accompanied by a room-size pipe organ!

German hymn writer Joachim Neander penned one of my favorites. Actually, this hymn was a part of my wedding, so it holds extra meaning to me. Our family plans to read this as part of our Thanksgiving Celebration and I encourage you to do the same. It reminds us of several things for which we have to be genuinely thankful.

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord, who over all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires ever have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with His love He befriend thee.

Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly forever adore Him.

With a Thankful Heart,
Rick

Labels: thanksgiving