Dear Friends,
Teach, equip, support, and love. When I think of the people who did these four things with me in my youth, another word comes to mind: relationships. Because my teachers, family, coaches, and Young Life leaders were willing to develop a relationship with me, I am the man I am today. This is what our youth leaders and volunteers do in the Denver Broncos Youth Center. They develop relationships with the kids. They are willing to stand alongside our youth no matter how difficult their lives have been or may become. It is not always easy to develop a relationship with a child who has been hurt and is having trouble trusting adults. What Joe and Hannah, our youth leaders at Denver Rescue Mission, do is nothing short of an inspiration to me.
Breaking the cycle of poverty is not an easy thing, but it is what we are trying to do every day. Education is a big part of this. George Washington Carver said, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door to freedom.” That is why our Math and Reading Club and the work of our volunteer mentors and tutors is so important.
To be free from poverty, I believe, starts with the relationships we build. We let our youth know that we love them and that we are behind them. We teach them that no matter what happens, God loves them and has a purpose for their lives.
We are changing kids’ lives at The Crossing. As we guide our young people in the Broncos Room to a life of freedom—a life of love and acceptance through Jesus—we are lifting them up to be all that they can be. Join us in this great work as a volunteer, a donor, or in prayer for each child who enters our doors. Whatever way you choose to be a part of forming this next generation, we need you and your compassionate heart to make this happen. It is hard work, but it is so worth the effort.
Brad Meuli has been President/CEO at the Mission since 2001. Brad joined the Mission after a 17-year career in banking. Previous to his staff position he served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Read his full bio.
This post is a part of August’s Changing Lives Newsletter. In this month’s edition, Teach, Equip, Support, Love, you’ll learn more about how the Mission is trying to enrich the lives of children experiencing homelessness.
