The Downtown Rescue Mission & Faith – A Reciprocal Ministry

By Chris Hyde

One mark of a good outreach ministry is that it spiritually renews and refreshes those involved in carrying out the ministry. That trait is evident with Faith’s monthly ministry at the Downtown Rescue Mission. When returning from a service at the DRM, I often feel a little guilty that I may have benefited more than those who where supposedly on the receiving end of this ministry. By the end of a service I am not always sure who was ministering to whom but I know that the Holy Spirit was present and I was witnessing God at work in people’s lives.

There is nothing quite like witnessing the unmistakable work of God’s transforming power in the lives of his people to strengthen one’s faith. Yes, I have also seen that at FPC but to be honest it has not always been easy for me to see. Maybe it’s spiritual laziness but I don’t always want to have to work to see how God is making a difference in people’s lives. At the typical DRM service you don’t have to work at it.

The expression of humble, thankful witness to being given the opportunity of a second chance is common place. There is much gratitude to God for the basics of life and it is obvious that many of the residents feel that they have been saved in every sense of the word. Because of the testimony that is regularly offered by mission residents and FPC participants, I leave feeling spiritually renewed and thankful for the blessings that God has given to me and others.

Faith has been leading a monthly worship service at the DRM for over 15 years. This is a growing outreach ministry for us with participation by Faith members more than doubling over the past two years. It is also a family friendly ministry where children often attend and participate. Currently the 30 minute evening service occurs on the third Monday of each month from 7:00 to 7:30, in the chapel of the new DRM complex located at the former Westminster Academy facility off of University Drive. We gather at FPC from 6:15-6:30, for prayer then carpool to the mission; returning to Faith by 8:00. All Faith members are welcome to join in this ministry by either taking part in the service or by simply joining us for this time of worship. For questions or to receive email reminders about the DRM ministry contact Frank Broyles at fbroyles@presby.org.