Easter Renewal - Denver Rescue Mission

This Easter, you are opening doors to spiritual transformation. For men like Tommy and Kyle—who each came to the Mission in moments of deep desperation—you showed them that a path out of homelessness and addiction can lead to faith, hope and new life.

For years, Kyle and Tommy each felt like they were treading water—stuck in their own cycles that never led anywhere new.

Homelessness, addiction, selfishness, isolation, and broken relationships kept pulling them under, hope growing thin with each challenge.

Treading Water

For years, Kyle and Tommy each felt like they were treading water—stuck in their own cycles that never led anywhere new. Homelessness, addiction, selfishness, isolation, and broken relationships kept pulling them under, hope growing thin with each challenge.

“I have been in and out of recovery for the last 12 years. I had no integrity, was a liar, a cheater and a thief,” Kyle said.

Tommy shared a similar experience. “For me, there was really no hope. Nothing worthwhile. There was no emotion, no feeling—just a sense of being lost.”

Yet even in the depths a light appeared—like a beacon of hope—leading them each to Denver Rescue Mission’s New Life Program with an opportunity for just that—a new life.

“I’ve always believed in Jesus Christ, but I imposed my will. It was me doing what I wanted to do. I came to the Mission, desperate,” Kyle said.

Submerged

A few months apart, both men joined the Mission’s program and encountered something new: people who believed in them.

“The staff here show concern about your well-being,” Tommy said. “Being in the program is like building a ship—and that ship is me. It takes time. Then when it’s time for me to set out, they will give me a nudge, and it’s up to me if I sink or swim.”

Shaun Riley, the assigned chaplain for each of the men, noticed a contrast between their demeanors when they first arrived.

“Tommy was closed-mouthed. He didn’t talk to people,” she said. “Kyle, on the other hand, was always talking— but I think he was angry about some things.”

Both men were clearly looking to let go of their old lives and find a greater purpose.

After sessions with their chaplain and choosing to participate in Bible studies, they each made the decision to get baptized.

Washed Clean

Submerged beneath the water, it was a moment that marked a new beginning. When Tommy and Kyle each broke the water’s surface, both described a feeling of renewal—of being washed clean.

“It felt like a weight off my shoulders,” Tommy said. “Like everything was wiped clean.”

Though Kyle had been baptized before, this time was different. “I took it seriously,” he said. “Going through the Bible studies at the Mission, I realized that it was time to take action.”

Chaplain Shaun saw the change immediately. “The day of the baptism was the turning point,” she said. “Tommy was smiling afterward. Ever since then, he has had a glow—a very different countenance.”

“It felt like a weight off my shoulders. Like everything was wiped clean.” -Tommy

Teresa Da, Clinician at The Crossing, agreed. “Before, he wouldn’t really engage. After the baptism, he was smiling, making eye contact, asking how you’re doing. He was like a closed flower that suddenly opened.”

She saw transformation in Kyle as well. “The light that resonated off each one of them—it was beautiful. It brought me to tears.”

The baptism wasn’t just an individual decision—it was a communal one. Around 10 men from the New Life Program stood together at a neighborhood church that day, united by shared brokenness and shared hope.

“It felt like a brotherhood,” Kyle said. “We all knew we were taking this step not just for ourselves, but for our brothers.”

That bond has grown into real accountability and friendship—especially between Kyle and Tommy. “Now we support each other,” Tommy said. “If he falls, I can reach down and help him up.”

Teresa sees that growth reflected in their daily choices as they progress through the program and prepare for stability outside of the Mission.

“They’re more intentional now—how they talk, how they interact, how they make decisions,” she said.

“They’re seeking things out on their own—IDs, jobs, next steps—and asking, ‘Am I doing this according to Christ?’”

A New Day

As Easter approaches, Kyle and Tommy see their own journeys reflected in the resurrection story. “Jesus rose on the third day—and it’s like a new day for me,” Kyle said. “This Easter is a marking of me choosing to follow Him more than ever.”

For Tommy, this Easter will feel entirely different. “Before, Easter was numbing. Now it’s uplifting. It’s a whole new perspective.”

Teresa believes moments like baptism help sustain hope long after men leave the Mission. “It seals the deal,” she said. “They’re more likely to find a church home, a spiritual community—to continue in their recovery successfully.”

Many come to Denver Rescue Mission seeking food, shelter or recovery. But often, they leave with much more—a renewed identity, restored dignity and hope for a future.

“I just want to thank the people who make this program possible,” Tommy said. “Because of their kindness, people like me get another chance.”

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”

-John 13:14

Each Easter, we host a special banquet for our guests, not only with a special meal, but with foot washing—a humbling practice modeled after Jesus washing His disciples’ feet.