Dear Friends,
Our Lawrence Street Shelter is open again! I am happy to say that it is new and improved after many recent renovations! For those of you who have served a meal at this location or have toured it in the past, you will be amazed at the transformation. (I know that I am!) Who knew that a building built in the late 1800s could look so good and have a new elevator and ramp to meet ADA requirements.
Due to pandemic restrictions, we were not able to have a grand opening with crowds of well-wishers. Instead, a few of our staff members, along with staff from Denver’s Department of Housing Stability, gathered in a large socially-distanced circle in our chapel and thanked God for His provision. We rededicated this building and the Lord’s work through us in reaching those in need.
I know that the people who came before us—who helped make 1130 Park Avenue West the sanctuary that it is—would have been proud of what this place has become. As I stood praying with this small group of committed folks in our chapel, with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, I was reminded of the Bible verse from 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Everything seemed so fresh, so new. I was overcome with gratitude for God’s provision as well as the support of the City and the donors, like you, who made this possible.
But that is just the second part of the verse. The first part says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” This verse is about changing a person’s life—not about a building. Seeing people’s lives changed as they come to our many buildings seeking help is what this work is all about. Denver Rescue Mission, steeped in a rich history of 129 years, is not about a building. We are about God’s Kingdom work reflected in the love and grace of Jesus. We know He changes lives, and we are honored to be a part of the work that results in that change. Thank you for making this work possible through your faithful partnership.
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 part of June’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, you’ll learn all about the renovations and upgrades to Lawrence Street Shelter which will help people experiencing homelessness have even more effective emergency care.
