Dear Friends,
Hope, Love and Joy—to see this colorful expression in this, my very first Changing Lives newsletter, is a moment for me. As I start on a new life journey moving from Michigan to Denver, the words from Philippians 4:4-6 filter through my thoughts:
“Rejoice in the Lord always . . . Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
I have to admit that sometimes I struggle with this: Rejoice always? Don’t be anxious about anything? There are a lot of things that cause anxiety and don’t make me want to rejoice, yet in the next breath I feel the initial spark of joy coming with this change. Being asked to serve this community and continue the legacy of Denver Rescue Mission has given me a reason to rejoice. What I see happening within this month’s story of staff and volunteers creating joy within our shelters brings me joy.
Joy for me is about faith. Joy is less of a feeling and more a choice. Now that I am continuing in a new ministry, that joy comes with a large dose of hope for our future at the Mission and love for our neighbors in need. I look forward to meeting many of you as we all work to change lives in the name of Christ for years to come.
God Bless,
Dennis Van Kampen
President/CEO
Dennis joins Denver Rescue Mission from Mel Trotter Ministries in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after serving as the VP of Programs and then the President/CEO for 12 years.
This post is part of February’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we share how art can be powerful tool for our guests in: A Palette of Hope & Joy.
