Experiencing homelessness often means facing uncertainty, but one thing remains certain at the Mission: Our love for Jesus Christ and our desire to meet our guests at their physical and spiritual points of need.
And our Easter celebration is a reflection of that love. Our special Easter Banquet is always a bright spot during the year that reminds our guests that they are valued. This year’s celebration included an incredible meal prepared by our Mission chefs and volunteers as well as foot-washing services coordinated by our wonderful volunteers!
Volunteers Serving Like Jesus
Imagine a stranger washing your feet, or even being the one washing the feet of someone you don’t know—or even of someone experiencing homelessness. It’s a unique experience to serve or to be served like that. It’s intimate and vulnerable, but also comforting to be shown that kind of care. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples in John 13, showing them and us how to serve one another, and we were excited to share that experience with guests at our Easter banquet again this year.
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”
John 13:12-14 (NIV)
Our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness have to spend a great deal of time on their feet. Not only that but sleeping outdoors can often mean you don’t remove your shoes for long periods of time. As a result, foot hygiene can be extremely important for our guests.
On of our volunteers, Tina, is a former emergency department nurse, and she knows firsthand how dangerous foot hygiene issues can be, especially for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. “Those without homes are often on their feet most of the day walking around town to get multiple places, or various appointments and work,” she explains. “They have so many concerns that foot care is not one of them.”
Tina (second from the right) and her husband and friends volunteered to wash the feet of our guests.
Along with her husband and close friends, Tina helped wash the feet of 15 guests at our Easter banquet.
“When all of my children had left home, I asked God what He would like me to do with my time. I was given a direct impression that He was calling me to do foot care at the mission. As an ED RN, I had taken care of many patients for whom foot care was not a priority and felt that was a need in our community. I contacted the Fort Collins Rescue Mission and asked if there was a need for that service for their clients. A resounding ‘Yes’ was the answer I was given.“
Tina, Mission volunteer
Help Change Lives Today
Your support is what allows us to continue to meet our guests at their points of need. Donate today to provide hope this Easter season!
Meals Make a Difference
We often talk about how a meal makes life change possible for our guests. It may seem like a small thing, but a warm and healthy meal can mean the difference between someone walking back into difficulty and struggle or making a connection, joining a program, or finding the support they need to turn their life around.
And our Easter banquet is an especially unique time of year, as we celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection with our most vulnerable neighbors. In total, we served 148 meals at our Easter banquet this year.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
Matthew 25:35-36 (NIV)
The Meaning Behind a Meal
Though it may not look like it, a simple meal, a smile and expressions of love, the simple act of washing someone’s feet, or even praying with someone over an Easter meal can be the first step to someone finding the help they need to turn their life around.
A Volunteer’s Experience
“I found the Mission through involvement with my church and have been compelled to keep returning to volunteer because it is so clear how the Mission offers a safe and dignified space for men in our community, and getting to play a part in that feels like a privilege.
To others considering giving to the Mission, I would say to spend some time there! Being in person shows both the need that exists, and also shows how worthwhile the men are of being served, and the care of the staff and volunteers who pour out their time in meeting both physical and relational needs.”
-Bekah
Bekah (far right) and her volunteer group from Mill City Church
Volunteer With Us!
Signing up to volunteer at the Mission is easy! Take a look at the many opportunities we have available to help change lives!
