Bringing Hope Home

“Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” —Luke 15:6

As we enter this season of Christmas, my heart keeps coming back to one of the most tender stories in Scripture, the story of the lost sheep. Jesus tells us in Luke 15 of a shepherd who notices one from his flock is missing. In that moment, the shepherd doesn’t simply settle for the ninety-nine who are safe; instead, he goes after the one, leaving the open field, stepping into the wilderness to search until he finds that lost sheep. And when he does, he does not scold or shame the little lamb, Jesus says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep." Luke 15:6.

This is the heart of the Gospel. A story of pursuit, compassion, and restoration. It is also the heart of what we do every day at Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission. Because here, in every meal served, every prayer offered, and every bed made ready, we see reflections of that same shepherd’s love, the love that refuses to give up until the lost are found and safely brought home.

Four years ago, Tania arrived at Rebekah’s Haven carrying her baby, Ka’Myla and the weight of a heavy season of life. She was searching for stability, and a fresh start. With much prayer, encouragement, and determination, Tania took faithful steps forward, committing herself to the hard work of establishing permanent employment and housing. She found daycare for her baby, secured a job, and began saving toward her future. During her time at Rebekah’s Haven, Tania accepted a temporary job in healthcare. What began as an open opportunity to provide for her family soon became much more. Tania would sit in my office and talk about her love of the guests she served; she would light up with stories of how they brought joy to her day, even in the middle of a late shift. Over time, she discovered a deep passion to serve and care for others, an expression of the same compassion she experienced while at Rebekah’s Haven.

Today, Tania and Ka’Myla are thriving! Tania has maintained her apartment for more than three years and recently graduated from nursing school, fulfilling the dream God placed in her heart while she was with us. She often reaches out to share her gratitude for the love, guidance, and prayers that surrounded her, and she continues to give all glory to God, the One who carried her through and reminded her that He was always with her.

Tania’s story reminds us just how precious each person is to God. Just as Jesus left the ninety-nine to rescue the one, we believe that when one life is changed by His love, generations can be transformed for eternity!

As we focus on Bringing Hope Home this holiday season, we invite you to join us in celebrating every life that has been found and every heart renewed through the ministry of Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission. For only $27.42 a day, you can provide more than food, clothing, and shelter, but an opportunity for the Gospel of Jesus to be planted in hearts, bringing the HOPE of an eternal home to everyone we encounter.

Because of the strong foundation God has built through your faithful generosity, lives are being changed every day. As we close out the year, would you prayerfully consider a special gift, either above your current support or as a first-time donation? The link below makes giving simple. Together, we can continue Bringing Hope Home.

In Christ,

Bonnie Fry Mahnke

Executive Director

Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission