Dear Friends,
Recently my wife and I had the opportunity to support an 18-mile trail run in Northern Colorado. When I say support, I mean that we manned an aid station at the 12-mile mark, providing food and water as runners came off the rocky and steep trail. They were tired and sore, but so glad to see us. Just being able to cheer for them, (wild, loud cheering actually!), giving them something to eat and drink, and then encouraging them as they thought about the next six miles to complete the run, was all that they needed. If you have ever participated in any kind of organized race, you probably know exactly what I mean.
The path away from addiction is a difficult one, and to complete it, you need people who are willing to passionately cheer you on. You need people who know how to run an aid station and will stand next to you when you are exhausted. You need people to hold you up so you can stand, help you head in the right direction and wrap their arms around you saying, “lean on me.”
That’s what we do at Fort Collins Rescue Mission, Harvest Farm and our facilities in Denver—we are the people who God has sent to light the path away from addiction. We are very mindful this Christmas season that we cannot do this without you. As you enjoy Christmas this year with family and friends, I hope you will think of our staff and volunteers lighting the way with the light of Jesus for those who are addicted, who are experiencing homelessness and who need our help. Your partnership—your cheering as they run on the path away from addiction—is so appreciated. I have learned to never underestimate the power of those yelling encouragement!
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 December’s Changing Lives Newsletter. In this edition, you’ll read about Brad’s journey from needing help to helping others on their journey.
