“Home for Christmas” can be three of the most comforting words in the world … especially at this time of the year.  But to those struggling to overcome the problems that have devastated their lives, “home for Christmas” is a phrase that brings feelings of pain and loss.  The holiday season is an especially difficult time for each of them because the loneliness hurts even more.

It may be difficult for you to imagine The Hope Center as “home.”  Yet, this Christmas season, The Hope Center at Hagerstown Rescue Mission will be home to men enrolled in our recovery program.  These men are seeking freedom from bondage to some self-destructive habit which has caused pain and destruction.  These hurting men are just like you and me – they need and want to be with family and friends during the holidays.

The Hope Center doesn’t look much like a home on the outside, but most of the guys who stay with us say it feels like home on the inside.  We try to do the same things you do for your house guests.  We provide clean, warm beds, we decorate our “home” for the season, we serve special holiday meals and we give special gifts to all.

Then there are the women, children and families who come to The Hope Center seeking help.  For one reason or another they are in need of food, clothing and furniture.  We provide bags of groceries, clothing, and items of furniture to them as a means to sharing with them a message of hope which can be found through a relationship with Jesus Christ.  We want them to know they can come to our “home” and find hope and encouragement in their time of need.

Although ministering to human needs is an important part of our program, meeting the deepest need of the human heart is our primary objective.  Everyone who comes to our “home” during this holiday season – and throughout the year – will hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.  It is our prayer that during this special season of the year when hearts are more open and receptive to the Gospel, some will accept the greatest Gift of all – the gift of sins forgiven with the hope of eternal life!

It is because of your compassion and generosity that hundreds of hurting people feel like they are “home for Christmas” at The Hope Center.  You are a vital part of this ministry of HOPE, and we thank God for you!  You are making a profound difference as you work with us to bring hope to our community!

If you are interested in helping us this season reach people with the true message of Christmas, then please call 301.739.1165 or email hagerstownrescue@verizon.net.

If you would like to give online by credit or debit then please visit our website at www.hagerstownrescue.org. Once on our homepage, please locate the “Give to HRM” link located in the red box on the left side of the page. That will lead you to our safe & secure online donation page.

Thank you for caring & sharing for your neighbors this Christmas season, and may you and yours enjoy God’s choicest blessings at Christmas and in the New Year!  Merry Christmas!