As I write this letter it is winter, cold and blustery. As I look out my office window to the street below, I see one lonely man. All his worldly possessions are in a small suitcase and a plastic bag. He slowly paces around, trying to stay warm – soaking up what little warmth the sun is giving on this winter day. He will soon move on and another will take his place.

And so it goes, day after day. Idleness, addictions, hopelessness permeate the lives of these men. But just across the street from where the man paces is a sign – a sign of hope. It says, “Jesus Saves!”

I often wonder why God allows winter. I have to come to the conclusion that it is to remind us of the hopelessness of our lives – the coldness and darkness of our lives – and the bleakness of our lives without Christ. It is because of the hopelessness of winter in our lives that Jesus Christ came to earth to die on a cross, to be buried, and then to be raised from the dead by the mighty power of God! And it is during this Easter season that we are reminded of the newness of life that only Jesus can give! If you are living in the winter of your life, Jesus Christ wants to give you hope for life eternal with Him!

This year marks the 58th year of ministry here at The Hope Center at Hagerstown Rescue Mission. Thank you for your support throughout the years which makes it possible for us to meet the needs of the least, the last and the lost of our community. Our founder, Dr. Jimmy Resh, fondly called this ministry “the old lighthouse” and for 58 years, because of caring people who pray for us, financially support us, and give of their time and talents, “the old lighthouse” continues to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people – calling them out of the darkness into the light of the marvelous Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Thanks to your support, many men have entered this building of hope and have taken possession of the hope that is offered here. Just this past year Howard passed through the doors of The Hope Center, despondent over the loss of his wife. Suicidal, having lost all hope. Howard once again experienced the love of the Lord Jesus Christ and won the victory over depression.

Frank had lost everything of value to him – his job, his wife, his family – because of alcohol. Today he has hope and is walking in victory because he came face to face with the only One who gives lasting hope – the Lord Jesus Christ.

Kevin lived a life of negativity, addiction and self-centeredness. However when Kevin heard the message of hope through Christ, he dropped the negativism, the addictions,  and the self-centereredness and gave himself to Jesus.

Thank you for standing with us to share the message of hope to men, women and kids. May our great God bless you and your family this Easter season!

Gratefully,

Sonny Shank