Dear Friends,
As I write this, we are under a far-reaching Public Health Order from the City and County of Denver that requires all of our staff, volunteers and interns to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As much as I would like everyone to be vaccinated as we continue to fight this horrible pandemic, this mandate comes with great challenges.
First, we are so reliant on volunteers to serve our guests alongside our staff. If you have been vaccinated, I do hope you will volunteer with us, even if it is just for a single meal. We need you! Your time and willingness to serve allows us to provide more than 800,000 meals a year to those in need.
Second, because of the trifecta of (1) trying to get fully staffed to run our 24/7 shelters, (2) a difficult labor market, and (3) the requirement that our staff be vaccinated, we find ourselves in a hard position staff-wise. We are prayerful that God will bring the employees necessary to continue the good work that we have been doing for the past 129 years.
I am reminded of a Bible verse from Matthew 9:37-38 that seems appropriate for these times: Then He (Jesus) said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”
We are asking the Lord to send us workers! If you know of anyone who may want to join us in this ministry, please encourage them to visit our website and look at our available positions.
Despite these challenges, we continue to tighten the straps on our backpacks and take one step after another. Through ups and downs, I have shared with my staff these words: God is in control. Just as the Lord has guided us through this pandemic over the past 18 months, we know that He will provide what is needed, even though we face some powerful challenges. Thank you for your prayers, financial support and gift of time. Your partnership in these difficult months allows us to continue to share the good news of Jesus with those experiencing homelessness. We are thankful for you!
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 October’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, you’ll learn about four misconceptions of relapse and how the Mission is helping people suffering with addiction.
