Everyone Needs a Place at the Thanksgiving Table

Life without a home is always challenging, especially when the temperature drops and the holidays roll in—a time that’s meant to be spent with families and loved ones.

Stephen knows all too well how that feels. But he also knows the tremendous impact of friends and partners like you who give to provide meals and care at the Mission.

Once homeless, alone, and a Mission guest, Stephen is now our Director of Development, grateful to live a life transformed through Christ . . . because of you. Take a look at his story and his words for you this Thanksgiving:

“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Colossians 1:3 KJV

“I remember being homeless 10 years ago. When I came through the doors of Pacific Garden Mission, I had nothing and no idea where to start in rebuilding my life. I was physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually bankrupt—I felt like I had lost everything, and there was no hope. I had no idea that God had arranged my visit to Pacific Garden Mission and that He would show me the way. As I sat in the men’s dayroom, I heard the Gospel preached 252 times in seven weeks, and the Word of God broke up my stony heart and gave me a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). It was then that God showed me that a job was not the answer to my predicament, but the Bible and Jesus were. I decided to join the one-year Men’s Bible Discipleship program on June 27, 2012. The Mission provided everything for me to rebuild my life.

“I remember my first Thanksgiving. Thinking back on the many family Thanksgivings over the years was difficult. I realized then that I might be alone, but I’m not by myself. The body of Christ and Pacific Garden Mission was my new family. The dinner was so good with all the trimmings. I learned that a church had made the pies, and when I tasted a slice, they were just like my late mother’s, and I wept secretly. I represent a large group of beneficiaries you have helped who want to thank you for your faithful support. As you gather around the table with your loved ones this Thanksgiving, know that you are providing so much more than meals and shelter to those in need. With your help and support, we offer life answers through faith in Jesus Christ, through any season of life, so that our guests become fully functioning followers of Christ.”

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph. 5:19-20)

—Stephen

People like you make all the difference here at PGM. And with your gift today, more people can find answers through faith in Jesus Christ this Thanksgiving—and they will be so grateful!